How Website Builders (aka Designers & Developers) Can Radically Transform Your Outdated Site

Mar 28, 2025 | Web Development and Design

i 3 Table of Contents

Why Upgrading Your Website is Essential

 

Let’s be honest—if your website still looks like it was built in the early 2000s, complete with blinking text and a visitor counter, it’s time for you to take action for your own sake and for that of your potential customers. That’s where website builders (aka web designers & developers) come in.

The internet has evolved significantly since 1999, and luckily, so has Digital Tea! The World Wide Web is constantly changing, particularly in the last 5 years, and user expectations tend to keep pace with those changes. A modern website isn’t just a fancy digital brochure—it’s your 24/7 salesperson, brand ambassador, storefront, and customer service rep all rolled into one.

 

Sloths might be adorable, but you don't want your website moving like one! That's where professional website builders come in. Photo by Carlos Junior photographer reporter for Pexels

 

Why a Modern Website is an Important tool in Your Business Kit

 

  • User Experience Matters: Visitors expect fast, intuitive, and mobile-friendly sites. If your website is clunky, they’ll bounce faster than a cat discovering a cucumber, which you should look up if you haven’t before. Off-topic but absolutely hilarious. 
  • SEO and Visibility: Google loves fresh, well-structured content. An outdated site? Not so much.
  • Credibility and Competitiveness: If your competitors are investing in slick, modern websites, then you probably should consider an upgrade yourself. Sometimes there’s something to be said for keeping up with the Joneses. If you don’t keep up, your business could be left in the digital dust.

 

10 Signs Your Website Needs an Upgrade

 

If your website is guilty of any of the following, it’s high time to call in the professionals to get you on the right track (like our team at Digital Tea!).

1. Your Website Loads at the Speed of a Sloth

If your site takes longer to load than it does for you to make a cup of coffee, you’re losing visitors (and potential customers). It’s a truth commonly acknowledged that slow websites lead to high bounce rates.  And if that wasn’t bad enough, Google then penalizes sites with high bounce rates in search rankings, which is a negative double-whammy (customers who DO find you leave quickly and Google then pushes you further down in search rankings). The negative double-whammy can snowball if you don’t take care of the issue(s) causing the bounce rates in the first place. This means your site falls further in search rankings, and fewer and fewer potential customers are able to actually find your business.

 

2. It’s Not Mobile-Friendly

If users have to pinch and zoom like crazy to be able to see anything useful on your site, you’re in trouble. Over half of web traffic these days comes from mobile devices (and that’s not even counting tablets!). According to an article in Statista, as of January 2025, about 62% of website visits worldwide were on a mobile device.  Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results for this exact reason.

 

3. Your Website Design is Stuck in a Bit of a Rut

If your website still features gradients, comic sans, or a hit counter, congratulations – it sounds like you’ve built a time capsule! But if this desribes your website in any way, shape or form, it sounds like it might be time to bring your site into the modern age with a sleek, professional design upgrade.

 

4. High Bounce Rate and Low Engagement

If visitors arrive and immediately leave, it’s indicating that your site isn’t engaging or functional (otherwise folks would be motivated to hang around). Maybe your layout is confusing, your content is outdated, or your site navigation has a complication level similar to assembling IKEA furniture. Get your bounce rates under control and provide visitors with an elevated user experience! Getting content updated and re-written to be more engaging, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual experience, and ensuring that your site easy and intuitive to navigate can drop bounce rates and increase user engagement, satisfaction, and conversions. 

 

5. Not Including a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

A great website gently (or firmly) guides visitors toward taking action—whether that’s making a purchase, filling out a form, placing a call, or signing up for your newsletter. If your site lacks clear CTAs, you’re missing out on connecting with potential customers and increasing conversions.

 

6. Broken Links and 404 Errors

Clicking a link on your website should always lead a visitor where they expect to go. If users encounter dead ends, they’ll leave frustrated, you’ll lose potential leads and clients, and Google will take note. Professional website builders will make links between your old pages and new ones, so that your users are never left in the dark.

 

7. Poor Search Engine Rankings

If your website is practically invisible on Google, it might be due to outdated (or non-existent) SEO practices, poor site structure, and/or lack of relevant content. A revamp can help you climb the rankings, and digital marketing services can help you stay on top.

