At some point in every business’s life comes the time for a website makeover. Outdated design and functionality are two of the most compelling reasons to invest in a website makeover, but there are plenty more. Rising customer expectations, keeping a competitive edge in a fierce economic climate, and business expansion are each driving forces behind making the decision to freshen up the online space.
One of my favorite books (and television show of the same name) is What Not to Wear by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. Audiences LOVE transformations, which is one of the reasons behind the book’s and show’s tremendous success. On the show each week, one woman who has style challenges is nominated by loving friends and family to be completely made over by the What Not to Wear team. An initial assessment of her lifestyle, career, family, and the like is given and then the fun begins.
Each woman featured on the program must agree to three rules in order to play:
1. She must get rid of everything in her closet and start with a clean slate;
2. She must accept a prepaid Visa card loaded with $5000 to use on a shopping spree in New York City during her makeover week;
3. She must be open to the wisdom and guidance of the What Not to Wear team of professionals.
By the end of the week, the makeovers are nothing short of spectacular, even if the featured woman initially experienced doubts, anxiety, or resistance.
Here Are 5 Ways to Tell It’s Time for a Website Makeover
Just like on the What Not to Wear show, businesses with an outdated website may need a little outside help recognizing their site isn’t as current as it could be. That tie-dyed concert tee shirt from the Grateful Dead tour in 1983 may be a beloved wardrobe item, but isn’t what you should wear to work.
Here are 5 ways to tell it’s time to get your website made over:
1. It isn’t responsive, meaning it doesn’t show up on all the cool new devices like smartphones or tablets.
2. It takes forever and a day to load.
3. The last time it was designed, Bill Clinton was still the president.
4. It plays music that can’t be turned off when you first get to it.
5. Your kids laugh every time they see it.
A Website Makeover Isn’t Painful
Fashion isn’t the only industry susceptible to trends. Trends in webdesign come and go, too. However, like the little black dress and the tuxedo, certain elements of webdesign are timeless: ease of navigation, clear call-to-action, and simple headers will never go out of style. The key to having a successful and up-to-date website is learning what works and what no longer applies (acid washed jeans, anyone?) and then implementing the appropriate updates.
While getting a makeover may at first seem scary or uncomfortable, those uneasy feelings melt away when the new site is unveiled and everyone loves the new look. The most common comment I hear from my clients upon seeing their new site is: “I don’t know why I waited so long to do this!”
What to Look for in a Website Makeover Specialist
Whether you built your website yourself or hired someone to do it, you could benefit from working with a website makeover specialist. It’s the very rare individual who can objectively step back and see the big picture of her wardrobe — or her website. Enlisting the help of an outsider with the knowledge and expertise to make a positive change can make a big difference in the long run.
So what should you look for when you are in the market for a website makeover specialist? First, be sure to see that they have actually done website makeovers before. Ask to see samples of their work. Get referrals. Also make sure they do a full assessment of where you are now and where you’d like to be.
As a client, it helps to have 2-3 examples of websites you like to use as discussion points. Great website makeover specialists can do wonders, but reading a client’s mind is still not one of them. 🙂
If you have the feeling that it’s time for you or someone you know to get a website makeover, watch this video to find out why a WordPress website is your best bet.
