If we’re to put a name to the most critical consumer touchpoint in this digital age, a website is up there for most businesses. Yet when it comes to web design, some business owners settle for less, with the mindset of “don’t fix what isn’t broken.”
So, in this blog, we challenge that idea and help you assess if it’s time you redesign your website. You’ll find helpful tips and information on:
• What Is a Website Redesign?
• Updating Your Website: Website Redesign vs. Website Refresh
• Looking for Signs: Do I Need Web Redesign Services?
• Benefits of Working With a Web Design Company
First, what is a website redesign and how is it different from a website refresh?
What Is a Website Redesign?
A website redesign or web redesign is an all-around revamp of existing web elements, such as the coding, content, structure and visuals, with the objective of providing users with improved functionality, aesthetics and engagement.
Updating Your Website: Website Redesign vs. Website Refresh
The terms “website redesign” and “website refresh” are often used interchangeably, but there is a notable difference between the two. A website redesign is a complete overhaul of a website, while a website refresh is a more superficial update primarily concerned with changes on the visual front.
Redesigning your website includes changes to the website’s layout, design, content and functionality, as mentioned. New features may be introduced besides the complete overhaul of the website’s code.
Meanwhile, a website refresh is a more superficial process to update your website that focuses on its appearance. You can view this process as a minor website optimization, including changes to the website’s color scheme, fonts, images and layout.
Either way, website redesigns and website refreshes are often undertaken when a website is outdated, no longer reflects the brand or is not meeting its business goals. If you’re looking to slightly update your website’s look and feel or make it more mobile-friendly, consider a refresh instead of redesigning your website completely.
But if you’re leaning toward web redesign services yet still uncertain, let’s dive into the signs you need to improve website design with a total redesign.
Looking for Signs: Do I Need Web Redesign Services?
In the business world, it’s crucial to nip problems in the bud. That means recognizing the signs of trouble early and acting swiftly to address them. The same goes for website design — if you see red flags, don’t wait around.
Top five signs it’s time to invest in web redesign services:
Sign #1: High Bounce Rate
A high bounce rate is a metric that measures the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page. If you have a high bounce rate, it can be a sign that your website is not meeting the needs of your visitors or that it is not easy to navigate.
As such, to reduce bounce rate through website optimization and redesign:
• Use simple language on your navigation labels, keeping your navigation menu short and to the point and the content well-organized.
• Create engaging content that will keep visitors on your site. This could include service pages, blog posts, videos or infographics.
• Use effective calls to action to encourage visitors to take the desired next step, such as signing up for your email list or purchasing.
Sign #2: Outdated Design
As design trends evolve, a website can begin to look outdated and unappealing compared to competitors’ websites. If your website is not keeping up with modern design trends, it may be time to change and improve website design.
For a modern look, a web design company or expert may suggest using the following:
• White spaces to create a sense of balance and hierarchy on your website. White space is not ‘wasted space’; it makes your content more readable and visually appealing.
• High-quality stock images. Or you can hire a photographer to take fresh photos for your website. Investing in visuals makes your website look more professional and engaging.
• Modern fonts like Roboto or Lato. These fonts are easy to read and look great on various devices.
Sign #3 Not Mobile-Responsive
In 2023, virtually everyone has gone mobile. If your website isn’t responsive to mobile devices, you’re probably losing potential customers and sales.
Google even rewards sites with higher rankings that are mobile-friendly, so updating your website is vital for mobile viewing. So, to improve website performance for mobile users:
• Use responsive templates and themes if you’re using ready-made designs, so your website automatically adjusts its layout to fit the screen size of the device it is viewed on.
• Use large fonts and images as mobile users have smaller screens so your fonts and images must be large enough to be easily readable.
• Optimize your images by reducing the file size of your images so that they load faster on mobile devices.
Sign #4 Slow Load Time
A website should load quickly, as slow loading times can naturally drive visitors away from your site due to frustration and impatience, contributing to a high bounce rate. It’s best to consider optimizing and redesigning your website if it doesn’t load in two to three seconds.
Apart from choosing the proper hosting provider, keep the following in mind when tackling loading speed:
• Use a content delivery network (CDN) to deliver your web content from the closest server to the user. If you have users from across the world, this is particularly helpful.
• Avoid using too many plugins, as they add much weight to your website, slowing it down. WordPress experts can choose the necessary plugins for you.
• ‘Lazy load’ your images so that they are not loaded until they are actually needed.
Sign #5 Poor SEO Performance
If your website isn’t appearing in the top searches on Google, Bing or other search engines, this could be a call for search engine optimization (SEO) or website optimization.
To ensure you reach your target audience, optimize your website using the latest SEO tactics and ensure all pages are properly indexed and crawled. To improve website performance in search engines:
• Choose keywords or phrases that people will likely use when searching for your website. You can use a keyword research tool to help you find the right keywords.
• Once you have chosen your keywords, you need to use them throughout your website. This includes your title tags, meta descriptions, headers and content.
• Build backlinks, which are links from other websites to your website. They signal to Google that your website is valuable and authoritative. You can build backlinks by guest blogging, social media marketing and participating in online forums.
Understandably, even if you’re willing to learn how to redesign a website, the tips mentioned above are not easy for everyone, especially for business owners who have their hands full. But don’t fret; you always have the option to hire a web design company or expert.
Benefits of Working With a Web Design Company
You’ll reap many benefits when investing in custom web design services for small business campaigns. Remember, a professionally designed website will do more than just look good. To update or improve website design is to:
• Make it easy for visitors to find what they want and take the desired action.
• Give visitors confidence in your brand and its ability to deliver on its promises.
• Convert more visitors into customers or leads.
• Help your website appear higher in search results so more people can find you.
• Ensure your website is accessible and viewable on all devices and browsers so no one is left out.
• Showcase your products in your online storefront better if you have an eCommerce website.
So, if you’re unsure if your website is up to snuff, that’s your green light for a website redesign. And while ready-made templates and themes are enough for some, custom web design services for small business are always the better choice, helping you stand out from the competition.
Your Website Is Your Digital Salesperson: Choose Custom Web Design Services for Small Business
If you’re ready to convert more website visitors with a shiny custom web design, let Thrive help. We are a digital marketing agency that understands how to redesign a website and optimize it for maximum conversions.
Check out our web design portfolio, or talk to our team for a free proposal.
