I think one of the major mistakes a business online can make is to neglect their websites and blogs. It’s not only important to keep your products and services up to date on your sites, but also the overall look is important too. Things change at the blink of an eye in the technology world. The last thing you want customers thinking is that you’re stagnant and out of touch with current standards. You want to seem fresh and knowledgeable of your clients needs and wants.
So how do you know when it’s time for a complete website overhaul? Men With Pens answers that question in their newest article, “Is It Time For You To Redesign Your Site?“. In the article they give four major reasons why you may need to consider a site redesign. Give it a read and see if your website falls short on any of these site design points of interest. You may be surprised to find that your site could use a little tune up.
Interesting article. Personally, I don’t think that “webmasters are a dying breed.” But I think we will see a shift from only being a webmaster focused on the tech side, to becoming more of a content manager expert, giving SEO tips, thoughts on layout, design and “user interface”.
I have been blogging since 2002 and I have changed my design a couple of times. In the beginning of 2009 I I decided to invest 20 bucks in a new EGO blog template. The template is inspired by the original Revolution Two Lifestyle theme for WordPress, created by by Brian Gardner. The Blogger template is converted and enhanced by David Cowgill of eBlog Templates. I am very happy with this new layout.
My next project is to get going with my new site EgoSoleTrader.com. I will use the Revolution theme (that is now called StudioPress), but I haven’t decided which version I will use. Right now it is the Magazine format.
Talking about Word Press themes, it seems that Thesis Theme by DIYthemes has received plenty of good recommendations by plenty of bloggers.
[...] a worthwhile post from Amanda Stillwagon, Assistant Editor with Small Business CEO, Are You Due For a New Website Design?: I think one of the major mistakes a business online can make is to neglect their websites and [...]
Martin, I also just updated my personal blog with a magazine type theme. If you’re looking for any free WordPress themes, I have a list posted on my blog of 25 sites with hundreds of cool themes to choose from.
I agree with Martin. Aside from that webmaster comment, the article was interesting. Maybe I am a bit biased since I act as a webmaster at my job, but I really do believe webmasters add a great deal of value to any business. Really, who better to optimize your site and, by extension, your profits?
My business contact, Kalle Blomqvist a.k.a Charlie Bloom, bought a suite of different WordPress templates.
I will check out your list and your personal blog in more detail. I like the new look. It is fresh and clean cut design. What is the toolbar at the bottom called?
[...] Here’s a worthwhile post from Amanda Stillwagon, Assistant Editor with Small Business CEO, Are You Due For a New Website Design?: [...]
Martin, That is a Wibiya toolbar I’ve been playing around with. It’s free, but once you sign up, you’re put on a waiting list before you can start using it. The wait wasn’t very long though.
Amanda,
Thanks for the information. Have you seen that you got more interaction due to this? New conversations and comment threads?
Martin,
The toolbar has only been installed for about a week, so no noticable results just yet.
I got an invite today and have now installed it. It will be interesting to see what will happen.
Hey, thanks for the mention. In our travels around the ‘net, we see a *ton* of really awful sites – many people out there have yet to discover the advancements that have been made in the online world and could really use a revamp.
It’s interesting to note that most of these sites come from smaller locations and older-generation site owners. The pet supply store in a town of 15,000 owned by a woman in her 50s, for example, versus the 30-yer-old garage owner. I wonder if older generations know how much websites have come along?
And sorry that some feel irked about the webmaster comment, but it’s got some truth to it. With site platforms like WordPress, no third-party needs to maintain or update a site at all. Time to adapt and change!
I agree that webmasters shouldn’t be relied upon anymore. You have so much more flexibility if you can do things yourself. However, webmasters should be used for more in depth design projects. Well worth a few bucks to get a good result quickly.
[...] Here’s a worthwhile post from Amanda Stillwagon, Assistant Editor with Small Business CEO, Are You Due For a New Website Design?: [...]