Taking on a website redesign can seem like a daunting process. Your current website may have served you well for quite some time, but it might be time to give it a makeover.  I run across many business owners who skip that advice for fear of time and potential costs to redesign their website, however it can actually be a very sound investment. Your website is the online face of your business, it’s generally the first thing your clients or potential clients see when they look you up online. If your 10 year old building’s paint was faded, some doors were broken and a few windows cracked wouldn’t you invest some money to fix those issues?

 

So here are 7 reasons why that website face lift might be a good idea:

1. Websites Need To Be Mobile Friendly In Today’s Marketplace
More and more people are using smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices to access the internet. In fact tablet purchases are expected to surpass desktop and notebook computer purchases in 2014. So rather than creating several mobile versions of your website to cater to those visitors, you should look into responsive website design. It’s a process we’re extremely familiar with at Raincross Marketing. Simply put, responsive design means that your website automatically adjusts to the size of the device it’s being viewed on. So it doesn’t matter what device (Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, iPhone, Android, etc…) the viewer is using they get the same look and feel across the board.

2. Incorporate Social Media
Word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to market your business, and that is essentially what social media delivers. If you do not have social media accounts linked to your business and your website, you’re probably losing customers to your competitors who are already doing it. Your site should have all of the major social sites linked, as well as making social sharing tools available so that customers can Tweet( Twitter), Like (Facebook), or Pin (Pinterest) your content to their own network.

3. Improve Site Functionality
There are a number of different ways to market your site that you might not be using. Adding things like a company blog or videos to your website can give it a new lease on life and make it a whole lot more interactive to your customers.

4. Make It Easier To Navigate
The average internet user has a pretty short attention span when it comes to surfing the web. If they can’t find what they need on your site with a couple of mouse clicks, they will move on. Make sure that your site is well laid out and incredibly easy to navigate.

5. Rebrand Your Business
If you have changed your logo, company messaging, or any other aspect of your business, that is something that will need to be reflected on your website. Your design and content will need to be changed so that it remains consistent with the direction of your business.

6. Keep It Current
Web design does not stand still, as designers we are always looking for new ways to push the envelope and deliver a better product. It really does help to stay on top of design trends and technology, as it allows your site to move forward with the times.

7. For The Sake Of A Change
If you find that you are getting tired of the look and layout of your website, there is a pretty good chance that your customers are, too. Going with a design change can generate some buzz and get people excited about your business again.

Yes, overhauling your website is not necessarily something that will happen overnight, but partnering with a respected web design company like Raincross Marketing can help make this process easier. A great looking, functional site is essential to your marketing strategy, so make sure to keep it as fresh and as exciting as possible!