Today’s current open-source content management systems have increased a website’s lifespan. Sites with the ability to update plugins and themes result in a website that can adapt to upgrades in internet browsers as well as platform changes. In fact, if your website was built in 2010, or even before, it may still be online today. The question is: should it be?
Is your website secure?
Developer updates now decrease the likelihood that your site will stop functioning, which is great. However, the longer core files, plugins or themes exist in the world the more time a hacker has to discover and exploit weaknesses. The newest website themes are built with the knowledge of the latest security issues. As web designers, when we choose a theme for your new website, we make it a point to never purchase themes that have not been updated in over 6 months.
Is your website ready for a redesign?
Let’s imagine you are the owner of that website that’s lasted 6 years. Your website made it through compatibility issues with the new platforms of iPad, iPhone, androids, it even survived the exodus from flash. While your website is still up, it barely resembles your original design. The aspect of your website that suffers the most from the need for updates is always design.
Design is that unique spark that brings your website to life, it encompasses your brand, and presents your product, service, or ideas to the world.
RGB recommends that your website undergo a redesign every 2-3 years. A site designed to the current trends in website design engages your client base and continues to attract new customers. If the look of your website stays static your customers might be tempted to stray.
What is the cost to redesign your website?
If you have been consistent in updating your website as changes to the service you offer occur, new products are introduced, and your customers and Google knows your site is still active through informed blog updates, then it may just be a matter of transferring all of your content from an outdated theme to one that fits with today’s modern website design trends. If you have been a little lax in your updates a more extensive project may need to include content updates, new images, and replacements for any plugins that no longer function on updated CMS versions.
If you are interested in learning more about new website design trends, feel free to give us a call.