
Website Refresh: Signs it's Time for a Redesign
17 hours ago
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Sales, marketing, and operational leaders know the importance of having a high-performing, user-friendly website for your business. As design trends evolve and user engagement behavior changes, your site needs to stay on pace.
Whether it's a complete overhaul or a design tune-up, staying on trend and user-focused with your website are non-negotiables. Choosing the right website design partner is also mission-critical.
Timing and Trends for Your Website Re-Design
To help identify when it's time to give your site a facelift and share the latest web design trends, we asked a friend of Femfluence, Jason White, to lend his web and UX design expertise.
What are the top signs your website needs a redesign?
“ I'd say a major one is if your site is not adhering to accessibility guidelines. Not only is it just bad practice, but your site should be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant if you want to avoid legal action.
If the design is outdated, maybe take a look at the color scheme or how it's being used. Is the content hard to read?
Are there little issues that bug you with the user experience like bad navigation, or it's difficult for users to find the right information? Is the site just really slow?”
What are the current trends in website design?
“I see people using progressive enhancement (meaning your design prioritizes the user experience then you build the site's functionality from the ground up) more and more these days. New browser features are popping up all the time, and we shouldn't have to wait to use them.
You can build sites that serve a wonderful experience for people using new browsers. If other users are using an older browser, they still get the same content, just a slightly "less cool" user experience.
Static sites, or mostly static sites are definitely something I see more of lately. And for content-driven sites, I think this is the way to go. You can still use a CMS with static sites if you wish.”
What are the benefits of these trends?
“The great thing about building sites with progressive enhancement in mind is
that you're already building for the future. As users update their browsers, they
will simply get a better experience.
Static sites are fast. Like, really fast. A static site with good accessibility, SEO and properly optimized assets will not only benefit all users, but it'll also give you better page rankings. They can also be hosted for a lot less money.”
What is your favorite element to include when designing a site?
“I think a really good "hero" section is one of the most fun things to design for a client.
I like to work in photography or any other branding materials the client may have. It's the first thing your users see, so it's best to make it stand out and be unique!”
What is your least favorite?
“Carousels.”
When it is Time to Call in a Web Design Expert
Once you’ve decided to revamp your website, selecting the right design and development partner is important. Here are 3 popular options to consider:
1. Freelancers
Freelancers are an excellent choice if you’re looking for personalized service and a unique design. They often:
Provide flexibility in terms of pricing and timelines.
Offer a tailored approach to match your specific needs.
Allow for direct communication throughout the process.
Freelancers can be ideal for businesses with specific design requirements or those wanting to work closely with a dedicated professional.
2. Subscription-Based Website Design Services
Subscription-based platforms are becoming increasingly popular. These services:
Offer ongoing support and updates as part of the package.
Often includes templates, hosting, and maintenance in one fee.
Are cost-effective for businesses that need a reliable, hands-off solution.
This option is especially useful for smaller businesses or startups looking for an easy-to-manage site.
3. Traditional Website Design Agencies
For businesses with larger budgets or more complex needs, traditional web design agencies are a reliable choice. These agencies:
Provide a full-service experience, from strategy and design to development and post-launch support.
Have teams of experts specializing in various aspects of web design and marketing.
Are ideal for businesses seeking a highly customized and scalable solution.
Working with a web design agency ensures you have a full team working behind the scenes to build your site. However, a large project team can also mean that the cost of your project will be exponentially higher and may take longer to complete. Most mid-sized to enterprise businesses choose to work with traditional agencies.
Don’t Let Your Site Go Stale
If your website hasn’t been updated in a while, it’s time to give it a thorough once-over. Start by evaluating its design, speed, functionality, and alignment with your brand. Embracing trends like minimalism and static websites can help you create a site that’s not only modern but also efficient and user-friendly.
Remember, your website is a powerful piece of your marketing toolkit. Keeping it fresh and functional ensures you’re putting your best foot forward in today’s competitive landscape.