In the world of website redesign, less truly is more. You want your website to be easy to read and easy to search. Here are 5 tips to on how to start a website redesign so that your website is easy to navigate and provides all the necessary information your viewers want:
Narrow your focus
Make a list of all of the elements that you want out of your website. Then look through your list and strike out everything that is non-essential for your visitors. To get started, ask yourself these questions: What information will viewers be looking for? What major takeaways do you want to offer your visitors about your company? If you need to, do some informal research with people outside your company to determine what information they would want to gather from your website and what information would detract from their overall experience.
Strategically develop pages
Your website will need multiple pages, but it probably doesn’t need more than a handful. In keeping with the above point, think about what information visitors will be specifically looking for. Some suggestions: an “about” page, a “contact information” page, a “services offered” page, and a blog/news page. Most businesses can work within this type of model.
Limit the colors
Your goal for a business website is readability, so make sure your color scheme is easy on the eyes. Stick with a basic color scheme using only 2-3 colors. With so many options available it can be tempting to go overboard, but too many colors will make your website look chaotic and unorganized instead of sleek and easy to navigate. Think about using colors that complement or contrast your company logo.
Limit your graphics
Just like colors, graphics can take your website from simple to overwhelming. Decide what, if any, image you want to portray on your website and how. Graphics should be used sparingly so as not to overwhelm your visitors. Choose images that support the content display on your website, instead of distracting from it.
Logo
With the above being said, make sure your company’s logo is prominently placed on your website so that visitors will associate that particular graphic with your company. Link your logo back to your home page so that viewers can easily navigate around your site. The top left corner of the page is the most common location for a company logo, so that is where visitors will look to find it.
Whether you are just starting to build your company’s website or you’re trying to simplify it, the above tips should show you how to start your website redesign. Keep in mind throughout the process that your ultimate goal is to create a website that is easy to search and that gives visitors all the information they need to choose your company over another one. This doesn’t require bells and whistles–just a simple design and clear information. For more critical steps in website redesign, check out our free eBook below. The team outlines key things to include in a website redesign and 7 ways to improve your website right now while a redesign is underway.