Are You Ready for a Web Site Redesign?

1. Your copyright still says 2003.
2. It uses frames.
3. It still has last year’s promotions.
4. It doesn’t show up in the search engines.
5. The text is in images.
6. It’s not using Cascading Style Sheets.
7. Users have to scroll down to get to the good stuff.
8. It has no clear call to action.
9. It no longer reflects your marketing strategy.
10. Visitors can’t find what they’re looking for.

Scoring:

How many did you answer true?

8-10: Holy cats! Not only is your Web site bad, but it’s probably hurting your business. You need a complete overhaul immediately.

5-7: You’re missing out on a lucrative marketing tool. Your Web site needs a full redesign to update the technology and provide some value to your visitors.

2-4: It’s time to rethink your Web presence. Although you may update your site frequently, it still needs some work. It may not require total revamping, but some refreshing is definitely in order.

0-1: You’re on the right track. But just because it’s working now doesn’t mean you can neglect it. Keep updating the content as often as possible and revisit the design in 6 months or less.

The Benefits of a Redesign

A site redesign can breathe new life into your business. Your Web site is a lucrative customer acquisition tool if you do it right.

First of all, your customers need to be able to find you. With 80% of people using search engines to navigate the Web, you have to optimize your site to be found.

Search engine optimization (SEO) requires both content and technology updates. By making such subtle changes such as adding metadata and ALT tags, you boost your rankings in the search engines.

Using Cascading Style Sheets simplifies your HTML, making it easier for search engines to find your content. Also, repeating appropriate keywords throughout your site can help with search results.

It’s crucial that your content be in HTML format, rather than images or Flash. Although heavy Flash sites may look beautiful, they are all but worthless as far as SEO is concerned. Search engines cannot detect any content that is hidden in Flash, so make sure your site only uses Flash to display the graphical elements.

Your content drives traffic to your site. Provide your customers with new, valuable subject matter and you’ll bring them to your site and keep them coming back.

You should also organize your site so people can find what they’re looking for. Keep important information above the fold and design your information architecture with your customer in mind.

To make your Web site a strong customer acquisition engine, create clear calls to action on every page. These should lead your customers to the acquisition page, where they can buy your product, sign up for your service, or at least contact you to get started. An effective Web site not only captures your customer’s attention, but takes them where you want them to go.

Redesigning your Web site can do wonders for your sales. It will drive more traffic to your site and result in more conversions once people get there. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of a Web redesign, contact us today.