As I mentioned last time, I’m updating my web site. And, as I mentioned last time, it’s slow going.

For those of us with existing web sites, it can be tough to find time to update it. It’s there; it exists. With other demands on our time and energy, we put effort into things that are urgent. That’s perhaps not a wise business decision, but an understandable one.

When I was launching a business… well, I just couldn’t begin a business without a web site. I had terrific impetus to design, write and launch it. But, like so many business people, once I had the site—even though I kept the site current—I put my energy into attending to customers’ needs ahead of my business needs.  That’s another understandable business decision.

But the time has come for me to update my web site!  How do I know? Because I did an objective review of the existing site—I recommend you do the same.

What’s working

There is much about my site that I still like. When you update your site, you don’t need to toss it all out. Keep what works. Modify thoughtfully. In my case,

• The basics of the navigation are good.
• The tone of the content still represents me.
• I still prefer using my company name in a “ribbon-y” font as my logo.

On your site, none of those might be true. You might be ready to hire a graphic design for a new logo. You might need drastically different content: Your services might have changed, along with your FAQs. Or now you have FAQs!  Your navigation might be broken. You might now have products to sell, and need e-commercability. Which brings us to…

What’s not working

On my site, I dislike more elements than I like. (Otherwise, why would I be updating the site?) Some of these problems might apply to your site as well:

• Information changes. In my case, I’ve changed what services I offer. When information is old or obsolete, or missing, it’s time to update the site.
• Audiences change. I’ve shifted my target market. My site needs to focus on a slightly different customer, which I’ll do through a combination of new design and updated content.
• Ease of editing is critical. My site, when launched in 2007, was easy to edit and update. It isn’t anymore, and needs to be. I’ll have a Content Management System with the new site, so I can keep it fresh.

What sort of Update?

A careful, objective review of your site will help you determine what sort of update you need. Perhaps what’s truly necessary is:

• Polishing the content.
• Changing out old photos.
• Adding your logo.
• Modifying the colors.
• Adding a new page, deleting an obsolete page.
• Starting anew, with design and content.

In my case, I want a complete overhaul: New design and new content. The design is done; now it’s time to write that content!