Redesigning an existing website should not be taken lightly. Your website is part of your brand, and you don't want to make wholesale changes without analyzing the image you want to portray. Cost is another factor to consider. Website designers are not cheap (I know we should be, right!), and there is no sense in spending money for no reason. So how do we know when it is time to redesign an existing website? The guidelines outlined below may help.

Business Information
Is the information regarding your business up to date? Can visitors contact you? If not, update the data or continue analyzing whether or not your website needs redesigning.

Search Engines
Does your website show up in search engines? Finding your website in web searches is critical. If your site does not show up in search engines, either implement search engine optimization strategies or continue the analysis of your site.

Navigation
Can you navigate your website effortlessly? Often, as websites grow, the navigation can get muddled or confusing. Contact your website designer to fix the problem, or add this to your list of potential reasons to redesign your website.

Appearance
Is your website out of date, disorganized, or is your color scheme out of synch with your brand? Extensive changes may be challenging but can often take place without a redesign. Cost comparisons will help you decide if changes or a redesign make more sense.

Performance
Does the layout of your website make sense? Does it load quickly? Over time, graphics, photos, and other items can slow your website. Information can overlap between pages and make converting visitors to customers difficult. A website review may reveal opportunities to optimize performance and content.

Call to Action
Does your website deliver a call to action? If not, add one or include it in your redesign. Appealing to your visitors to take action helps you convert them into customers.

These guidelines may help you decide if a website redesign makes sense for you. Making relevant changes to your existing website may save you time and money, but there are times when a redesign makes the most sense.