Does your website need a facelift?
Depending on when your site was developed and whether is has been adequately maintained your website may need a make-over and facelift. Just as styles change in fashion website styles evolve and change as well. They change aesthetically and the code that delivers the content changes. The current website design style is called Web 2.0.
A simple summary of Web 2.0 design principles include:
Simplicity, central layout, fewer columns, separate top section, solid areas of screen real-estate, simple navigation, bold logos, bigger text, bolder text introductions, strong colors, rich surfaces, gradients, reflections and cute icons. This is a lot of design talk but what it adds up to is a website that provides an easier, simpler experience for the user. It gets rid of design elements that provide a lot of distraction to the page and provides clarity to the main message you want to get across. There is much lesss clutter.
What matters most?
It’s very important to make sure your website looks fresh, is visible to your target audience (cross-browser compatible) and stands out amongst your competitors. It must also be search engine friendly and deliver your message consistently. I’m not suggesting you subscribe to every new trendy website trick but no matter what your target audience is be it conservative business or cutting edge there are certain changes you should not ignore when it comes to your website on the WWW:
- Code written (mark-up language) must meet W3C standards: This markup, while invisible to users, is not invisible to search engines and your site may get passed up by search engine spiders. In addition your page may not load or look different in browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, etc.). Another problem with old code is the site takes more work to maintain and it may load slower in browsers.
- Older sites were designed for smaller screen sizes: Monitors are larger now and screen resolutions are higher with 56% of the market using screen resolutions of 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 800. This is a lot more real estate to use to create larger visuals and more compelling design and presentation.
- Static design: A static website limits growth of the site. As your business grows and changes your website needs to be able to accommodate this. Using standards compliant markup allows for this. You will have more opportunity to utilize interactive elements to engage your audience on your site. Animated slide shows, drop down menus, video or new media can keep your customer on your site and not your competitors
- High speed internet access: Also known as broad-band internet will continue to increase in the U.S. This allows websites to provide more interactivity to their customers and thus deliver more engaging and fulfilling content. If your site was developed years ago and not updated it probably is not taking advantage of this.
Below are 7 key reasons for a website redesign:
- The site looks old-fashioned compared to my competitors
- The site no longer provides the functionality I need (want online forms, registration, a blog, simple e-commerce, a RSS feed, etc.)
- My business has grown and my website has remained stagnant
- I want my site to stand-out among my competitors
- The site doesn't not have the look and feel of my business or brand is not consistent
- Potential customers cannot find my site in search engines
- My site doesn't’t look fresh, the content is old, and is not kept updated
- My site fails to meet W3C coding standards
Contact me for a one page analysis of your current website:
I will run a page through diagnostics to check on how it stacks up according to W3C standards and give you a report. Contact me today via phone 815.214-1004 or e-mail me!
I develop Websites that are W3C compliant. The W3C is an acronym for the World Wide Web Consortium. The Consortium develops specifications and standards for coding practices. Read my article on how important this is to your Website!
Pat Stoiber
GetSetInternet Website Designer