If your company is thinking about refreshing your existing website, please consider the following. The present market represents a great investment opportunity for companies of all sizes to improve, renovate, and extend their Web services.

Like any other depreciable asset, web properties deteriorate and lose value over time. Most organizations have sites that have exhausted their useful life.

Here are some diagnostic tests to evaluate if your company is ready for a Web makeover:

1. Check the copyright year on your homepage

If it's more than three years old, it's a good sign that you may need a refresh.

2. Produce a Web traffic Report for the Past Two Years

If you notice a plateau, or if traffic is growing slower than industry rates, it could signal a stale presence or diminishing customer value.

3. Examine the look and feel

Websites are like cars. It's easy to pick out the older model from among the modern ones. Make sure your company's site doesn't resemble an '94 Impala.

4. Look at your nearest competitors

Do they have a more interesting presence online? Do their projections look more professional? If so, improving your Web presentation could provide a competitive edge.