The thought of building a new website can be exciting, but it’s easy to get caught up in that excitement without evaluating if you really need a new website. There are important steps to take and key factors to consider before moving forward. Here are a few things to ask yourself before diving into the website process.
Do You Really Need a New Website or Just a Refresh?
One of the first things to evaluate is whether a brand-new site is necessary, or if a simple refresh could do the trick. Here are a few considerations.
Outdated or hard-to-navigate design
If your website looks like it’s from the early 2000s or feels like a maze your users need to navigate, a new website could be the right move. Website trends change, and so do user expectations.
Mobile responsiveness
If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing out on a large portion of visitors. A responsive design that adapts to mobile, tablet, and desktop screens is essential today.
Performance issues
Is your website slow to load or riddled with errors? Poor performance not only frustrates users but can hurt your search engine ranking as well.
Missed opportunities for growth
Have you expanded your services, products, or publications, but your website hasn’t kept up, it might be time for a complete overhaul.
If your website checks some of these boxes, a full redesign may be the right call. But sometimes, you just need a refresh, which might include:
- Updating your design: Adding a modern look while keeping the existing content intact.
- Reworking content: Refreshing copy, images, or calls to action (CTAs) can breathe new life into your site without changing everything.
When a Refresh Is Enough
Not every website needs a complete overhaul. If your core message and branding are still strong, a refresh might be all you need. Consider these scenarios:
Your content is still relevant, but the design feels outdated
A fresh coat of paint can make your site look modern and appealing again without the headache of starting from scratch.
You’ve added new services
Instead of redesigning the whole site, you may just need to add new sections or update your services page to reflect new products or services.
Improving SEO
If your traffic isn’t where you want it to be, a content update might help. Updating blog posts, adding new keywords, and ensuring your website speed is optimized can make a huge difference in your site’s performance.
In these cases, a refresh can extend the life of your website, making it more relevant and effective without the time and expense of a complete redesign.
Preparing for a New Website Build
If you’ve made the decision to go with a new website, preparation is key to success. Here are some steps to take before diving in:
Clarify your business goals
What do you want your new website to achieve? Whether it’s increasing sales, growing your email list, or raising brand awareness, knowing your end goal will help guide the design and functionality of your site.
Perform a content audit
Before you throw everything out and start fresh, evaluate what’s working and what’s not. This is a good time to get rid of outdated information, refine your messaging, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Understand your audience
Who are you designing for? Knowing your target audience inside and out will help you create a website that resonates with them and meets their needs. Make sure your website aligns with what they’re looking for.
Know What You Want from Your Website
Before embarking on the website-building journey, take some time to really understand what you want your site to do. Is it simply an online business brochure, or do you want it to generate leads, showcase your portfolio, or help you sell more books? The more you can clarify your goals, page by page, the better the outcome.
A few features to consider include:
- Lead capture: Do you need forms, pop-ups, or landing pages to capture contact info or sales?
- E-commerce functionality: Will you be selling products or books directly from your website?
- Content management: Will you be adding blog posts, client testimonials, or case studies regularly? Ensure the design supports these needs.
Setting Realistic Expectations for your Website Process
Planning your website isn’t just about design; it’s also about setting expectations for the entire process. Two key considerations include your budget and your timeline.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Building a website can be a big investment. Consider what you’re willing to spend and be realistic about what you can afford. A high-quality website can range in price, so it’s important to have an understanding of the costs involved—whether you’re working with a professional designer or building it yourself.
Setting a Timeline to Help Manage Expectations
The design and development process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity. Rushing through the process can lead to missed opportunities, so ensure your schedule allows for thoughtful planning, content creation, and feedback loops.
Is It Time to Build Your New Website?
It’s important to be thoughtful about the decision to launch a new website. It’s an investment of both time and money, and there are a lot of moving pieces. By evaluating whether you need a new site or just a refresh, understanding your audience, setting clear goals, and managing your budget and timeline, you’ll set yourself up for success. And remember, whether you’re designing a new website or giving your current one a facelift, make sure it aligns with your overall business strategy and speaks directly to your audience’s needs.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking for a fully custom website or a more cost-effective solution with a modular build, Sandra Lee Creative offers flexible options to meet your needs. I specialize in helping authors, speakers, and business owners build a strong online presence that fits your vision and your budget.
Let’s chat about how we can bring your ideas to life with a website that works as hard as you do. Schedule a free consultation today to explore your options!
