Your website is like your digital storefront. Just like you wouldn’t want peeling paint or a broken sign outside your shop on Ninth Street, you don’t want an outdated or clunky website giving visitors a bad first impression. If your site isn’t working as hard as you are, it might be time for a redesign.

Here are 10 signs your Durham business’s website needs a fresh look—and why making the upgrade can help you stand out in Bull City.

1. It Looks Like It’s From 2010

We get it—life gets busy, and redesigning your site can fall down the priority list. But if your website hasn’t changed in a decade, it’s probably showing its age. Outdated fonts, grainy images, and clunky layouts send the wrong message to potential customers. Durham is growing fast, and your business needs to keep up with the modern vibe of places like the Durham Innovation District.

2. It’s Not Mobile-Friendly

Over 60% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimized for phones or tablets, you’re losing out on a huge chunk of potential customers. Imagine someone strolling through Brightleaf Square, looking for a place to grab a bite, and your restaurant’s site is impossible to navigate on their phone. Yikes.

3. Your Bounce Rate is Sky-High

A bounce rate measures how quickly visitors leave your site after arriving. If most people click away in seconds, something’s wrong. Whether it’s slow load times or confusing navigation, your website should make people want to stay and explore, like spending an afternoon wandering through Duke Gardens.

4. It’s Painfully Slow

Speaking of load times, if your website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, most visitors will leave. A slow site is like waiting in line at Monuts when all you want is a vanilla bean doughnut—it’s frustrating, and people won’t stick around.

5. Your Branding Feels Inconsistent

Your website should reflect your brand’s personality. If you’ve updated your logo, colors, or messaging but haven’t applied those changes to your site, it’s time for a redesign. Consistency builds trust—whether you’re a funky boutique on Parrish Street or a sleek coworking space downtown.

6. It’s Hard to Navigate

Your website should make it easy for visitors to find what they need. If people have to dig through a maze of menus just to get your hours or contact info, they’ll likely give up and look elsewhere. Think of your website as a guided tour, like exploring the Durham Farmers’ Market—you want everything to be easy to find and enjoyable to experience.

7. You’re Not Seeing Enough Leads or Sales

If your site isn’t converting visitors into customers, it’s not doing its job. A well-designed website can act as your 24/7 salesperson, guiding people toward booking your services or buying your products. It’s like having the perfect pitch ready every time someone visits your page.

8. Your Competitors’ Websites Look Better

Take a peek at what other Durham businesses are doing online. If their websites look sharper, load faster, or offer more functionality than yours, it’s time to catch up. You don’t want to be the forgotten spot on Main Street because someone else’s site stole the spotlight.

9. It’s Missing Key Features

In 2025, your website should be more than just a digital business card. Does it have a blog to boost SEO? An online store to sell your products? A booking system for easy scheduling? If not, you’re leaving money on the table.

10. You’re Embarrassed to Share It

This one’s simple: If you’re hesitant to direct people to your website, that’s a major red flag. Your site should be a source of pride, not an afterthought. Whether you’re networking at Duke or chatting with friends at Foster Street Coffee, you want to feel confident saying, “Check out my website!”

What a Redesign Can Do for Your Business

A website redesign isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your site work smarter. A modern, user-friendly website can:

• Improve your search engine rankings.
• Help you connect with more customers.
• Increase leads, bookings, and sales.

When your website reflects the vibrant energy of Durham, it shows your audience you’re serious about your business.

Ready for a Redesign?

If your website is showing any of these signs, it’s time to take action. At Durham Web Designs, we specialize in creating custom websites that help local businesses shine. From sleek designs to mobile-friendly layouts and SEO strategies, we’ll make sure your website is as dynamic as the city you call home.

Let’s bring your website into 2025 and beyond—because your business deserves the best. Reach out today, and let’s get started!