Web Makeovers
1. If it was designed more than 3 years ago, it
may need a new look. Technology has changed
along with programs, coding and search engines. Also,
people want instant gratification so text-heavy and
slow-loading sites are a thing of the past.
2. If you had a friend or relative design your site.
There is much more to designing an effective
website than creating a Word document or Illustrator
drawing. Friends or relatives most likely will not have
extensive knowledge and experience with html
coding, search engines and usability. Also, they may
not have the time to devote and your website
becomes a low priority.
3. Has your business changed and your website
doesn’t reflect the new image, products or services?
Take a look at your site about every 3 months
and see what needs to be updated or added to keep
up with your business focus.
4. Did you create your website from a printed
brochure? A brochure is something that people
can hold in their hands and read. A website is a
visual image and you’ve got about 6 seconds to
capture a potential client. People scan rather than
read online. If you’ve literally “copied” your brochure
to make a website, it may be a good idea to
streamline the text.
5. Does your website really reflect the image
you want to portray to your target audience? If
you are trying to appeal to a high-end clientele then
your website should reflect a high-end image. I am
not saying spend considerable dollars on a web
redesign. It’s almost better to have no website than
a home-made, half-baked site that will leave the
wrong impression.
Five Easy Steps to a Web Makeover
1. Vertical Sites - Print each page of your
site. Fold
each page in half from top to bottom. Is the most
important information above the fold? Horizontal
Sites - Print each page. Is any of
the
information or photos cut off on the right? Is it
important to you that people print your pages? If so,
ask your web designer to adjust the pixel width.
2. Delete Pages - Check your statistics and
delete
the pages that no one visits.
3. Photos - Nothing dates a site faster than
old
photos.
4. Text - Avoid using industry acronyms.
Speak to
your audience.
5. Keyword phrases - Choose 2, 3 and even
4-word
keyword phrases that specifically describe your
products or services. Place these phrases visibly on
your pages in addition to the meta tag area. Search
engines need words to
find/categorize your site, not just pictures.
Anita Larson, The Web Muse & Co. http://www.thewebmuse.com
Creating websites to attract your ideal clients.
Are you losing business to your competition because
your site isn’t the best it could be? Give us a call at 303.791.9539 or
drop us an email if you’re wondering if your site is
ready for a makeover.
