Website Re-design help!!!

Discussion in 'HTML & Website Design' started by Kingdom85, Sep 28, 2006.

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  1. #1
    Hi All

    Could do with as much input to this as possible please.

    the current site we have has been outsourced for redesign and is due to go live on Nov 1st. we have some major concerns regarding the site and the potential loss of revenue in the lead up to christmas.

    So my question is this - What are the key issues we need to focus on when the new site goes live?

    Thanks guys and gals
     
    Kingdom85, Sep 28, 2006 IP
  2. mstwntd

    mstwntd Peon

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    #2
    Needless to say, the transition should be handled smoothly and carefully. I have no idea what the heck your site is about, whether you sell products or not and how extensive the re-design is (it doesn't hurt to give us a little more info with questions like yours), but here are some ideas:

    • make your visitors aware of the upcoming changes -- what these changes mean for them, benefits, etc -- right now. If you have a mailing list, send out the announcement. Write up the announcement in your news section/blog and/or create a page that's linked-to from your homepage.

      If some downtime is expected, pick a time when the majority of your visitors are asleep. Let them know the exact date and time the changes will take place.
    • If you'll be making changes to the URI structure, make sure to sort out redirects, so nobody gets any errors. If for whatever reason this is not an option, create one 404 page that briefly describes the changes along with a link to the site-map and a search box.
    • Once the re-designed site is up, encourage your visitors to send their feedback and suggestions.

    In shorter words, do your best to ensure your visitors are aware of the upcoming changes.
     
    mstwntd, Sep 28, 2006 IP
  3. Kingdom85

    Kingdom85 Peon

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    #3
    are there any other "methods of best practice" that should always be done when undergoing a redesign?
     
    Kingdom85, Sep 29, 2006 IP
  4. thevenerablez

    thevenerablez Peon

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    #4
    I'm no expert, but make sure you check your email often for questions about customers looking for things that have changed or moved.
     
    thevenerablez, Sep 30, 2006 IP
  5. Kirtan

    Kirtan Peon

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    #5
    There is a long time to go live. so hopefully i assume it is online store or something like that. Surely not a corporate static site. Frequently check customers feed back. Update your site with latest information and let customer to know that. And finally check Web Stats, So that you have a clear idea about where the customer comes from, how much time they spend, if they leave soon ask why to yourself.
    Wish you all success.
     
    Kirtan, Oct 1, 2006 IP