One of the biggest challenges many companies face today concerns the look of their website. What does their website convey about them? What first impression – positive or negative – will a potential customer get when he or she clicks on it? Is the website easily navigable and can consumers find the information they are looking for?
Although a website cannot replace the value and service a company must provide in order to keep customers returning, having a well-designed and updated website is vital for a company’s success. However, redesigning your website takes time and precious money.
Sometimes, companies have invested significant sums into redesigning their websites, only to see no improvement in sales and failure to even engage their target audience.
Here are some questions one should consider before spending valuable money into redesigning your website.
1. Is the website old and outdated?
We cannot escape the truth that looks count. Potential customers who encounter a company’s website that looks as if it was created over a decade ago using Frontpage will be left with a negative impression about the company itself and will be less likely to stay on the company’s page.
2.Can consumers find the information they want?
Can consumers find the information they are looking for without any – or the least possible – hassle? Usually, if consumers cannot find the specific information they are searching for in two or three clicks, they will leave. We are a bit impatient, admittedly, and want to get what we came for and move on as soon as possible.
3. Is the website easily navigable?
Will your target audience encounter major challenges when navigating your website? All websites may need some tweaking at one time or another, but if your website is too difficult for customers to navigate, has too many distractions, is too busy, and sends them in a maze, they will leave.
4. Is your website mobile friendly?
As more and more customers use mobile for retail transactions, restaurant and travel reservations, medical appointments, and other purposes, it is vital to have a website that is mobile friendly. Mobile interaction will continue to increase as consumers remain constantly on the go, as well as the main reason – the mobile phone is always in their hands.
