In today’s digital age, websites aren’t just a useful extra tool; they’re non-negotiable digital assets that serve as essential platforms for communication. As your healthcare membership organisation has probably already discovered, websites are absolutely critical for sharing important information with everyone, right through from researchers and policymakers to practitioners and their patients.
Unfortunately, many healthcare membership organisations are feeling a little dissatisfied with their websites. And if you’re here reading this, you’re probably feeling the same. We’re here to tell you this is completely normal. Despite fulfilling all basic functions, every website will develop issues over time that can make site owners feel a bit deflated. So why does this happen? There are two main reasons:
1. Websites age: Like any technology, websites age over time. As their underlying tech becomes outdated, they often struggle to keep up with current demands and requirements.
2. Needs evolve: Over time, the requirements of your organisation and its members change. Your website, designed with past needs in mind, might not address today’s expectations effectively.
Most organisations typically notice a decline in their website’s performance and engagement over time. The most frequent issues include slower loading times, decreasing visitor numbers, and less time spent on the site by those visitors who do show up. These things can stop a website from doing what it needs to: effectively communicating with the audience. And that can be a big problem.
If you’re experiencing these issues, you might be thinking about throwing it all away and starting over from scratch; building something better, stronger, and more robust from the ground up.
Is this the best option? Well, it certainly can be. But before you go jumping into the deep end, take a moment to consider whether there’s another option. Perhaps your site just needs a little bit of TLC…
Supercharging your existing site
Before deciding to invest in a new website, consider whether you can get more out of what you already have. Even if your site is experiencing performance, engagement, and security issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ‘bad’. It might just mean your site needs more care and attention.
Maintaining a website can be time-consuming, especially given the myriad of other responsibilities you have. This challenge is common among healthcare membership organisations, and other groups, who may not always have the resources to keep their website as updated and efficient as they’d like.
Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Our website care plans work to enhance your website in specific and effective ways, such as…
- Reducing load times: One of the most critical aspects of website performance is speed. Slow loading times can frustrate visitors and lead to higher bounce rates. By optimising your site’s code, reducing image sizes, and leveraging browser caching, you can significantly improve load times.
- Enhancing user experience: User experience (UX) is crucial for retaining visitors. A well-designed interface encourages users to explore your site further. By focusing on intuitive design, clear calls to action, and aesthetically pleasing layouts, you can make your site more inviting and engaging.
- Updating content: Keeping your content fresh and relevant is essential. Conducting detailed content reviews ensures that outdated information is removed. It also provides peace of mind that your members have access to the latest information and updates from across the industry.
- Building new functionality: If your site lacks certain features, we can add them to what you already have. Adding functionalities, like a private professional network or a dedicated member area, can enhance the value of your site and meet member needs without the need for a complete overhaul.
When to consider a new website
Supercharging your existing site is often beneficial, but there are cases where building a new website from scratch might be the best option. It really all depends on what you’re starting off with.
If your website is over eight years old, and built on outdated technology or a content management system (CMS) that struggles to meet modern demands, a new site might be necessary.
Older CMS platforms can suffer from performance issues, especially as the site grows. As needs change, it’s common to throw in more and more plugins, which eventually start slowing everything down. Even more concerning is that, with CMS platforms being so popular, they can be massive targets for cybercriminals. Your website can potentially be left vulnerable to hackers trying to steal your sensitive data.
Making the decision: new site or upgrade?
To determine whether a new website is necessary, assess your current site based on its age, technology, and ability to meet your needs. If your site’s foundational technology is outdated, the underlying code may no longer support modern features and security standards. In such cases, starting afresh with a new website might be the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Maybe your site is relatively modern and built on a scalable platform. In that case, consider whether you just need a better, less time-consuming way to manage all those housekeeping tasks that you need to keep on top of: content auditing, user interface improvements, and so on.
Whatever route you decide to take – whether it’s developing a completely new site or enhancing your existing one – it’s important to align your website strategy with your organisational goals and member needs. A strong online presence is essential for healthcare membership organisations, so whatever option you choose, ensure it’s one that helps you communicate with your audience.
Unsure which route to take?
If you aren’t certain which direction to take, ask professionals who specialise in website design and maintenance; they can provide genuinely valuable insights. They will evaluate your current site and recommend improvements, or guide you through the process of creating a new site tailored to your needs.
Where will you find such experts? Right here at More Time To.
Have a chat with us to determine whether a new site – or some simple improvements – is the best course of action. And once you’ve made your decision, you can count on us to be there to make the magic happen. With our website care plans for existing sites, and our web design services for organisations wanting to go back to the beginning and start afresh, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your site, and uncover the best solution for your organisation.