 

8. Security Issues and Lack of HTTPS

If your website isn’t secure (i.e., missing the little padlock in the URL), Google will flag it as unsafe. Visitors tend not to trust a site that screams “potential cyber threat.” With cyber threats becoming more and more common, it’s the responsible thing to do to protect your site users and potential clients by beefing up your security.

 

9. It’s Hard to Update Content

If making simple text changes requires the equivalent of hacking into the Matrix, your website platform is outdated. A modern CMS (Content Management System) makes updates easy and efficient, and should be simple enough that you can access and make simple revisions yourself (if you choose to). Some web designers and developers (like US!) offer monthly maintenance packages to take care of updates and revisions, making it a breeze to keep your site content fresh. Contact Digital Tea today to find out more about our monthly maintenance plans and how we can keep you up to date. 

 

10. It’s Not Converting Visitors into Customers

If your website isn’t driving leads or sales, it’s not doing its job. A redesign with a focus on improved user experience and conversion-focused design can make all the difference. Hiring a company who offers website design and development along with digital marketing services (ahem – like us), means that we can incorporate search engine optimization into your website overhaul, giving you the biggest bang for your buck. 

 

How Website Builders (Designers & Developers) Make Upgrades Easy and Effective

 

Website builders (the professionals, NOT the DIY tools) can take the stress out of upgrading your website and even inject some fun while we’re overhauling!

Here’s how we work our magic:

 

  • Custom Design: We make your site is consistent with your brand, is visually striking, and easy-peasy to navigate. Professionals look at websites ALL. DAY. LONG. (trust us), and are able to offer suggestions for how to organize your web pages and navigation to provide the most smooth and inuitive user experience. 

 

Professional website designers and developers ensure your website looks great and functions optimally at any size. Photo by N. Voitkevich

  • Mobile Optimization: Ensuring seamless experiences on all devices is a major component of a professionally designed and built website.
  • SEO Enhancements: A professional website builder who also offers digital marketing services can give your site the facelift it so desperately needs and also make sure you get noticed on Google.
  • Speed and Performance Boosts: We implement optimizations that make your site faster and more user-friendly than ever.
  • Integration with Business Tools: eCommerce, booking systems, and CRM software – oh, MY! Our team of pros make sure all the components of your business work together and keep your customers happy and coming back.

 

Success Stories: Website Transformations with Website Builders

 

Case Study 1: From Obsolete to Outstanding

A local bakery had a website that looked like a leftover recipe from the ‘90s—slow, clunky, stale, and lacking flavour (in this case, lacking flavour = lacking an online ordering system). After a full redesign by an Edmonton-based website builder, the bakery saw:

  • The ability to offer online orders by means other than just email.
  • A 30% decrease in bounce rates.
  • A significant rise in local SEO rankings. (Get it? Rise – a bakery…)

 

Case Study 2: Clicks to Customers

A local Edmonton commercial and residential renovation contractor found themselves struggling with a confusing website that had outdated, non-optimized content. After a professional overhaul and by signing up for monthly digital marketing services, they now enjoy:

 

  • A 60% increase in appointment bookings.
  • Booking their biggest client of the quarter.
  • Improved user experience with a clear and direct CTA.
  • Faster page speeds, leading to better customer engagement.

 

Ready to bring your website into the current decade?! There's no better time to team up with the website builders (aka designers and developers) at Digital Tea! Photo by Zen Chung for Pexels

Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Talk!

 

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t panic—help is just a click or phone call away! Partner with experienced website designers and developers in Edmonton to give your site the makeover it deserves. A fresh, optimized website can transform your business and drive real results.

Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your website into the modern era!

The Benefits of SEO for Non-Profit Organizations

SEO helps non-profits expand their reach, attract donors, and connect with communities by improving visibility in search results. Local SEO ensures organizations appear in searches, helping them engage with nearby supporters.

