How Often Do I Need A WordPress Redesign?
Today, we will delve into a more technical perspective on how the design and coding of your website can influence its durability, along with strategies to prolong it.
Before we dive into the specifics of website redesign timelines, let’s first explore the key technical elements that determine whether your site is outdated and in need of a refresh.
Development: Stay Informed About Evolving Technology
In the past, around 2009 A.D., a software called Flash served as the foundation for millions of websites globally. However, when Apple launched the iPad and declared it would not support Flash-based sites, the web landscape had to adapt. If your website relied on Flash and you aimed to connect with the rapidly increasing number of users accessing the internet via iPads or iPhones, a complete overhaul of your site was necessary, utilizing technologies like JQuery for animations and interactive features.
Simultaneously, the rise of smartphones and the general increase in mobile web usage meant that even non-Flash websites had to evolve to provide a satisfactory user experience for all. This led to a surge in mobile versions of websites, and as mobile screen sizes and resolutions improved, responsive and adaptive technologies emerged. Since this was a relatively new development, many sites were not originally designed to accommodate this shift, necessitating a complete rethinking, redesigning, and rebuilding process.
What You Can Do To Maximize The Longevity Of Your WordPress Website
Consider utilizing a popular, well-supported open-source content management system such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla.
If you opt for a closed-source CMS, you risk facing significant challenges if the company behind it ceases operations or support, potentially forcing you to rebuild your site from scratch. Having a large support community means that many others are likely encountering similar challenges as you, whether it’s figuring out how to make a website compatible with a smartwatch or implementing a new security measure. It’s nearly impossible for your CMS to become instantly outdated. Even with technologies like Flash, the transition took years. For instance, if a new device emerged that didn’t support WordPress sites (which power nearly 25% of all websites globally), it’s likely that users would choose to abandon the device rather than WordPress. A content management system allows you to separate your content from your design, making it simpler to refresh your site’s appearance without the need for a complete rebuild.
Design: Trends Influence Perception
Reflect on how you dressed in the 1990s. Go ahead, dig up a photo of yourself in those “cool” outfits. Oh, did you burn all those pictures? How unfortunate.
Just as fashion evolves, so do design trends, and this evolution impacts our perceptions. If you see someone wearing bell bottoms and a silk shirt, you might think they are a bit out of touch and stuck in a bygone era. Chances are, that assumption is quite accurate. Conversely, if you encounter a website adorned with a hit counter, excessive drop shadows, and a tiled background, you might conclude that the company has lost its relevance. You may even suspect they are on the verge of going out of business. And honestly, with a website like that, it likely won’t be long before they do have to shut their doors.
The evolution of design trends may not always be as striking as the transition from bell bottoms to skinny jeans or from GeoCities to Squarespace, yet we can often perceive when something feels outdated. In the realm of websites, even seemingly minor details such as font selections, the use of white space, or the width of your page content can contribute to an outdated appearance.
Design Practices That Prolong The Lifespan Of A Website
Avoid getting caught up in the extremes of design trends. At the moment, single-scroll sites and lengthy home pages are quite trendy. However, unless these formats serve your objectives more effectively than other alternatives, refrain from adopting them solely because they are currently popular. Prioritize usability, functionality, and purpose first. Remember, when aiming for timelessness, simplicity is often the superior choice.
Brand Standards: Upholding Your Identity
Your brand standards outline the logo, fonts, colors, and visual language of your business. If there are significant changes to your brand standards, it’s wise to either redesign your website or at least refresh its design. In some cases, a new website might even prompt a reevaluation of your brand standards.
If you lack digital marketing brand standards, it’s time to establish them. Emphasize simplicity, timelessness, and functionality over fleeting trends. Most importantly, adhere to your brand standards!
Website Redesign Timeline Recommendations
Here are our general recommendations for how often you should redo your website:
Small/Medium Websites: Every 2-3 years. This cycle duration should enable you to stay abreast of the latest technology, deliver an exceptional experience to your users, and remain aligned with current design trends. Nevertheless, it would still be wise to contemplate a small design update annually, ensuring that you are accommodating the newest devices and maintaining a fresh perspective for your users.
Enterprise/Large Websites: Every 5-7 years, with a moderate design refresh every 2-3 years. In numerous instances, constructing a large and intricate website can require dozens of individuals and take a year or longer, factoring in planning, production, and execution. While a quicker redesign cycle would undoubtedly be advantageous, it might not be feasible. Nevertheless, it is wise to periodically reassess your website’s design in the short term to stay aligned with the latest trends and ensure usability with current technology.
Do you need a redesign and are unhappy with your previous developer? Do you need a refresh of a relatively new site? Does your website seem like there are elements that may be broken? We can help! Contact us here or call (715) 716-6942