Signs That’s Time for a Website Redesign (+ Free PDF Checklist)

Let’s set the scene.

You’ve been handed the task: “Make the website look more modern.”
No brief. No budget. No support. Just vibes.

Whether you’re the executive director, the VP of Finance who “knows tech stuff,” or the comms lead who’s tired of apologizing for broken links—you’re here because you want to do this right, not just slap a new font on an old mess.

Does this sound like you? This post is for you.
We’ll help you:

• Spot the signs your site actually needs a redesign (not just a new banner),
• Understand what a redesign really means (hint: it’s not just paint),
• And make a solid case to your boss that investing in this isn’t “extra”—it’s essential.

Ready? Let’s go.

Signs that’s time for a website redesign

1. It looks like it hasn’t been updated since Obama’s first term

If your site still has social media icons for MySpace or a mobile menu that only works on alternate Tuesdays, it’s time. Modern users expect smooth, fast, mobile-first experiences. And yes—people really do judge your business by your website.

Pro tip:

• If you’re embarrassed to send people to your site, that’s your gut telling you it’s time. Trust it.

2. It’s a pain to update anything

Your team avoids touching the site like it’s radioactive. You need to “ask the developer” to change a headline. Or worse: you are the developer now, and you’re Googling “how to change footer in weird template thing.”

Pro tips:

• If updates break the site, it’s not your fault—your CMS setup is outdated or misconfigured.
• A good website (yes, even in WordPress!) should feel intuitive to update and not require a PhD in code.
• Your team deserves better tools. Clunky = costly, in time and sanity.

3. Your business or brand has evolved but your site hasn’t

Your org has grown. Maybe your services have shifted, you’re targeting new audiences, or you rebranded two years ago… but your homepage still says “Welcome to our 2015 vision!”

Pro tips:

• Consistency = trust. If your site feels off-brand or outdated, you’re losing people before they even call.
• A disconnect between brand and web = missed opportunities.
• You’ve matured. Your site should reflect that glow-up.

4. No one understands what you actually do

If people are landing on your site and still asking you “so what do you guys actually do?”—that’s a red flag.

A clear website should answer:

• Who you help
• What problem you solve
• How you do it differently

If your homepage sounds like a mission statement written by committee, people bounce.
If your navigation is a guessing game, they close the tab.
If they can’t find the info they need in 30 seconds, they’re gone.

A refreshed website isn’t about more words or fancier visuals.
It’s about clarity and direction.

Pro tips:

• Test your homepage on someone outside your company. Ask them to describe what your business does after skimming for 10 seconds. If they hesitate, misinterpret you’ve got clarity work to do.
• Strip away internal lingo and vague marketing words. If your homepage says “We empower innovation through synergy and tailored solutions”—start over.

Want to convince your boss it’s worth the investment?

This is the moment to shine.
You know this isn’t just “a design project”: it’s a strategic move for your org.
To help you make your case, we’ve put together a free Website Redesign Checklist (PDF) to get started on your website redesign journey before spending a cent!

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Download your free website redesign PDF checklist

(No email required. You’re welcome.)

Do you prefer a Google Doc instead? Head to this link and make a copy to start using it.

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Final Thoughts

You’re not just changing a website.
You’re creating a digital home that reflects what your org really is—and where it’s going.
The fact that you care this much? That already sets you apart.

And if you ever need a second brain or creative partner in this mission— hi. We’re here when you’re ready.

Like this post?
Share it with that colleague who’s still using that wix domain on their business website.
Let’s start the glow-up together.