5 Signs Your Website Needs a Makeover (And How to Fix It)

An old school clunky computer.

Is your website a digital masterpiece or a relic from the past? If you’re honest with yourself, it might be a bit of both. As a small business owner, your website is often the first impression potential customers get of you.

So, let’s talk about the 5 signs that your website might need a serious makeover—and no, we’re not talking about a fresh coat of paint and a new font.

1. It Takes Forever to Load (Hello, Patience is Not a Virtue Online)

If your website takes longer than a minute to load, you’re already losing potential customers. Studies show that 47% of visitors expect a webpage to load in under 2 seconds, and 40% will leave if it takes more than 3 seconds. That’s a lot of missed opportunities!

The Fix:

First, optimise your images—because, yes, that high-res photo of your product may look gorgeous, but it’s also slowing everything down. Use image compression tools, reduce your file sizes and consider using more lightweight formats like WebP.

Second, consider cleaning up your code. We’re not saying you need to become a coding expert (unless you want to. and hey, go for it), but a web design agency like Tide & Ink will ensure your site is built efficiently, speeding up load times without sacrificing design.

And don’t forget about web hosting—a sluggish server can also drag your site down. Upgrading your hosting package could make a world of difference.

A red wall with seven mops leaning against it, arranged in a row.

2. It’s a Pain to Navigate (Your Visitors Are Getting Lost)

If someone lands on your website and feels like they’re wandering through a maze, something’s off. A confusing layout or clunky navigation isn’t just frustrating—it’s a surefire way to lose potential clients.

The Fix:

User Experience (UX) should be at the heart of your website design. Streamline your navigation menu so visitors can find exactly what they’re looking for in just a few clicks. If they have to think about where to go next, you’re doing it wrong.

At Tide & Ink, we design websites with the user journey in mind. We organise content intuitively, making sure that visitors don’t just find what they need but do it with ease. No one wants to be left asking, “Where the heck’s the contact page?”

A desk set up with a creative and organised workspace.

3. It’s Not Mobile-Friendly (Isn’t Everyone on Their Phone?)

If you haven’t yet made your website mobile-responsive, it’s time to face the facts. Over half of all internet traffic comes from mobile devices, and if your website isn’t optimised for phones and tablets, you’re going to lose a huge chunk of your audience. Not to mention, Google gives a massive ranking boost to sites that are mobile-friendly. So, if your site looks like a jumbled mess on a smartphone, don’t expect to show up high in search results.

The Fix:

Go responsive. That means your website should adjust itself automatically to fit any screen size. With Tide & Ink, we ensure that every website we design works seamlessly across all devices—whether it’s a desktop, tablet or phone. Your visitors will have a smooth experience and Google will reward you for it.

4. It’s Stuck in the Past (Your Design Is So 2010)

Does your website still look like it was designed in the age of flip phones and dial-up internet? If your site’s stuck in the digital past, it’s time for an upgrade. A website that feels dated can make your business look out of touch with current trends, or worse, untrustworthy.

An old black flip phone, open, placed on a shaded white background.

The Fix:

A modern, professional design makes a world of difference. Minimalist layouts, clean typography, and contemporary colour schemes are all part of the modern web aesthetic. Your website should have that "wow" factor when someone lands on it.

But it’s not just about aesthetics—your website should reflect your brand’s personality and values. If your design feels stale or generic, it’s time for a refresh. We’ll help you design a website that not only looks great but also captures the essence of your business.

5. It Doesn’t Convert (You Have Traffic, But No Sales)

This one’s a biggie. Traffic is great, but if your website isn’t converting visitors into customers, then you’re missing the mark. Whether it’s poor calls-to-action (CTA), confusing messaging, or just a lack of trust signals, there are a lot of reasons why people might leave without taking action.

The Fix:

Start by revisiting your calls to action. Are they clear? Are they easy to find? Use actionable language like “Get Started," “Sign Up Now," or “Let’s Talk” to guide your visitors toward the next step.

Also, make sure you’re building trust throughout the site. Trust signals—like client testimonials, security badges, and clear privacy policies—are essential for converting visitors into loyal customers.

At Tide & Ink, we design websites that convert. By optimising your design, copy, and CTAs, we make sure your visitors feel confident enough to take action. That means more leads, more sales, and more growth for your business.

A screenshot of the Tide & Ink website, specifically highlighting the “Get in Touch” page.

Ready for a Website Refresh?

If you’re checking off one (or more) of these signs, it’s time to stop procrastinating and give your website the makeover it deserves. Whether it’s speeding up your site, streamlining your navigation, or giving your design a facelift, Tide & Ink is here to help you build a website that not only looks great but works hard for your business.

Your website is a reflection of your brand. Make sure it’s doing you justice.

So, are you ready to elevate your online presence? Get in touch with us today, and let’s start building a website that converts clicks into customers.