Nothing lasts forever — in the technology world, that is. Web design is always changing, and keeping up requires constant evaluation of the appearance, functionality, and user interaction on your site. What’s “popular” today might be outdated next month! Even in Des Moines, new trends appear faster than you can refresh this page, but the ones that last are the ones you should pay attention to. Staying current on trends will help you decide when it’s time for a redesign. Still not sure? Look out for these six warning signs.
1. It’s not mobile-friendly
If your website is only desktop or laptop compatible, it is no longer acceptable in today’s world. In 2014 the number of mobile search surpassed its desktop counterpart. Users are now searching with their mobile devices — phones, tablets, gaming devices, and now (can you believe it!) watches, to access websites on the go. Not having a mobile-friendly site basically eliminates 60% of your audience. Mobile users want a fast, seamless browsing experience with the information accessible at their fingertips–without having to zoom in. And while mobile first is a web design trend that is almost becoming an industry-wide standard, don’t forget about the larger displays such as Internet TVs and wide desktop monitors. Responsive web design will allow your site to be easily viewed on all devices.
2. Your fonts remember Y2K
If you still use Comic Sans, it’s time for a redesign. Typography is important to establish the mood and tone of your site and maintain your brand identity. Branding yourself with fonts that are suited for your industry and your unique personality will help users make a connection to your company. Font size is equally as important as font style. We’ve all visited a site that you had to zoom in to read the content – and no one wants that!
Not only is it important for users to be able to read the content, but it is important for them to find what they’re looking for. If users don’t find the content that they need, they will immediately navigate away from your page. To help with this, make sure that you’re writing for your audience. Tell your customers what they want to know. Your goal is to write content that is interesting and entices the user to read further, and if you haven’t updated your content in over a year, it’s definitely time for a refresh.
3. Your layout’s been dieting a little too long
Everyone knows those sites. The ones that are too narrow and stuck at the left side of the screen. The site where you have to zoom in to read the content because it’s one-fourth the size of a normal site? If this sounds familiar, please redesign for the sake of all web users. No one will spend time on a site that is hard to read and navigate. Instead, choose a fixed width or full width site. These terms are used to describe a majority of the sites you visit today. Full width sites will take up the entire width of your browsing screen. Fixed widths, as the name suggests, remain “fixed” at the same width for every browser.
Although there is no perfect size to choose when designing a website, ensuring the final result is responsive is always best. As mentioned earlier, responsive designs adjust to the screen size on which your site is being viewed, essentially making them compatible on any device.
4. Plus, it’s built with tables
Table layouts are a thing of the past. They generally increase the complexity of documents and make them more difficult to maintain, along with decreasing a website’s flexibility and limiting its functionality. Non-table-based layouts (divs) are more flexible, easier to maintain, and quicker to load. When using a div layout, your site can be changed and updated more easily.
5. You’re dreaming about editing your site in a flash
If you still use Dreamweaver or Flash to edit your sites, you need an upgrade. And while you may still party like it’s 1999, your website is exhausted. There’s no better way to date your website than to use programs like Dreamweaver and Flash that have been outdated for years and are no longer compatible with the newest web design features. Many people who use these platforms refuse to update content on their site because it’s simply too difficult. Upgrade to a newer content management system such as WordPress or Drupal and you’ll be able to make the changes you want at the click of a button.
6. The copyright stamp is saying it for you
If your copyright date stamp is over 5 years old, it’s time for a redesign. The web is constantly changing, and even as recently as 2010 the design capabilities for websites was limited. In just 5 years, web design has changed significantly! Keeping your site modern and engaging means redesigning your site at least every 2 to 3 years.
Web Redesign for Outdated Sites
Do any of these six reasons describe your site? Don’t panic! Admitting your website needs a redesign is the first step in the right direction, and the benefits of a redesign are endless. Ultimately, a redesign will attract more visitors to your site, and because your website is current and maintained, users are more likely to trust your company and your brand.
Engaging designs and credible sites convert users into customers. Even if you’re not sure if you’re ready for a full revamp, give us a call at 515.334.9544 for a free redesign quote. Our industry-leading team of web developers and designers wants to help you make your website awesome!