Beyond local rankings, SEO enables non-profits to gain visibility on a national or even global scale. Optimizing content for region-specific keywords ensures relevance across different locations, allowing organizations to reach supporters worldwide. A well-structured website improves accessibility, guiding visitors to donation pages, events, and resources. Long-term SEO efforts build credibility, ensuring ongoing visibility and support without heavy reliance on paid marketing.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the Industrial & Logistics Industry

SEO plays a critical role in helping industrial and logistics companies connect with manufacturers, suppliers, and businesses seeking reliable distribution solutions. Optimizing for industry-specific keywords like “warehouse logistics services” or “industrial equipment suppliers in [location]” improves search rankings, attracting high-intent leads.

Local SEO enhances visibility for regional facilities, ensuring businesses appear in maps and directories when clients search for warehousing, freight, or supply chain solutions. A well-optimized website with clear service pages, case studies, and contact options improves trust and conversions. SEO also supports long-term visibility while ensuring a steady flow of business inquiries.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the Fitness & Wellness Industry

For fitness studios, gyms, and personal trainers, SEO is key to attracting new clients and building credibility. Local SEO ensures businesses rank for searches like “gym near me” or “best personal trainer in [city],” helping potential customers find and trust them through high ratings and positive reviews.

Beyond location-based searches, SEO optimizes visibility for both business and individual trainer brands, ensuring fitness professionals stand out. A well-structured website with optimized service pages, class schedules, and trainer bios improves user experience and conversion rates.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the Education Industry

SEO helps educational institutions and online learning platforms attract more students by improving visibility in search results. Optimizing for category-based keywords like “business management courses” or local queries such as “best universities in [city]” ensures prospective students find relevant programs easily. Local SEO enhances visibility for schools, colleges, and training centers, connecting them with nearby learners.

A well-structured website plays a crucial role in the decision-making process, allowing users to quickly find program details, admission requirements, and financial aid options. Optimized content answers key questions, keeping visitors engaged and guiding them toward enrollment pages. Strong SEO not only increases inquiries but also builds long-term credibility and trust.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the E-Commerce

SEO is a game-changer for e-commerce, driving organic traffic and increasing sales without the high costs of paid advertising. By optimizing for branded and category-specific keywords, online stores attract shoppers actively searching for their products. Higher rankings mean more visibility, leading to better conversion rates and lower customer acquisition costs.

Beyond traffic, SEO supports long-term customer retention. Technical SEO enhances page speed and mobile usability, reducing bounce rates. Unlike ads that stop generating traffic once the budget runs out, SEO delivers sustainable growth, ensuring consistent revenue and brand authority.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the Real Estate Industry

SEO is essential for real estate professionals looking to attract buyers, sellers, and investors. Optimizing for keywords like “homes for sale in [city]” or “commercial real estate listings near me” improves visibility in search results, driving qualified traffic. Local SEO enhances presence in maps and directories, ensuring your agency or brokerage is easily found in target areas.

A well-optimized website allows potential clients to navigate listings efficiently, filtering by location, price, and property type. Strong on-page SEO helps listings rank for both broad and location-specific searches. Unlike paid ads, organic visibility delivers long-term benefits, generating consistent leads and increasing property inquiries.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the Cleaning Services Industry

SEO plays a crucial role in helping cleaning businesses attract more customers by increasing their online presence. Targeting relevant keywords like “professional home cleaning near me” ensures that potential clients find your services when they need them. Local SEO strengthens visibility in maps and directories, making your company more accessible to nearby customers.

A well-structured website with optimized content enhances user experience, guiding visitors toward quick bookings. Ranking higher in search results builds trust and positions your brand as a reliable choice. Unlike paid ads, SEO delivers lasting benefits, generating consistent leads and steady business growth without ongoing ad spend.

Get Started Today!

The Benefits of SEO for the Construction Industry

SEO helps construction companies attract more clients by improving online visibility. Optimizing for relevant keywords like “commercial contractors near me” increases search rankings, driving quality leads. Local SEO enhances presence in maps and directories, targeting customers in your service area.

A well-optimized site improves user experience, making it easy for visitors to find services and contact you. Ranking higher in search results also builds credibility and trust. Unlike paid ads, SEO delivers long-term, cost-effective results, ensuring steady growth. For construction businesses, strong SEO means more projects, higher revenue, and a competitive edge in the industry.

Get Started Today!