Is your website holding your small business back? Here’s how to tell

Written by Natalie Lacon

On May 22, 2025

Your website should be working hard for you —helping you attract the right clients, showcase your expertise, and grow your business. But if you’re hesitating to share your link or wondering why it’s not bringing in leads, it might be time for a refresh.

Here are the key signs your website might not be working for you—and what you can do about it.

1. Your Business Has Evolved, But Your Website Hasn’t

Your website is a reflection of your business, but what if your services, pricing, or ideal clients have changed? If your site still represents where you were rather than where you are, it could be confusing potential clients—or worse, sending the wrong ones your way.

2. Your Website Feels Outdated

Design trends, technology, and best practices change over time. If your site looks and feels stuck in the past, it could be hurting your credibility. A fresh, modern design can make all the difference in positioning your business as trustworthy and professional.

3. You Feel Uncomfortable Sending People to It

Do you avoid directing potential clients to your website? If you’re hesitating because it doesn’t represent you well, feels clunky, or isn’t something you’re proud of, that’s a sign it’s time for a change. Your website should be a tool that supports your business, not something you feel like hiding.

4. It’s Not Generating Leads or Enquiries

If your website isn’t bringing in new leads, something isn’t working. There are a few reasons this might be happening:

  • Not enough traffic – Are people actually finding your website? If you don’t have a plan to drive traffic, your ideal clients may not even know you exist.
  • The wrong audience is landing on your site – If your messaging and SEO aren’t aligned with your ideal clients, you may be attracting visitors who aren’t the right fit.
  • Visitors aren’t ready to enquire or buy – Do you have a way to nurture them? A free resource or email list can help guide potential clients from interested to ready to work with you.
  • Unclear services and messaging – If visitors can’t quickly understand what you offer and how it helps them, they won’t take the next step.
  • No trust signals – Testimonials, case studies, and social proof help build confidence in your expertise. If they’re missing, visitors may hesitate to book with you.
  • No clear calls to action – If your site isn’t telling visitors what to do next (book a call, sign up for a resource, or make an enquiry), they’ll likely leave without taking action.

5. The User Experience Is Holding It Back

A beautiful website is great—but if it’s hard to navigate, loads slowly, or feels overwhelming, visitors won’t stick around. Some common issues include:

  • Confusing menus and unclear navigation
  • A layout that doesn’t guide visitors towards key information
  • A lack of professional branding and cohesive design
  • Missing or low-quality photography, making the site feel less personal or trustworthy

So, How Is Your Website Performing?

If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time for a Website MOT—a quick and affordable way to assess what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve it.

For a limited time, I’m offering a limited number of discounted Website Performance Review’s aka ‘Website MOTs’ —helping you uncover exactly where your website could be working harder for you. And if you decide to make changes, the MOT fee can be credited toward a VIP Day or you can use it to DIY your updates.

Curious about how your website is performing? Grab one of the limited spots before they go!

Need some help? Checkout my free guides below.

Not sure if you’re ready to DIY or invest in a website?

Website Planner

This practical workbook gives you a step-by-step blueprint for planning a website that works — before you spend a penny on design or tech.

Perfect if you’re in the early stages or just want clarity before making big decisions.

Website not converting? Start here!

Homepage Checklist

This essential high-converting website guide and checklist walks you step-by-step through the must-have home page elements to attract, build trust, and guide visitors to take action — without the overwhelm.

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