So you’re thinking about a redesign. The modern web is fast paced and constantly changing. Being up-to-date with modern technologies and web design practices is necessary to stay on top and keep new users coming in. Here are some important items to consider if you are thinking about doing a redesign.
01. Your website is a few years old
It’s easy to spot that out-of-date website that looks like something from the 90s and to recognize that the page needs a revamp, but in most cases updating more frequently is necessary to maintain interest and ensure your website is compatible with new technologies. Even if you have a well established business with a great reputation it would be very beneficial to have a page with consistent updates that can grab new users.
02. Your page is not responsive
Most web traffic is now mobile, and users have come to expect a responsive or adaptive webpage. Over 70% of online time is spent on a mobile device. If your page isn’t friendly to all kinds of devices, you are missing a huge number of potential viewers.
03. People can’t properly navigate your website
If your customers can’t find what they need, they will go elsewhere. Make sure your offerings are clear. It won’t just help people find what they need, it will improve your bottom line. A good sitemap can also greatly improve your Google ranking.
04. Your business goals have changed
Maybe you’ve added some new services to your business, or developing technologies have shifted your primary venture. These can change your user’s impressions of your business drastically. You might need to restructure your webpage or even rebrand to make your offerings clear and current.
05. It’s broken
A non-functioning webpage can be a nightmare for any business. Sometimes it can be easily fixed, but in other cases it might take some work to get things properly running again. Broken links, old pages that users can no longer access or loading delays can pile up over time. If these flaws have accumulated, fixing them might take just as long or longer than a site redesign.
06. Your website is difficult to update
With more widespread use of CMS such as WordPress, it’s becoming easier to keep a webpage up-to-date with the content you want. Easily updateable features won’t just give you much more control over the content of your page. They are also necessary to keep user interest and raise your Google search rankings.
07. High bounce rate
Are users frequently coming to your homepage and leaving? You might be suffering from bad loading speed, or just not catching your viewers’ interest. Usually, users will decide if your page is what they are looking for in just a few seconds. If there is anything in their way, they will find somewhere else to look.
08. You have low search rankings
All of the above factors can have a pretty big effect on your Google search rankings. Google will always favor more modern webpages over aging content.
09. Competitors are updating their webpages
If everyone in your industry is updating their webpages, it might be time to make a move. Stay on the cutting edge and find innovative ways to show what separates you from your competition.
10. Your site needs better security
Old CMS applications or aging plugins can cause huge security vulnerabilities with your site. Your site could be knocked offline without your knowledge, or user information could be put at risk. You might need to think about a redesign with new tools and different functions if security has ever been an issue.
11. Your users are dwindling
Maybe you just aren’t getting the user numbers you had before. Keeping your content fresh is important. Users might not return if there is nothing new to see. A nice stream of new content will keep users coming back.
What to do if you have these problems?
There are a lot of reasons to move forward with a redesign. You need to maintain good customer interaction and listen to their needs. Communication with your core audience is key. If they are having trouble accessing your services or just need a better experience, it might be time for a redesign. You don’t always have to completely change your brand, but staying current is important to keep your business going. If you feel that your website needs a re-design, work with an expert to re-position your company.
