What's your website worth to your business?

It’s your 24/7 salesperson, your brand ambassador and sometimes, your first and only chance to make a lasting impression.

But with budgets getting tighter and competition fiercer, how do you justify investing in a new website? Is it worth the cost? And how can you convince your boss (or yourself) that it’s time for a refresh?

Let’s dive into how you can evaluate the true value of your website and understand whether investing in a new one is a smart move for your business.

How important is your website to your business?

Start by asking yourself this: How critical is your website to your day-to-day operations? Whether you’re selling products, generating leads, or simply providing information, your website is a vital touchpoint. Think of it as the front door to your business in the digital world - first impressions matter and if your website doesn’t deliver, visitors will turn away faster than you can say "bounce rate".

If your website doesn’t load quickly, feels clunky, or doesn’t reflect your brand’s personality and professionalism, you’re missing opportunities. People today are spoilt for choice - they won’t wait around for a website that’s slow, confusing, or just plain outdated. So, if you’re noticing declining web traffic, poor engagement, or fewer leads, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about a refresh.

How to calculate the ROI of your website

You might be thinking, "Sure, I need a new website, but how do I justify the cost?" Great question! The magic word here is ROI (Return on Investment). But how exactly do you measure the ROI of a website? Let’s break it down:

• Increased Leads and Sales: If your current website is struggling to convert visitors into paying customers, it’s not pulling its weight. A well-designed site, with a solid UX (User Experience) and clear calls-to-action, should boost those conversions - meaning more leads, more sales and more revenue.

• Time Saved: Your website should do the heavy lifting for you - automating processes, answering customer questions and streamlining sales. A well-built site can save you (and your team) hours of manual work, meaning you’re spending less time troubleshooting and more time growing your business.

• Brand Credibility and Trust: Today’s consumers research online before they buy, often long before they even reach out to you. If your website doesn’t reflect the quality and professionalism of your brand, you're losing credibility, and in turn, potential clients. A polished, modern website gives your business an air of trustworthiness that can make all the difference.

When done right, your website’s ROI will far exceed the initial investment - especially when you consider the time, sales, and reputation a stellar site can deliver.

Convincing your boss (or yourself) to invest in a new website

Here’s where things can get tricky. You know the value a new website could bring, but how do you convince decision-makers to sign off on the budget?

It’s all about presenting the investment as a long-term solution rather than an expense. Here are a few points to help make your case:

• Data-driven Decisions: Check out whatever analytics you have in place and examine the data carefully. Whether it’s declining traffic, poor conversion rates or missed opportunities, present the hard facts. Nothing speaks louder than data that highlights the current website isn’t performing as well it should be.

• Competitive Edge: If your competitors have slick, modern, user-friendly websites while yours is stuck in 2010, you’re losing ground. Make it clear that a new site could give you a much-needed competitive advantage.

• Scalability and Flexibility: Highlight how a new website can grow with the business, whether it’s adding additional functionality, integrating new tech, or scaling up as you expand.

Remember, you’re not just selling the idea of a new website - you’re presenting a solution to business challenges that a modern, high-performing website can solve.

How to get the best value from your website

Here’s the thing - a shiny new website won’t mean much if it’s poorly planned or built. The key is doing it right. At Root Studio, we know that to get the best value from your website, it all comes down to research and process. Here’s how you ensure your website delivers:

1. Deep Dive into UX: Your website’s user experience is everything. If your visitors can’t find what they need quickly and easily, they’ll leave. Make sure your new site is built with UX at its core, guiding users intuitively through the content and toward the all-important conversion point.

2. Performance Matters: No one has the patience for slow websites. Optimise for speed, mobile responsiveness and performance. Fast-loading pages mean happy visitors - and search engines love them too!

3. Content is Still King: Your website’s design and UX can be fantastic, but without strong, compelling content, it won’t do much. Invest in copy that speaks to your audience, solves their problems and leads them toward action.

Ensuring your website generates leads and conversions

At the end of the day, a website’s worth comes down to one thing - results. Whether you’re aiming to increase sales, generate leads or just build brand awareness, your website should be built with clear goals in mind. Every page should have a purpose and every button a clear action for the user to take.

Think of your website as part of your broader sales funnel. From the moment someone lands on your homepage, they should be guided through a journey that ultimately leads to conversion. A strategically designed website doesn’t just look good - it works hard for your business.

Is a new website worth It?

So, is it worth it? In a word - yes, if it’s done right. A new website, designed with intention and a focus on UX and performance, can deliver a fantastic return on investment. But cutting corners, rushing the process or skipping the necessary research will only limit that potential.

If you’re ready to invest, go all-in and partner with a studio that understands the value of proper planning, thoughtful design and solid development. At Root Studio, we believe that with the right process, your new website will be a game-changer for your business.

Alternatively, if after doing all your due diligence, you find that a new website simply isn't financially viable then there's a number of ways that you can iterate, enhance and improve your current site without breaking the bank.

Thinking about refreshing your website?

Let’s chat about how we can create a website that not only looks great but works hard to deliver real value. Get in touch with us today - we’d love to help you make it happen!

Quote sources:
Brian Halligan, Dr.Ralf Speth, Forrester Research