Have you ever launched a website redesign only to find that it didn’t fully serve your needs or meet your expectations?
In the world of technology, it may be challenging to achieve project outcomes and objectives. As per research from McKinsey and Company, 84% of technology projects fail to deliver the desired outcomes.
With our years of experience, we have shortlisted the following six mistakes Associations make while redoing their websites (that lead to project failure).
Mistake #1: Not Setting Clear Goals
One of the most critical steps in a website redesign is setting clear and measurable goals e.g. traffic goals, session duration goals, or conversion goals. Without aligning the redesign with your strategic objectives, you risk ending up with a website that looks great but doesn’t perform. Misaligned efforts and wasted resources are common consequences of ambiguous objectives, leading to frustration and inefficiency.
Mistake #2: Not putting the right emphasis on User Experience (UX)
User experience (UX) is crucial for keeping visitors engaged and ensuring they can navigate your site easily. Poor navigation and design can frustrate users and high bounce rates. A site with intuitive navigation and the right user journey design would lead users to find what they’re looking for and what would be most beneficial for them to find. The whole experience would reflect positively on your organization.
Mistake #3: Overlooking SEO
SEO is vital for increasing your website’s visibility and driving organic traffic. Neglecting it can mean your redesigned site may not be seen by your target audience. Integrating SEO from the start helps your site rank higher on search engines, leading to increased visibility and traffic.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Mobile Optimization
With a significant portion of web traffic coming from mobile devices, responsive design is no longer optional. Ensuring your site works well on all screen sizes is crucial for user satisfaction and SEO. Mobile users expect a seamless experience, and a lack of mobile optimization can lead to missed opportunities.
Mistake #5: Underestimating Content Strategy
Content is king when it comes to engagement and SEO. A solid content strategy helps ensure your website provides value to visitors and ranks well in search engines. High-quality, well-structured content keeps visitors on your site longer and improves search engine rankings.
Mistake #6: Forgetting Accessibility
Ensuring your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is both a legal and ethical obligation. Accessible design improves usability for everyone, and regular accessibility audits help identify and fix issues to ensure ongoing compliance.
Mistake #7: Poor Project Management
Effective project management ensures your redesign stays on track and within budget. Poor management can lead to delays, cost overruns, and a subpar final product. Establishing a detailed project plan with timelines and milestones, and holding regular check-ins, helps keep the project on course.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the above points, think about your last website redesign. What went well, and what could be improved? How can you apply these lessons to your next project?
Shameless plug – At 108 ideaspace, we have a wealth of experience in helping associations plan and execute website redesign with utmost finesse. Our team can guide you through every step, ensuring that your new site not only looks great but also delivers the desired outcomes.