Should You Improve or Redesign Your Website?
Your website is your online storefront, digital first impression, and 24/7 salesperson. A well-designed website can increase your online presence, drive traffic, and ultimately lead to more conversions. However, as time goes by, your website may need to evolve and adapt to meet changing customer needs and technological advancements.
So, when it comes to improving your website, the question is: should you redesign or refresh it?
Either through your own analysis or with the help of experienced web designers at the Timmermann Group, you can determine when it may be time for a website update or a complete redesign of your existing website.
Website Redesign vs Website Refresh
First, let’s define the difference between a website redesign and a website refresh. A website redesign involves a complete overhaul of your website, including the design, functionality, and structure. This can include changes to the layout, color scheme, typography, user interface, and more. On the other hand, a website refresh is more of a facelift for your website. It involves updating certain website elements, such as images, content, or user experience, without making any major structural changes.
Now, back to the original question: should you improve or redesign your website? The answer depends on a few factors.
When to Make Website Improvements
A refresh can breathe new life into your website without the cost and time investment of a full redesign. There are several ways your existing site may need improvement. Conducting audits will help indicate when it may be time for improvements.
Below are the most common indications you’re due for a website update.
When Content is Outdated
Your website’s content is one of the most critical elements of your online presence, and it’s important to keep it up-to-date. Outdated content can damage your business’s reputation, reduce your site’s visibility in search results, and ultimately lead to lost revenue. For instance, if your site lists services or products you no longer offer, this will mislead visitors and potentially frustrate them.
Similarly, using outdated language and images can make your site appear old-fashioned and out of touch with current trends. Regularly updating your website’s content ensures that your visitors have the most current and accurate information about your business.
Broken Citations or Missing Business Information
Mistakes are bound to happen during the website design process. It’s easy to overlook important details or forget to include essential information. When you notice that your website is missing crucial information, such as your business’s address or contact information, it’s important to update it as soon as possible.
This will ensure visitors can easily find the information they need to contact you. Additionally, broken citations, such as links that lead to a 404 error page or other broken links, can harm your site’s search engine ranking and make it more difficult for visitors to navigate your site.
There’s a Bug in the Code
Technical issues can range from minor glitches to more severe problems that affect your site’s functionality and security. For instance, a bug in your site’s code can cause your site to crash, display incorrect information, or compromise user data. Similarly, viruses and other types of malware can damage your site and potentially harm your visitors. It’s crucial to have a technical specialist regularly scan your site for potential issues and address them promptly.
A website refresh can help keep your site relevant and up-to-date, and there are several common indications that it’s time to make improvements. Regularly auditing your website for outdated content, broken citations, and technical issues can help you identify areas that need improvement and ensure that your site is functioning at its best. By staying on top of website improvements, you can provide visitors with a positive user experience and ultimately drive more conversions.
When to Redesign Your Website
Updating a website is great in the short term, but having to perform constant updates is unsustainable and will put you behind your competitors. Sometimes it is better to make the difficult decision and opt for a complete website redesign. Below are some reasons to start from scratch and redesign your website.
Your Website is Not Mobile Optimized
The global popularity of smartphones has necessitated businesses to optimize their websites for mobile users. Search engines prioritize mobile-optimized sites, meaning your business has minimal to zero chance of appearing organically in a user’s search. If users navigate to your site manually on their smartphones, you’ll likely see a decrease in conversions and an increase in bounce rate as users will be frustrated and look elsewhere for what they need.
Your Business Has Undergone a Brand Evolution
Evolutions are expected in the business environment, and it is only natural for your website to be redesigned to reflect that rebranding. While it’s important that all aspects of your business be updated to your new branding, a website redesign should be a priority as that is the gateway for a large number of new and existing customers.
Your Website Lacks Essential Features
As your business grows, you may need to add new features to your website to meet customer demands. For instance, if you are selling products online, customers may need access to more information on products, customer reviews, or a way to track their orders. If your website is not currently equipped to handle these demands, you may need to redesign your site to integrate these features seamlessly.
Website Traffic is Less Than Desirable, and There are Low Conversions
The most obvious sign you should redesign your website is if there are fewer conversions and reduced traffic. It suggests that users are finding better options elsewhere, and the best course of action is to create a better website. Using data from your existing website, you can determine specific pain points, areas that need the most help, and more, ensuring your new website will help reach your traffic and conversion goals.
Create a Website with an Experienced Partner That Will Get Results
When looking to improve or redesign a website, you should not go it alone. At the Timmermann Group, our team is experienced with website redesign, offering you a knowledgeable partner that will help you create a website that meets your needs and provides an unmatched return on your investment.
Contact us today for expert analysis to determine whether your website would get the best results from an update or complete website redesign.