5 Signs Your Website Needs a Redesign (and What to Do About It)

Websites are a bit like kitchens. You might think you can get a few more years out of that dated layout and squeaky cupboard (read: navigation menu), but deep down, you know it’s past its prime. Meanwhile, your visitors – aka potential customers – are quietly judging your site’s 2012 vibe and heading elsewhere.

Your website is often your brand’s first impression. If it’s slow, awkward to use, or looks like it’s been collecting dust in a digital attic, it’s probably doing more harm than good. But how can you tell when it’s time for a revamp? 

If you find yourself with an agency that has let your most important digital asset deteriorate to the point of re-design, you have the wrong agency. We are proud caretakers of your site, running a continuous investment program and not this 'big bang approach’ you might be seeing elsewhere.

Here are five tell-tale signs your website is in desperate need of a redesign – and what you can do about it. 

1. It Looks Outdated (Because It Is)

Let’s not sugar-coat it: an old-looking website sends a message. And not a good one. If your homepage still features bevelled buttons, stock photos of people in headsets, or fonts that scream "Windows XP", visitors will assume your business is equally out of date.

We all know design trends evolve. Flat design replaced skeuomorphism, then came minimalism, bold typography, dark mode – the works. If your website hasn’t had a facelift in five years or more, it’s time to look in the mirror.

What to do:

Invest in a website redesign service that aligns with your brand and today’s user expectations. This doesn’t mean jumping on every design trend, but it does mean creating a clean, modern aesthetic with strong UX foundations. Aim for a site that not only looks good today but will not feel embarrassing tomorrow.

2. It's a Nightmare on Mobile

In a world where most people browse on their phones, having a website that doesn’t work on mobile is an immediate red flag. If your site involves zooming in and out just to read the text, buttons that are too small to tap, or layouts that go completely haywire on a tablet, then you’re alienating a huge chunk of your audience.

What to do:

Your site needs to be responsive – which means it should automatically adjust and look great on all screen sizes, from massive monitors to modest mobiles. A professional website redesign service can help ensure your layout, navigation, and content perform beautifully across every device.

3. It Loads Slower Than Your Morning Commute

Website speed is a big deal. Users expect pages to load in two seconds or less, and if yours takes any longer, many will give up and go elsewhere – possibly to a competitor whose site doesn’t make them wait. Search engines aren’t too keen on slow sites either, and this can affect your rankings and visibility.

What to do:

If your site is dragging its feet, it’s time to check it out more in depth. Oversized images, bloated code, poor hosting, or an ancient CMS can all contribute to a sluggish experience. A redesign gives you the opportunity to optimise everything – from streamlined code to fast-loading content. And if you’re running an online shop, this is even more critical: a slow checkout can lose you sales faster than you can say eCommerce website redesign.

4. You Can't Update It Without Having a Nervous Breakdown

If updating your website involves contacting a developer, submitting a support ticket, and waiting three days to change a line of text or switch an image– something’s not right. A modern website should be easy to manage in-house, even if you're not tech-savvy.

What to do:

As part of your redesign, consider switching to a user-friendly content management system (CMS) that empowers your team to keep content fresh, accurate, and engaging. Whether you’re a service provider or selling products online, a well-executed website redesign service should give you the tools and training to update your site confidently – without having to phone a friend every time.

5. It’s Not Getting Results (And You Don’t Know Why)

At the end of the day, your website is a business tool. If you’re not seeing leads, sales, signups, or whatever your key goals may be, your website is failing in its mission. Poor user experience, confusing calls to action, weak messaging, or dated design can all be to blame.

What to do:

Start by reviewing your analytics. Where are people dropping off? Are they even finding your site in the first place? Use tools like Google Analytics, heatmaps, and session recordings to identify sticking points. Then, work with a strategist or UX designer as part of your website redesign service to create a site that guides users clearly and confidently towards conversion.

If you run an online store, don’t overlook the power of a tailored eCommerce website redesign – one that streamlines the buying process, builds trust, and boosts conversions at every click. 

Honourable Mention: You're Embarrassed to Share It

Let’s be honest. If you’re reluctant to send people to your website because you know it doesn’t reflect your brand – or worse, you feel the need to apologise for it – that’s your gut telling you something important.

Your website should be your digital shopfront, proudly representing your business 24/7. If you're keeping it hidden, you're missing opportunities. 

So, What Now? 

If more than one of these signs rings true, your website is likely doing more damage than you realise. But don’t panic – a redesign doesn’t mean starting from scratch unless you absolutely must. It’s an opportunity to build on what’s working, ditch what’s not, and create something that genuinely supports your business goals. 

Here’s how to approach it:

• Clarify your objectives. What do you want your new website to achieve? More leads? Better engagement? A clearer message?
• Audit your content. Keep what works, update what’s outdated, and get rid of anything that no longer serves your audience.
• Find the right partner. Whether it’s a freelancer, an agency, or an in-house team, choose collaborators who understand both good design and your business.
• Think long-term. A good website isn’t just pretty; it’s strategic, scalable, and easy to maintain.

Whether you're considering a complete website redesign or a more specialised eCommerce website redesign, the goal is the same: to create a website that serves your users, reflects your brand, and drives real results.

So go on. Give your website the makeover it deserves. It’s earned it – and so have you.