Doing a website re-design can be an extensive job. There is a lot to think about when doing a re-design of you website even if you are just a small business or an individual wanting a website.
Broutin Web Publishing can help you put your list together. We have a list that is something that all business website developers should follow:
1. Why are you doing this website re-design
This question should always be the first question answered so you have a plan in mind with your website. With the re-design what are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to make it all together a better looking website? Increase conversion? Do some SEO work to it for search engines to find you better?
These are all questions to consider when doing a re-design and if you can answer them with some sort of idea you will be on the right track. A lot of people just put up websites for their businesses with no clear cut plan. So if you have a planned idea you are one step ahead of the game.
2. What kind of re-design do you need
Once you have figured out your plan your next step is to figure out how far you want to drive in to your website do you want to change just one page? The whole homepage? or just add new layout with pictures and content? Well once you figure out how deep you want to get into your website you can move on to the next step.
Remember: Be very selective for what you want on your website. We are branding your name!
3. What on your is broken
Check out your website for anything that isn’t working or is broken. This goes for plugins , addons, images, and links. You want to fix what is broken so visitors will take your website serious and in return they will think your business is serious too. Its a win win for every one! One thing to watch out for though is if the old stuff on your website doesn’t fit your new design chances are you will want to toss it.
4. How are people using your website
Study how people are using your website and that can help you figure out what is good and what is bad use analytics to study your website. Do more of what is good on your website. (i.e If your content is whats giving you great results then write more on the topic of your website.)
5. Has your business image changed
Have you changed your logo or color scheme. These can be a big factor on how people with react with your company online. If they knew the old you tell your customers how you are going to change to the better new you. Make them aware that your business will be undergoing a great new face lift on the web.
6. When should the launch take place
The launch should be slow and easy you don’t want to freak visitors out by them thinking is this the same website I visited yesterday. That could cause problems for your traffic. We suggest that you should roll out new updates or features with notice. Don’t take your website offline and then one day put it back online. do your updates in sections. People will like it better and it may increase conversion.
7. Slow the transition
Slow the website transition people get confused on the web everyday with websites. So maybe if you have a news letter tell your visitors what sections of the website is updated and that they should check it out. Be informative and you will see great results.
