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Websites need continuous improvement. Take just a few minutes to browse around and you will undoubtedly discover sites looking old, obsolete and most importantly--lacking in useful content.
Before you embark on recreating your website redesign vision in the New Year, keep in mind that a website redesign project involves changing and enhancing several components of your website including changing navigation structure, adding new content and functionality, in addition to design modifications. Your visual presence on the web should always accurately reflect your company’s image and personality, as well as be consistent with any print or offline collateral your organization may utilize. If you're considering redesigning your company's website in 2010, here's a quick checklist to make sure you're on the right track:
Investigate What Your Current Site Visitors Are Doing.
Analyzing web traffic data and learn what users currently experience on your site. Try to create a list top three reasons why customers visit your site so you can address those needs with your redesign.
Record All Incoming Links to Your Current Website.
It's very important to examine what assets you currently have and make sure that any incoming links aren't broken once you make changes to your website. This is very important in order to avoid the dreaded 404 error page for people finding your site through Google and other robots.
Define Your Target Audience.
Get into their shoes and think like they think. What are their needs? What are their interests? What will grab their attention? What is memorable enough about your website that you will capture the repeat visitor?
Carefully Consider Your Theme and Your "Look and Feel".
Your theme and "look and feel" will communicate vibes to visitors. Additionally, remember that your "look and feel" should be consistent throughout all collateral both online and offline.
Define your Strategic Goals.
Never jump into a website redesign just to keep up with Joneses. Document the purpose and quantifiable goals for your redesign. It is essential that you are able to articulate your reasons and goals before you can go any further.
Make Sure You Have Content Creation on the Brain.
People come to your site for content. So, make sure all of your content is clear, up-to-date, accurate, easy to locate and well-written. Be sure to include more than just your company information – provide articles, blog posts, fresh news links, and other information that will attract people to your site. Test your content with customers along the way to be sure it is useful, intersting and makes sense. If you're not blogging, consider adding a blog to your website offering as it could greatly simplify your marketing program.
Choose Keywords Carefully
Keywords determine your ranking within search engines. Be sure that your keywords correspond with your target audience's informational needs.
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Your company’s website is without a doubt one of its most important assets. Your 2010 website redesign must be done in the context of a greater Internet marketing strategy in order to get the most out of it.
photo by kharied
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Learn how to redesign your website with an internet marketing strategy in mind with Mike Volpe, HubSpot's VP of Marketing.
Download the webinar and learn how to turn your website into an internet marketing machine.
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