Web design is arguably unique in the fact that it can look damagingly dated. Whilst other forms of design can benefit from a nostalgic look, the same is not true of websites. A lot of this is to do with the fact that changes in web design have been intrinsically linked with what new features and functionality can be incorporated. A lack of new features can lead to a site looking and feeling outdated, and this can cause quite a problem for the business it belongs to.
Many companies know the importance of having a business website, but don’t update it regularly. This is a potentially dangerous approach to take. It’s often the case that when someone visits a site which has not been updated for a number of years they make the immediate assumption that the business is no longer up and running.
It goes without saying that you want to avoid this, and instead make the impression that you are a busy, active and responsive company. The internet is now the main resource where we find information and look for products and services, so there are obvious dangers in not keeping your presence on the web as up to date and relevant as your competitors. It’s important to make sure your website features the latest functionality and that it is mobile friendly and responsive. This way you are letting existing and potential customers know you are up, running and ready for business.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to completely redesign your website frequently. It’s more the case that you should give strong consideration to modifying the existing design whenever necessary to reflect new functionality and new content. Although some old sites need to be replaced with new ones, we often find that it’s just as effective to work with your existing web design and adapt it to keep it relevant and user friendly.
Unlike the fashion and the music, we don’t believe people will ever get nostalgic for the clunky, difficult to navigate websites of the late 1990s or early 2000s. Web design has moved on, and businesses need to move with it. If you feel your website would benefit from looking newer and fresher, our team of North East web designers are here to help.