My company is in the process of redesigning our website and adding new content. Our current website is obsolete. Our company is growing fast and potential customers look us up every day. Should I take down the old website, or is a dysfunctional website better than nothing at all?

The new website will be available in 2 weeks or so. The issue is that our current website only presents our two oldest solutions, and we have expanded our offerings considerably. A prospect looked at the website and told us he though there wasn't a match, while there was. It is very hard/costly to change people's ideas after a negative first impression. How bad would it be to replace the website by a temporary "Under Redesign" page?
Answer:

"Under construction" is not a good option. It stops the sales cycle dead in its tracks and leaves the visitor with no way to move forward. I'd recommend keeping the existing site in place until the new one is ready to launch. While you're waiting for the new site, update the home page copy to let people know you have new offerings and will be making that information available shortly. Until then, give them a means to take the next step to interacting with your company by adding a phone number or link to a press release about the new product/service. Perhaps add some call to action on the home page like "Give us a call to learn more"or "download the new product specs" so they feel like they're in the right place, are welcomed, and are still able to get the information they need. Only disable old information on the existing website if it is completely obsolete and totally contrary to who the company is today. People understand transition, but are intolerant of no communication at all.

Diane Vautier at Quora Visit the source

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