Do I Really Need a New Website?

As web developers, we spend our time solving problems. You might expect that means people come to us after a website has broken or a previous project didn't go to plan.

But that's not always the case.

Some websites still work perfectly well. They load quickly, the links all work and nothing is technically "wrong". Yet something doesn't quite fit anymore.

Design trends do move on. More often, though, it is because your business has changed and your website has not kept pace.

Your website should reflect who you are today, not who you were five years ago.

Our client Jill Poet is a social entrepreneur and purpose-driven business leader, best known as CEO of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and author of It Really Is Just Good Business.

When Jill came to us, her website wasn't failing. It simply no longer reflected the breadth of her work or where her career had taken her.

She needed a website that felt as thoughtful, credible and approachable as she is, while bringing together her different initiatives into one clear online home.

Together, we created a simple one-page website that is welcoming, easy to manage and designed around the people visiting it.

Our role at Cahillbrand was not to chase the latest design trends or deliver a cosmetic refresh. It was to help Jill communicate who she is today, and make it easier for visitors to take the next step.

One of the biggest changes was not visual at all. It was structural.

Previously, Jill's achievements were divided, right at the top. Instead, we created a single, flowing narrative.

Visitors can now understand who Jill is, what she stands for and the impact of her work before being introduced to the Organisation for Responsible Businesses, with a clear call to visit its website.

That decision was made because it simply supported the journey we wanted visitors to take.

The result is a website that reads more like an engaging introduction than a directory of information. It is easier to navigate, the hierarchy is easier to understand and much more closely aligned with Jill's goals.

The redesign has also strengthened Jill's online presence, helping her personal website rank highly in search results while acting as a clear starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about her work.

Every website has a job to do.

For some businesses that is generating enquiries. For others it is selling products. In Jill's case, it was about building credibility, telling her story and guiding people towards the Organisation for Responsible Businesses.

So as you can see, the important question is not, "Do I need a new website?"

It is:

If you are unsure, try these simple exercises:

• Ask someone who doesn't know your business well to spend 30 seconds on your homepage. Afterwards, ask them what they think you do and what they would click next.
• Open your website on your phone. Does it still feel easy to use, or are you pinching, zooming and hunting for information?
• Think about the one action you want visitors to take. Is it obvious within a few seconds of landing on your site?
• If you have access to your analytics, look at your homepage. How long do people stay? Where do they leave? These answers can tell you far more than appearances ever will.

A successful redesign makes it easier for people to understand your business and take the next step with confidence.

Our clients are amazing, and Jill summed up the process like so:

You don't have to guess.

CahillPulse is our completely free website audit. Enter your web address and you'll receive your results on screen in minutes — no account needed. It helps you understand how your website is performing today. If all you need is a few improvements, we'll tell you. If it's time for something new, you'll have the clarity to move forward with confidence.

Our number one priority is to help and support small business owners. For an even more tailored experience, why not get in touch with us and see what we can do for you with your current set up, wherever you are along the way to a website you're over the moon with too.