How old is your website?

If you can't remember the last time you had to redesign a website, odds are your site is outdated.

Maybe that doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but to the 5 billion+ unique internet users, they want fast, responsive websites with engaging content. If your site doesn't consistently deliver a great user experience, you risk losing existing customers and new leads.

So why do a website redesign? And how long will it take? Here's our guide to updating your site and turning it into an awesome experience.

Why Do a Website Redesign?

First things first, let's talk about why you need a website redesign. Maybe you're not sure if you do. Or maybe someone on your team has approached you about it, but you're not sure if it's worth it.

Your website doesn't need constant refreshing, but part of good web design is understanding what your business goals are and refreshing your website to reflect that.

You may need to update your website design to:

• Optimize your site for speed
• Take advantage of new design trends
• Optimize your site for SEO
• Add functionality
• Optimize your site for mobile users
• Increase traffic
• Update your brand visuals and messaging
• Generate leads

The "shelf life" of a website is 1.5 years to 2.5 years, or possibly a little longer. If your website is already at the 3-year mark, you're overdue. If your site is already 2 years old, it's time to start thinking about a redesign.

The Timeline for Redesigning a Website

Now that we've established the why of a website redesign, it's time to talk about how long. Depending on the complexity of the site and the features you are adding, this time will vary.

At a minimum, expect your website redesign to take at least 3 months. Realistically, plan for at least 6 months.

If that seems like a long time, keep in mind that there are multiple steps involved in redesigning a website.

Step 1: Setting Goals

The first step is to set goals for your redesign. Expect this to take at least 1-2 weeks.

Setting goals for your redesign will act as a reference during the later design process. Prepare a timeline and take note of what your expectations are.

This is also the stage where you should prepare your budget.

Step 2: Auditing Your Current Website

What works with your current website? What doesn't work? That's what Step 2 is for.

This is where you are auditing your website for both appearance and performance. Check metrics such as traffic and bounce rates.

You may also want to conduct an SEO audit. An SEO audit helps you see how your site is performing on search engines. You may be missing essential keywords or your site may be slow and need optimizing.

You should also look at your website copy. Is it telling the story you want to tell? If not, redesigning your website will also need to include new website copy.

Set aside at least one day for your audit. Expect it to take longer with larger sites.

Step 3: Finding Your Web Designer

Now you're ready to find your web designer. What should you look for in a designer?

First, check their areas of expertise. See how long they have been around. Look at their portfolio and see what types of clients they have worked with in the past.

Meeting with your designers will help everyone involved understand where your website is at now, and what you want it to be.

Finding a web designer can take a few days to a few weeks, or even a month. However, you can save time and jumpstart the process by using our web design services. Our compelling web design will tell your brand's story with an instantly recognizable design.

Step 4: Redesign Your Website

This step can be the longest of the initial steps. It may take at least 3 months to get your site redesigned, launched, and fine-tuned. However, you should expect longer for larger or more complex sites.

Expect to check in with your designers periodically. This will allow you to provide feedback as your site is iterated upon.

For our designs, we prefer the flexibility of Webflow over WordPress. The template-like design of WordPress lacks the functionality and unique design options of Webflow. It requires no plug-ins or complex coding and makes content management easy.

Step 5: Website Maintenance

Now that your website has been finalized and launched, you're done, right?

Unfortunately not. Website maintenance is essential. Website maintenance can keep your site performing and running smoothly.

Even more importantly, it can keep your site up-to-date and secure. That's important for both you and any customers whose data you may have.

Fortunately, this is a stage where you don't have to spend much time. We can help you with regular website maintenance, optimization, security, and even content management. Check out our website maintenance plans.

Incremental upgrades to your finished site are an easier solution than committing to another few months of redesign further down the road.

Ready to Redesign a Website?

Are you ready to redesign a website? Our design team can relaunch your website.  

If you want fast, creative web design that can tell your brand's story, HppyHour is your web design agency. Lead customers to your responsive, customized site with organic SEO.

Don't let your aging website impact your customer experience - and your bottom line.

It's easy to get started with a site redesign. Contact us for a quote.