Why update a website? Part I

Posted On: June 21, 2014

So, your company's website was developed a few years ago and still looks OK but your technology partner insists that you put some consideration and budget into updating. Should you? 

This very question is raised in boardrooms all over the world every day and oftentimes is put back in bed due to decision makers not seeing value in spending further resources on something they consider adequate.. often to the detriment of the business. 

When faced with this difficult decision (after all, you already have a site) it's worthwhile to consider the following items:

1. Since the site was launched, what changes have occurred in the business or the customer base? Are more of your clients looking to buy online? Is your current site equipped to process orders and payments? 
2. What role does Social Media play in your industry? Are your competitors actively engaged in tweeting, facebooking and seeking new connections via Linked-in? If so, are you? And if you are, does the social media all syndicate though the site?
3. How is the existing site incorporated into the company's marketing strategy? Does it reflect the brands you promote and the voice of the company as well today as it did back at its creation? 
4. Does the existing site help you manage your business via a backend Enterprise Resource Planning and management tool? What value would does your firm place on time management and how much duplication of effort occurs today? 

Having addressed those major points, take a long hard look at the current solution, it may have fitted perfectly in the past, but has it evolved to do so today? If it did, you are safe not to worry about upgrading until the answer is no longer positive; if it has not, it's time to consider speaking with your technology partner about modernization. 

Associated tags:  Website, Update