If you have had a website for a while chances are you may need to upgrade the site itself and update the design. So, how will you know if it’s time for a total redesign? Here are some points to consider:
Are you still using a static HTML platform
Besides the fact that the HTML language may have changed which can cause some issues with newer technologies, now-a-days, your visitors want more interaction. They want to engage in your content via comments, forums, polls, etc. While the search engines are constantly looking for new and fresh content.
Content Management System or Blogs software is the better way to go. It allows you to interact with your visitors, continuously provide new content and even add functionality to your site that may help you improve both your visitors experience and search engine rankings. WordPress is the most popular CMS these days. The beauty of it is that there is a huge amount of Custom WordPress Themes that will significantly decrease the time and money needed for the complete redesign.
Does the site look dated
As with any fashion or design, it changes constantly so a site built in 1990 will likely stand out against today’s modern design choices. Like an older car, people can tell and may be turned off wondering how serious you are about your business. Staying fresh and current shows visitors and potential customers that you care about your business as well as their experience.
If you fall into these two categories, yes, it just might be time to upgrade and redesign your current website.
When planning your redesign, you will want to keep your branding in mind. Just because you’re jumping into the present, doesn’t mean you should change your look entirely. Remember, your branding is how people recognize you and making changes to your logo or other identifiable aspects of your site may cause confusion.
You’ll want to stick to relatively the same colors and overall design, but you can update them to more modern tons and styles. You just don’t want your visitors all of a sudden wondering if they’ve landed on the right page and turning away.
Get your visitors involved
Before you jump ahead, talk to your visitors via email or even by adding a poll on your site. Ask them what features they’d enjoy seeing, what do they think of your current design, ask for input into a new look. Make them a part of the process and they’ll respond with appreciation.
This will also make them aware that changes are immanent so they won’t be shocked if your website all of a sudden has a completely new look. To play it safe, put a poll on your site to let your visitors do the talking. If the think it is necessary for the website to have a fresh look, give it to them!
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