When is it time for a new investor website?

• A well-designed investor website is crucial for showcasing your business’s growth, engaging stakeholders, and meeting modern expectations.
• Red flags such as outdated design, rebranding, poor performance, lack of investor tools, or low engagement indicate it’s time for a refresh.
• Updating your website enhances usability, aligns with your evolving business, and strengthens your investor communications.

 

Let’s be honest. You glance at your website and know it could do better.

It looks dated, runs sluggishly, and doesn’t reflect your business’s growth. Worst of all, it risks leaving the wrong impression on investors.

So, how do you know if it’s time for an update? Changes in your business, advancements in technology, and evolving investor expectations all influence a site's lifespan.

While experts often suggest redesigns every 2–5 years, your decision shouldn’t hinge solely on the calendar. Instead, it should depend on how well your website serves your audience and your business goals.

With investor confidence returning, now is the perfect time to align your digital presence with your aspirations. Here are five red flags that suggest it’s time for a new investor site.

Updating your website enhances usability.

Red Flag #1: Your website design is outdated

When was the last time your site got a makeover?

If it’s been years—or if you’ve never updated it since launch—it’s likely time for a revamp. Investors judge your business based on your website’s appearance and functionality. Outdated or clunky design could imply stagnation, even if your business is thriving.

Review your site objectively. Does it feel modern? Does it reflect your professionalism and innovation? If not, a redesign is overdue.

Red Flag #2: Your business has evolved

Has your company rebranded or pivoted?

A new name, logo, or visual identity must be reflected across all digital channels, including your website. Consistency builds trust and familiarity.

Even if your branding remains the same, updating your site to align with new business milestones—like expanded operations or fresh corporate materials—helps convey progress and relevance.

Updating your website aligns with your evolving business.

Red Flag #3: Your website is slow and difficult to manage

In these times, speed and accessibility are non-negotiable. If your site loads slowly or is a nightmare to update, it’s failing both you and your investors.

Outdated technology could be the culprit. A migration to a modern content management system (CMS) can improve performance, simplify updates, and ensure seamless functionality across devices. Mobile friendliness, in particular, is critical as investors increasingly engage via smartphones.

Red Flag #4: Your investor tools need a boost

An investor-focused website is more than a digital brochure. It’s a hub for engagement.

Does your site offer interactive tools, such as CEO videos, project timelines or share price charts? Can you efficiently post ASX announcements and centralise AGM materials? Enhancing your site with features like these not only enriches the investor experience but also strengthens your communications strategy.

Red Flag #5: Your website analytics highlight poor engagement

Your site’s performance metrics can reveal a lot about its effectiveness. High bounce rates, low average session durations, or declining traffic are clear indicators that your site isn’t engaging visitors.

Investors expect quick access to relevant information, such as financial reports, news updates, and presentations. If they’re leaving your site without taking meaningful actions—like downloading documents, subscribing to email alerts, or exploring key pages—it’s time to investigate.

A lack of engagement might signal confusing navigation, outdated content, or an uninspiring design. Regularly analysing your website’s data can pinpoint areas for improvement and help you craft a user experience that keeps investors coming back.

Incorporating data-driven insights into your redesign ensures your new site not only looks better but also performs better.

Updating your website strengthens your investor communications.

In conclusion

If your website looks outdated, struggles to keep pace with your business, or fails to meet modern investor expectations, it might be the perfect time for a refresh. A well-designed, fast, and interactive site isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future.

Ready for a change? Your investors are.

Help on rebuilding your website

Each company is unique. And while these red flags may help you consider a website restructuring, there may be other factors that could influence your decision.

IRM is happy to work with you to review your current site. We can assist you on improving your web pages to help achieve your business goals.

As Australia’s leading online investor engagement specialists, we understand there are different ways to improve your digital presence. You may want a small refresh, a redesign, a technology transplant or a total overhaul. We’re well equipped to complete all of these. With your existing site or a new one.

It’s easier and quicker than you think, and probably costs less than you think. A number of our clients have recently launched new websites. See some examples of our work here. Chat us on +61 2 8705 5444 or clientrelations@irmau.com.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in March 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.