Mar 31 2006
Web Site Design and Now a Redesign!
I have been designing web sites for over eight years. When I first got started in the web site design business, web sites were very simple and most people felt they did not need one. Today the tables have truly turned and virtually everyone will agree that they need some sort of a web presence. In the beginning, most sites were uncharted territory for my clients; most of them had not gone there before and were trailblazers. Many not sure why they wanted a web site but felt it was a good business decision. Today the majority of my web site design cliental have a web site and are now looking for a redesign.
Most businesses change over time and the business model and focus also changes, but the web site lags behind. The beauty of working on a redesign is the knowledge that has been gained from the current web site, and the existing content that can be expanded on.
What should you think about if you are contemplating a redesign of your web site?
- What is your budget? A redesign can take as much time as building a site from the ground up. Know your budget.
- What have you learned from your current web site? Does it promote a favorable experience?
What is successful and what is not? - If you could make a change to your web site today what would that change be?
- Have you conducted usability testing on your current site, or discussed with some of your users/clients what works and what could change?
- How important is your current look, feel and branding. Maybe this is a good time time to change those components.
What are your reasons for a redesign?
- Do you have a new business strategy, is your current site outmoded? Have you added new services or do you have a different audience/cliental?
- What is your primary objective with your online marketing for this redesign? What is secondary and your long and short term goals.
- What areas of your business can improve with the new web site design?
In order to get the best site for your time and money be prepared to do planning work up front. Many of us are very impatient and feel that since we have a web site the redesign is a no brainer. Sometimes the more we know the harder it is to communicate to the designer. I will continue this with more details and ideas to identify how to get the most out of your next web site design.