Timeless style has its place. Just not in your digital footprint. Be honest: when was the last time you took a hard look at your website, LinkedIn, or SEO? If you had to pause just now, it’s been too long. And if you’re telling yourself “well, it’s still good enough,” I hate to break it to you — it’s not. Poor digital hygiene has more of an impact than most firms realize.
Why It Matters
Every second counts. According to Adobe, even a one-second delay in page load can cut conversion rates by up to 7%. That’s business walking out the door before you’ve had a chance to introduce yourself.
Perception is reality. Research shows 75% of users judge a company’s credibility by its website design. If your site looks dated, so does your reputation.
Trust drives growth. McKinsey found that companies leading in digital trust are 1.6x more likely to see revenue and profit growth above 10%. Clients want to know you care about details, including your own.
Broken links equal broken confidence. Studies show more than a third of websites have at least one broken external link. To prospects, that doesn’t read as “minor oversight.” It reads as “careless.”
The Real Cost
The proposal you didn’t win. The prospect who ghosted after visiting your site. The higher ad costs you’re paying because your landing page is slow. These aren’t accidents. They’re the price of digital neglect.
What Good Digital Hygiene Looks Like
A website that loads quickly, looks current, and works on mobile
Bios and imagery that reflect today, not five years ago
Social channels that look alive, even if you only post weekly
Security basics in place, so clients trust you with their data
Final Word
Professional service firms do not need flashy gimmicks. They need to look competent, reliable, and awake. Clean up your digital footprint and you will stop losing business before the first conversation even begins.
When the details are right, credibility follows. And credibility is what wins business.