Are you considering refreshing your website this year? As a seasoned website designer, I've helped dozens of businesses upgrade their online presence. In this ultimate guide, I'll explain why 2023 is the perfect time for a website redesign and provide tips to make your project a success.
Introduction
A website redesign may sound intimidating. But with careful planning, it can take your business to the next level in 2023. In this guide, you'll learn:
Here are 8 key search trends and reasons you should consider a website redesign in 2023.
1. Your Branding Needs Updating
Let's be real - if your website's still rockin' that GeoCities vibe with Comic Sans font, it may be time for some TLC.
Your website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your business. If your branding has evolved over the years but your website hasn't, it can create confusion about what your company represents today. A redesign is a chance to realign your online presence with your current brand identity.
2. The Rise in Voice Search
Voice search is growing rapidly. By 2020, Comscore predicts that 50% of online searches will be made using voice technology rather than typing. This means people will increasingly be speaking their search queries to devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home instead of using keyboards.
27% of the global online population is using voice search on mobile.
Source: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/search/voice-search-mobile-use-statistics/
3. Focus on Security
When it comes to security, Google is cracking down. They've made it their mission to make the entire web "secure by default."
This means website security is only growing more important in Google's eyes. If your site isn't locked down tight with HTTPS encryption, you're hurting your own SEO rankings.
But it's not just Google you have to worry about. Your own users expect and demand security as well. Data breaches, hacks, and privacy violations are all too common online. If someone’s personal info isn’t fully protected on your site, you’re putting them at risk. That’s a quick way to lose trust and loyalty these days.
4. Set Your Sight on Visual Search
Heads up - Google Images just got a major overhaul on desktop. Images are claiming more real estate in search results than ever before.
If your website doesn't have eye-catching, SEO-optimized images, you're missing out. Without them, you won't even be eligible to show up in Google Images search. And with images getting premium placement, that's a huge loss in potential traffic and visibility. Make sure every image on your site is high-quality, relevant, and fully optimized.
Mobile searches for “image search” have grown by over 60% in the past two years.
Source: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/mobile-search-statistics-for-image-search/
5. Integrating Video Content
Videos aren't just engaging for your website visitors - they can actually attract new visitors too. Get this - 55% of Google search results now contain a video.
That's over half! If someone is searching a topic related to your business, there's a good chance a video will show up on the search engine results page.
So if you're not incorporating video into your marketing strategy yet, it's time to start. Well-optimized videos on your site can get you featured in those coveted search result spots.
6. Content is King
Google has talked for years about the importance of trustworthy, expert content. But recent algorithm updates like BERT, E-A-T and YMYL prove they really mean business. These updates help Google better grasp complex natural language and filter Your Money Your Life sites based on expertise. In other words, the bar for authoritative content keeps getting higher.
Even if your website copy contains target keywords, it's not enough anymore. Lackluster, thin content just can't rank in today's smarter search landscape. Google wants to reward sites with truly useful, in-depth information created by proven experts. Content that offers real value for visitors - not just stuffed keywords.
7. Pay Attention to Micro-Moments
Here's the thing about today's online shoppers - they want info that's customized to where they're at in their buying journey.
See, people turn to the web throughout the whole process now, from initial research to the final sale. We call these the "micro-moments" when they pull out their phone to learn more.
If your website content doesn't cover each micro-moment? You're missing out on sales.
8. Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly
Mobile responsiveness of the website is essential today, with over 60% of traffic coming from smartphones. Check that elements like fonts, buttons, and navigation menus are sized appropriately and easy to interact with on touchscreens. Follow Google's mobile-first indexing requirements to avoid mobile usability issues that could negatively impact search rankings.
Conclusion:
The bottom line? Your website needs some TLC to thrive these days! Between Google's algorithm shake-ups and people expecting faster, smoother sites, keeping up ain't easy. You’ve gotta nail the basics - like voice search, speed, and mobile-friendliness. And pump out useful content that shows your authority. Plus make things super simple for visitors to find what they need in every micro-moment!
It’s a lot, I know. But the payoff in higher SEO and conversions is so worth it. So give your site a little refresh! A few tweaks today sets you up for ongoing success - you got this!
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