In today’s digital age, having a website that is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and up-to-date is crucial for any business or individual. However, as technology advances and consumer preferences change, it can be challenging to know when it’s time to redesign your website.
In this blog post, we’ll answer the most pressing query:
“How Often Should I Redesign My Website?”
Excellent question.
If you are a business owner, a relevant and user-friendly website is essential. Your success depends on it. Modern technology is constantly evolving and new trends and options emerge every year.
As a professional website designer, I recommend a website overhaul every two or three years. Is your site due for a redesign? Here are some key indicators your website needs help:
Outright Dysfunctional
Let’s start with the obvious. If your site doesn’t perform well, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to invest in TLC for your website. A website that doesn’t function properly can turn away potential customers.
According to recent Google statistics, users are more likely to leave an outdated website and go to a competitor’s site. The following are considered red alarms and require immediate attention:
- If your site features high-quality content buried seven pages – or seven clicks – deep, that’s not effective design.
- When your site links lead to errors or 404 pages, your website is handicapped.
- If your load time is too long, wearing your visitors’ patience thin, that is also considered a malfunctioning site.
- If many aspects of your site aren’t functioning – buttons are broken, forms can’t be filled out, etc, that’s just plain negligence.
Tip: Take the time to navigate your website as if you were a new customer or maintenance technician. How much patience are you demanding from your visitors? Does every link, button, tab, and formwork?
Make a thorough list of everything that’s broken for your website designer.
Offensively Outdated
You may have loved your website when it was first created. However, if prospects and customers think it looks old or outdated, your website is harming your business more than supporting it.
Consider these reasons to give your website a facelift:
- 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience.
- Outdated websites are more vulnerable to hacking, which can harm your business’s reputation.
- 94 percent of users’ first impressions are design-related.
- 75 percent of users judge a website’s credibility based on its design.
Tip: Think of your website as a home. How do people feel when they visit your home? If it’s old and broken down, it gives the impression that you have no pride in ownership, or worse, that the site is abandoned.
Brand Consistency
For us marketing professionals, this is a no-brainer. If you redesigned your brand image or your brand message, it’s imperative that this metamorphosis is updated everywhere, especially on your website.
Your new branding will not be effective or speak to your target audience if your website, social media platforms, and Google data are inconsistent.
Another reason to update your website with the new brand is to eliminate customer confusion.
Tip: maximize the impact and investment in your rebrand by updating your website and all online socials to match. Also, consider the updated brand voice on all of your website content.
Relevant Inventory & Services
Have you changed what you offer or sell? It is unprofessional if your current website doesn’t show:
- How do you solve your customers’ problems?
- Current products or services with proper descriptions.
- Your target audience and proof you understand them.
- Current testimonials that speak to the target audience.
- Accurate portfolio or examples for credibility.
- Updated About Page further backing credibility.
Not only will an outdated website in this regard hinder the site’s user experience, but it will also harm your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). However, a well-designed and up-to-date website can increase customer credibility and SEO, leading to higher traffic and better conversion rates.
According to a survey by HubSpot, 76% of users said that the most important factor in website design is the ease of finding the information they need.
Tip: Think of what your ideal customers would search for on the internet. Are they going to find you? Once they get there, does your website talk to them in a language they understand? Will they find and buy what you sell?
Many website designers are also SEO experts or have partners who can help you with keywords and effective service/product descriptions.
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Business owners wear a lot of hats and time flies. Your good intentions may have been kicked down the road for too long.
The good news is everyone wins when we give websites a makeover. And you don’t have to start over.
You simply need to call an expert website designer like Waterfront Graphic Design to fine-tune your website front to back for supreme performance. Why wait? Contact Waterfront today!
