subject: Web Redesigning Basics and Guidelines for the Most Attractive and Profitable Website [print this page] Web Redesigning Basics and Guidelines for the Most Attractive and Profitable Website
You have a website up and running, when was it designed? Probably a few years ago, does it have text in Times New Roman, does it fit an 800X600 screen resolution, and does it have pop-ups? Well, these are indications that your website is in dire need of an upgrade. But, when thinking of redesigning your website, there are some important things that need to be taken into account, some things which are not that critical when designing a new website. Here are some website redesigning guidelines that will help create an attractive and lucrative website.
Get everything right from that start
When planning to redesign a website, it can be very tempting to create something, upload it and see people's reaction after all; you can always change can't you. True you can change the design of your site whenever you wish but in the process you will most likely be isolating existing and potential clients. This is because they will have to struggle with an unrefined web design, then start learning how to use the new website... this can be rather major, hence you need to get every little thing right from the start.
Don't touch the navigation and functionality
Never redesign a website to make your visitors feel like strangers to a new website. Implement the changes in a gradual pace. If possible, you should put more focus on the design of the website and not the functionality or navigation. Actually, the web design is unessential to your visitors as they mostly visit the website to 'do' something and not really stare at the attractive background. Keep your functionality and navigation constant and put more emphasis on visual and not 'mechanical'.
Redesign with your analytics reports in mind
The best thing about redesigning a website is that you already are aware of what works well in your industry and what doesn't. With time, you have come to know the pages that people like, those that have high bounce rate, and those that they spend most of their time in. When redesigning therefore, you should pay attention to the analytics report and you will end up with not only an attractive website but one that is customized to your clients needs.
Incorporate a search box
When redesigning a website, it is very easy to include a customized search box, and even affordable to use the Google version, contributing greatly to your website's usability. In case an old web page disappears, the search bar will ensure it is found when needed.
Ensure old pages are redirected
What could be more annoying and maddening than visiting an old bookmark only to get a 404 message and not getting what you want? Simply put, ensure that all old pages are redirected to their updated counterparts.
Keep the abovementioned guidelines when thinking of redesigning your website and you will end up with not only an attractive website but one that is also user-friendly and more importantly, profitable.
