The number of people looking online for information is increasing exponentially. As a consequence the need for a top-quality website has never been greater. Most business use their websites for a variety of purposes: whether that’s engaging and interacting with customers, listing products and services, or simply providing information for their customers. However, if you’re not getting the most out of your website, or the website is failing to deliver results and satisfy the customer base, then action needs to be taken.
The question is what? The answer to that depends on what’s wrong. Is the problem one that can be fixed simply by tweaking the website itself: or is there something fundamentally wrong that can only be remedied by a total website redesign? Well, to help you decide what to do for the best, and what course to take, we’ve drawn up a list of 5 questions you should be asking yourself before making a decision.
What is wrong with my current website?
You may think you know your website well, but do you know what your customers think of it? We’re not necessarily saying that the customer is always right; but in 9 cases out of 10 they’re usually on the money. So if you want to improve bounce rates, listen to what your customers are telling you. Look at website reviews on Google, Yelp and other similar sites. If the comments clearly indicate that there is a problem, then use these insights to help to inform how you can rectify the issue.
What would you hope to achieve with a website redesign?
The answer to that question is dependent on the nature of the problem affecting the website. At the end of the day it depends on whether you’re looking to rebrand the company or simply improve the look of your website. If you feel that the website needs more than a simple makeover, then what you’ll need to do is rebrand your company and completely redesign your website. How do you approach website rebranding? Well, it’s often recommended that if you are considering rebranding your website, the best advice to follow to deliver a top-notch website is the SMART principle: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
What features of your competitors’ websites do you like?
Have a look at your competitors’ websites and see what you like about them. Do they have high levels of engagement and rank highly on the SEO results pages? Look at the layout and the navigation and see if there’s anything there that appeals to you. If you do find something that really attracts you, then there’s no harm in copying this. However, it’s important to bear in mind that, as much as you may admire a particular website, it might not be exactly the right fit for your business or your customers. If that’s the case you’ll have to cherry pick and adapt as necessary.
Has your product or service changed in any way?
If the product or service you provide online has changed, then this will need to be reflected on the website. If things have only changed slightly, then all you’ll probably need is a few tweaks here and there. If things have changed fundamentally, then that could be the ideal catalyst for a website redesign. You can then unveil your new product/service and new website simultaneously. A new look is also a great way to reinvigorate your business’ online presence and show your customers you are comfortable with change and want to stay relevant.
How do you want the website to function?
The answer to that question is crucially important, but it will depend upon a number of factors? Do you want the website redesign to provide different content than previously, generate leads, sell a product or service, or to help attract users to your business’ physical store? The answer will determine which website redesign will be the best fit for your business. Some designs are better at attracting visitors, some are better at generating leads, whilst others are best for pushing content and information. Figure out what it is you really want, and you’ll be on the road to making that wish a reality.
