“75% of website credibility comes from its design”.Your website is the first point of contact between your business and your target audience. The face of your business needs a refresh from time to time.The signs that indicate the need for website redesign can be -
- Outdated design
- Clunky navigation
- Poor user experience
But how should you start? What can be the best approach to begin rebuilding your website?In this article, you’ll be getting answers to all these questions and more. We will walk you through the goals, steps, challenges, and tips to overcome everything that comes between. So, let’s dive in!
Why Does Website Redesign Matter?
No matter how much you’ve spent on branding, your site needs a redesign from time to time. Reasons for website revamping may vary, but it stands crucial for the overall success of a business because of -
First Impressions
First impressions matter more than you think. If visitors find your website that needs to be updated, cluttered, or unprofessional, they will simply bounce back to your competitor's website.The purpose of a website redesign is to elevate the existing website’s layout with modern aesthetics. It captivates the audience and makes them want to explore more.
Content Refresh
Good content acts as the cornerstone of a fulfilling user journey. Non-informative and boring content disrupts the user flow and turns your visitors away, decreasing your search ranking. With regular website redesigns, you also keep your content fresh and enhance the user flow.
Accessibility
A website that's not accessible to all users is at a disadvantage! Redesigning ensures the website has all the latest features per the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This not only expands your reach but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.
Conversion Optimization
The primary purpose of your website is to convert visitors into customers. By analysing user behaviour, you can implement best practices in your website to guide visitors through the sales funnel. From optimising CTA buttons to simplifying the checkout process - small changes can have a big impact.
Customer Support
Apart from a marketing medium, your website is also a customer support portal. Redesigning your site allows you to integrate better customer support features like live chat, chatbots, or a FAQ section, leading to higher overall customer satisfaction.
Understanding User Experience (UX) in Website Redesign
While undergoing website redesigning, understanding and optimising User Experience (UX) is crucial for success. You can gather user insights through surveys, interviews, and analytics data to understand their needs and behaviours.Then, with the help of personas, you can map out their journeys and conduct competitor analyses for improvement. These insights can help you revamp the website's information, making it more user-centric. Further, a strategic content plan and design can enhance the website's overall appeal.Don’t forget feedback loops and A/B testing to monitor analytics, ensure accessibility, and optimise performance. Remember, it will be an ongoing process!
The Goals of a Successful Redesign
Your website is a tool that can either take your business to new heights or hold it back. Now, it is time to understand the goals of a successful website redesign -
Competitive Advantage
A successful website redesign gives your business a competitive advantage by creating a website that offers unique value to your target audience. You can differentiate yourself from the competition through innovative design, compelling content, or cutting-edge features.
Fast Loading Speed
Slow-loading websites frustrate users and can negatively impact your search engine rankings. You can optimise loading speed by compressing images, minimising code, and leveraging browser caching. A fast-loading website reduces bounce rates and increases the likelihood of conversion.
Better Analytics and Tracking
A website redesign includes robust analytics and tracking tools that allow you to gather valuable insights. With this data, you can refine your marketing strategies and make data-driven improvements to your website over time.
Privacy and Security
A successful website redesign prioritises privacy and security measures, including SSL encryption and data protection regulations like GDPR. A secure website builds trust with users and protects your business from legal issues.
The Steps Involved
A successful website redesign can breathe new life into your website with improved user experience. Below are the steps involved in a website redesign:
Conduct a Website Audit
First, understand the current state of your website! Conduct a thorough website audit to evaluate what's working and needs improvement. Check aspects like -
- Site speed
- SEO performance
- UI and UX
Gather User Feedback
Your website exists for your audience, so what matters the most is their opinions and feedback. Use mediums like surveys, interviews, and analytics data to gather insights on what they dislike.
Design a User-friendly Website
Based on the collected feedback and insights, recreate your website. Don’t forget aspects like mobile responsiveness, clear navigation, and better CTA buttons. This ensures that visitors can easily access what they're looking for.
Create a Content Strategy
Try creating new, valuable content for your website or simply optimise existing content for SEO. Well-organized and informative content not only attracts visitors but also keeps them engaged.
Add Design and Visual Elements
Visual elements capture and retain visitors' attention. Choosing seamless colour schemes, typography, imagery, and other visual elements ensures your design is consistent across all website pages.
Measure Success
To check the success of your website redesign, set some key performance indicators (KPIs) such as -
- High Website Traffic
- Longer time spent on pages
- Reduced bounce rates
- Higher conversion rates
Regularly monitor these metrics to track the redesign impact. You’ll further be able to identify areas that still need improvements.
Marketing & Promotion
Once you are all set with redesigning, it's time to take your website live and promote it. Use social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to boost traffic.
Challenges During Website Redesign & Tips to Overcome Them
Lack of Clear Objectives
Lack of well-defined goals results in a website failing to meet the business's needs and users' expectations.To overcome this, ask yourself questions like:What is the primary purpose of my website?Who is my target audience?What are my KPIs
Content Management and Migration
Migrating content from an old website to a new one can be daunting because there is too much-existing content. Start by conducting a content audit and segregating the content based on what should be retained, revised, or removed.
Technical Issues
Constant technical glitches often lead to slow loading times and broken links. To fix this, collaborate with experienced web developers and UI/UX designers who are well-versed in the technologies you plan to implement.
SEO Fluctuation
Website redesign can sometimes negatively impact your search engine rankings due to changes in URL structures, content, and meta tags. Monitor SEO metrics and adjust the site accordingly to ensure optimum SEO performance.
Data and User Privacy Concerns
Failing to address data privacy concerns can lead to legal issues and damage the brand's reputation. Implement security measures like encryption and conduct regular security audits. Try to seek legal advice to ensure full compliance with data protection laws.
Measuring Success After A Website Redesign
Post a website redesign, measuring success is imperative to ensure you have met your defined goals and objectives.Here’s a simple checklist for you to compare the redesigned website with the earlier one-
- Website Traffic
- Conversion Rates
- SEO Performance
- Mobile Responsiveness
- User Experience (UX)
- Page Load Speed
- Revenue and ROI
How to Find a Good Website Redesign Company?
A good website redesign company can help you achieve a successful online presence. First, define your objectives and set a realistic budget to find one such company. Go for online searches or referrals and make a rough list.Check out their portfolios and clients’ websites to examine the quality and diversity of their work. You can even reach out to their prior clients for feedback if possible. Once you’re clear that the company holds significant expertise relevant to your project, interact with them and ask them pertinent questions about their design process and project management.Don’t forget to review contracts and agreements and trust your instincts closely. This diligent process will give you guaranteed results.
Conclusion
Website redesign is paramount as it is a crucial touchpoint between your business and potential customers. The indicators for a website redesign need to be updated design, proper navigation, or an overall poor user experience. Through a website redesign, you are refreshing the visual appeal of your business’s website and addressing critical aspects such as content quality, accessibility, and conversion optimisation.Looking to the future, website redesign will remain a cornerstone of maintaining a competitive edge. In an era where online presence is synonymous with business success, website redesigning will continue to be a vital tool for growth, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage for business owners.