Journey of website redevelopment! Websites are an integral part of an organization’s branding strategy. Not only is it usually one of the first aspects of your business that a potential customer will engage with but it also reflects your core values. Now is the right time to update your site if it is over two years old, poorly designed, or just doesn’t work for your business.
Sometimes, the best way to do this is to bite the bullet and start from scratch with a clean slate – completely rebuilding your website from the ground up. Spend time talking to a web agency, as sometimes all that is needed is a refocus on what your company is about, what you provide, and how you can deliver your products and services to your new and old visitors.
Journey of Website Redevelopment: How To Decide?
Sometimes, the best way to do this is to bite the bullet and start from scratch with a clean slate – that is, completely rebuilding your website from the ground up. Spend time talking to a web agency, as sometimes all that is needed is a refocus on what your company is about, what you provide, and how you can deliver your products and services to your new and old visitors. In order to start the Journey of website redevelopment successfully, you have to keep few things in mind-
- Age: If your website is more than two or three years old, chances are you would benefit from a redesign due to rapidly evolving web trends and how visitors are now interacting with websites.
- Performance issues: These could include loading issues, graphics not displaying correctly, missing pages, or the general speed of the website.
- Bounce rate: You know it is a failing website if your bounce rate is high. Bounces should be considered a negative statistic if the site fails to engage users enough to entice even a second-page view.
- Broken: You know the site is failing if there are many broken functions and 404 errors appear on several of your pages. You can find this information in your Google Analytics account.
- Low or no-repeat users: To measure site success, you should focus on loyal users who return to the site repeatedly; this shows you are providing interactive and engaging content. Don’t just focus on new visitors.
- Off-brand: Determine whether or not there was a strong branding strategy in place when you created the original website. What has changed in the meantime? Does the site reflect your most recent marketing collateral? A site refresh can breathe life into marketing materials and vice versa.
Journey of Website Redevelopment: Moving Forward
The more you move forward in your Journey of website redevelopment, the more challenges you come across without any warning. So here are few things you need to measure while building a website-
- Control: Do you have a website that can be easily updated? Do you have control over those updates?
- Usability for you: Is the CMS Drupal, WordPress, Joomla, Silver Stripe, or other? Is it the right platform for your company? Get some advice on what CMS will work best for you.
- Usability for the customer: Do a site audit- consider what your customers are looking for, then try and find it. Ask someone who is unfamiliar with the site to complete some tasks and get their feedback on the experience.
- Maintenance: Is the platform you are using up-to-date, or have there been updated versions released that have been ignored? There could be important security updates you have missed out on.
- Visual: Does your website look different or broken in different browsers such as Firefox, Safari, or IE, and does the website look consistent?
- Ranking: Where is it ranking on Google? Are you getting enough visitors? Has the site been properly optimized to rank for your company keywords?
- Conversions: How many visitors are you getting? How many are being converted? A restructured, more visually appealing site can dramatically improve conversions.
- Functionality: Is your site doing all it can do? What components do you need on your site, are you planning to run a blog, include a video or gallery? If it has been a long time between updates, there could be better technology available, or maybe just something you never thought of before. Talking to an expert about your company goals and what solutions are available could inspire something amazing!
In conclusion, your website is not just a digital presence; it’s a reflection of your organization’s identity and values. Deciding whether to flick or fix an old website is a crucial choice that can impact your brand’s perception and overall success. Here are the key takeaways from the Journey of website redevelopment:
Assess the Signs: Look for signs that indicate your website may need attention, such as its age, performance issues, high bounce rate, broken functions, and low repeat user numbers. These factors can signal the need for change.
Consider the Basics: Think about fundamental aspects like control, usability for both you and your customers, maintenance, and cross-browser compatibility. These elements are essential for a functional and user-friendly website.
Optimization and Conversion: Pay attention to your website’s ranking on search engines, its ability to attract and convert visitors, and its overall functionality. These areas often benefit from a strategic overhaul.
Stay Current: Embrace the dynamic nature of the web by keeping your website up-to-date, not just in terms of technology but also in alignment with your branding and marketing collateral.
Consult the Experts: Seek guidance from web agencies and experts who can help you determine whether a complete overhaul or a focused revamp is the right path for your business.
Remember that your website is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and driving business growth. Ignoring its potential or neglecting an outdated, underperforming site can harm your organization’s success. Continuously invest in refining and enhancing your website to reap the rewards, whether you’re starting fresh or rejuvenating an existing online presence. The benefits are too significant to be underestimated in today’s digital landscape.
