Website design appeal matters more then ever.  But a redesign can be a longer process then the original design process especially if much content is involved.  So, with tight budgets in this economic climate we suggest a mini-face lift.  A mini-face lift is adding design elements to the existing layout rather then reorganizing the whole site.  But, maybe design isn’t the issue. Maybe, your site is a jumbled mess of content spew and that is also very unappealing to website visitors. In that case any money would be best spent simplifying navigation and converting to a CMS (to keep content organized) then putting together a content strategy plan to avoid future content disorganization disasters. Also, many visitors want to interact and stay in contact with businesses they patronize so adding a blog, an integrated newsletter, or links to your facebook or twitter account are all good ideas.

Our design approach at Point B Web is based on a grid system and stems from the less is more design theory. So, websites that we’ve designed are usually easily updated with color or new imagery.  We call it our vanilla shell approach to web design.  It is a way to describe creating a nice shell using gradients and nice button elements  and adding image elements to make the site original and current.  The imagery can be changed out without much fuss and allows one to easily update their site design without breaking the bank.  

Here is a list of a few things you can do without engaging in a complete redesign process:

1.  Simplicity the interface if needed

2.  Center your site layout  

3.  Create a new top banner –and add a footer too

4.  Add colors to clearly define separate web site areas

5. Simplify your navigation

6. Update your logo

7. Use Bigger text in header areas of the site

8. Add  Image headers with call out or informational text

9.  Add Stronger Colors

10. Add rich textures … maybe a new background or textures in the header area

12. Add Gradients

13. Add Reflections on key graphics

14. Add Cute icons if appropriate

15. Add Star labels to draw attention to new content or offers