by Teri Robnett
(published in Brainstorm! July 2004)

Keeping your web site up-to-date is always a good idea, but before spending the money, think about the reasons behind redesigning your site. Otherwise, you may not be satisfied with the results. Consider these times when a redesign is the right choice, for you and your visitors.

Update your style
You probably don't wear leisure suits and sport a mullet anymore, but these things were once popular-even mainstream. Thankfully, styles change. That's why it's important to occasionally review a site to see if it's aging. What was popular a couple of years ago might not be popular anymore.

Stand out from the pack
Once you evaluate the competition's sites, you might find that they all look similar. What can you do with your site that will be different-even better? What makes your business different and how can you express that on your Web site? Consider ways you can change the site to set it apart from the rest.

Express yourself
The goals and objectives of a business change over time. Without a continual review of your Web site, the design may not adequately reflect the intent of the company. In fact, if you haven't changed the design or updated the content, the visitor might feel that the business is living in the past rather than preparing for the future.

Increase traffic
Just changing your site's appearance can increase traffic and return visits. The viewer perceives changes and drops by more often to see what's new. Furthermore, during a redesign you have the opportunity to improve navigational issues and optimize the site for better search engine results.

Employ new technology
For many, the days of creating HTML pages one at a time have changed. In fact, with the sophistication of some of the content management systems available these days, such as those provided by Whole Brain Technologies, redesigning a site to include advancements in technology may be greatly beneficial in the long run.

Improve communication
The concept of writing for the Web has evolved but your content may not have. By redesigning a site employing new content management tools, you can keep the message the visitor receives fresh and current.

Whole Brain Technologies can help you with decisions about redesigning your Web site. For a professional review of your site, please call 303-410-9600 or email info@wholebraintech.com.

Publishing Guidelines: You have permission to publish this article as long as the source is properly cited and a link to www.wholebraintech.com is included. Do not edit it in any way without permission. Please notify us of its publication by sending either a website link or a courtesy copy of your publication to .