It is so exciting to take your business online. It is hard to be
unbiased when it comes to looking at the design of your online business.
When evaluating your website
you need to step back and ask yourself two vital questions; How long
has your current site been online and How long has it been since it was
last updated? It might actually throw you back a little to realize the
amount of time it has been since you updated the information, design and
possibly layout of your website.
It is common to have a website designed, online and functioning without
paying any attention to it for years. Will it work for growing your
online business or reputation? The answer is simple, NO! In order for
you online presence to grow, as well as your business, you must keep up
with your website. This includes keeping up with the information
throughout the site and ensure that it is relevant and up-to-date.
If you current site has an outdated look it is time to update it. A
full redesign should be considered as much of the information is
probably just as outdated as the design. Think about it this way, when
you are looking to purchase a home and the kitchen has not been update
since the 80's what is your initial reaction? I am sure most of you
simply pass on the home. The thought being that if the homeowner did not
take time to keep up on the design and updates of the house what else
has not been kept up on. The same is true of your website design.
The next item I will bring to your attention is more subjective and
according to taste. People just enjoy different things. Some people
prefer plastic bracelets some prefer gold however the perception is that
plastic is cheap and gold in not. The same bias holds true for your
website. If your site is done by a professional web designer you should
expect a complete different outcome then if you attempt it on your own
or higher a high school web designer. The more professional it looks the
better the perception from your potential clients.
Another
thing to think about when it comes to your site is upkeep. I know I have
mentioned this more than once. It is so important that when visitors
come to your site they see recent blog posts along with new products,
services or even just fresh information.
When it comes to your
website and the design a great way to attract customers is to have your
contact information visible at first glance. There is nothing more
hated than outdated contact information listed that is difficult to
locate on the site. A lot of website redesigns include a fresh Logo
presence along with strong contact information.
Your website
is to the online world as a display window is to a store front. It is
how the world will see your product and your company. Keeping up to date
on your website will let prospective clients know that you are serious
about your business and its longevity thus proving to them that you are
in it for the long haul and that they should be as well.