|
My site is working fine. The links work. Content is added regularly. We have
new features. Why does my company need a re-design?
Those are all great things. Sites should be updated regularly, have new features
added, and by far have working links. However, as the site grows it soon outgrows
its foundation. Leading to an unorganized use of content, poor usability, and
eventually chaos. A re-design is a perfect opportunity to take an inventory
and put things back on track. It will also allow for a better user experience.
New Foundation
With any re-design it is a great time to do a little rethinking. Looking at
the current site a question needs to be asked. What is it that people want when
coming to my site? By understanding what it is people are looking for from your
site you will be able to better position that information within the architecture
of the entire site.
Judging by the Cover
The old adage "Never judge a book by its cover" doesn't apply to your
website. Users to your site make quick and often harsh judgment calls within
seconds of viewing your homepage. By making outstanding first impression with
a crisp, clean, professional look the user gets a sense of trust from the company
behind the site.
Follow the Leader
Your site could have the exact information a specific user is looking for. However,
if it takes too long for them to locate it chances are they will go somewhere
else to find the information. By making your site as user friendly as possible
you will be able to guide the user to specific areas of content. Bringing content
that is hidden under multiple clicks to the forefront makes it easy for a user
to locate. As well as, leads the user to other areas of your site that they
might not have known about.
New Experience
New features can dramatically improve the user experience. Online calendars
that allow a user to register for events are a perfect example of how a simple
feature increases the value of a site. No longer does the user have to call
or mail in an RSVP card. As such, the company doesn't need a person to answer
the phone for every registration.
Cheapest Employee
Your website could be your cheapest employee. It has already been mentioned
that your site could make your day-to-day tasks a thing of the past. By adding
features to your site that help educate your user base, enhance marketing efforts,
as well as, develop a sense of who your users are you are in reality making
your site work harder for you. The simple fact is that you have a site. Why
not make it work harder and do more for you and your company? An offshoot of
adding features like this is that your users have more interaction with your
site and your company.
Your Future Customers
The whole goal of a re-design is to create a better experience for your users.
There are many approaches to attain such a goal. Maybe it is a new look, a revised
navigation scheme, or a complete overhaul. Whatever the outcome, your site should
reflect the company behind the site and insure a sense of trust with you future
customers.
About the Author:
Craig Kistler is a freelance web designer specializing in graphic re-designs,
complete web development, flash, e-card, and banners, as well as, print design,
identities, and stragtegies. |
