Online marketing is important. We all know that. We know the Internet isn’t going away anytime soon, so for small businesses, marketers and individuals, having an online presence is necessary to connecting and engaging with like-minded professionals.

And the biggest advertisement for online marketing efforts? Your website. Websites are the most powerful online communication tool for companies and individuals alike. So what does it say when your website is… not so great? How do you know when your website needs an update? Today we're going to find out. Let’s take a look at how you can find the five signs it’s time for a website redesign.

1. The website is not responsive.
First, if your website is not response, then it’s definitely time to look into getting a new one. What does responsive mean? Responsive means the site is mobile-friendly, or it adjusts whichever screen it’s viewed on: desktop computer, tablet or smartphone. Recently, Google has updated its search engine to prioritize responsive websites on its search results pages. This means if your website is not responsive, and someone searches a keyword related to your mission, then your page is going to get pushed to the bottom of the pile. In other words, a responsive site is a necessity to keep up with changing technology and stay relevant to Internet users.

2. The website is outdated.
If your website was made back in 1997 (or even resembles the era), then it’s probably time for a redesign. Your website reflects who you are, so if it’s outdated, it in turn makes the company or the individual look outdated, uninformed and even unprofessional. An outdated website is a sure-fire way to get visitors to run away as quickly as they came, so if you want your website visitors to actually stay, then your website should be current and inviting.

3. The website doesn’t match your brand.
Perhaps you recently (or maybe not that recently) updated your business or personal brand, without updating your website to reflect it. If the website is immensely different from your brand, it can create a confusing experience for consumers. While you don’t want to redesign your website all the time, it should reflect where you are in business. Update your design whenever necessary to match the current brand and voice you strive for.

4. The website loads slowly.
If you can take a nice long walk around the building while your website is loading, then it’s time for a new design. Slow loading rates frustrate and annoy website visitors, which makes them more likely to close out of your site and try a competitor’s. A new redesign can help to boost your loading rates and make your site more engaging for future consumers.

5. The website has a high bounce rate.
What’s a bounce rate, you ask? A bounce rate refers to website visitors who come to your site and leave quickly, rather than browsing and clicking through multiple pages. If you have website analytics, the bounce rate is something you can learn through those. The goal is for your bounce rate to be as low as possible, so if yours is obnoxiously high, it may be time to consider a new website. An engaging, interactive, interesting website is more likely to draw visitors in and invite them to stay awhile, making it more likely for them to connect with you.

Whether your website is for business or personal, a clean, crisp and current design is the key to bringing in site visitors and growing your network. If your website falls into any of these categories, it may be time for an upgrade. Give it a shot to see how it can grow your professional development.