5 min read

7 Must-Haves for Any Website Redesign Project

Today, it’s hard for small and mid-sized businesses to compete with large companies with even larger budgets. The top dogs advertise and market across high-volume platforms – and put the smaller fish at a strong disadvantage. But even a small-scale business can stay competitive with a strategic and creative digital marketing campaign.

Dan Bowen

Dan Bowen

Founder + CEO
Last Updated: January 08, 2025
(Web Design/Web Development)
A person using a tablet computer with a menu on it, showcasing web design options.

The primary goal of any digital marketing campaign is simple: drive users to the website. But once the user gets there, the key to closing the deal is the design. More than just visually appealing, successful websites quickly communicate what the business does. The best websites guide the visitor along the path to reach out, or even better – make a purchase.


The rules are simple. Do these things effectively and efficiently, and your website can be successful. Slack on any of these key design elements and you put the entire digital marketing campaign at risk.


Having second thoughts about your website? Perhaps it’s time for a new look and feel. Here’s a list of seven must-haves for any website redesign.

1. Responsive Design

It’s 2024, and responsive design has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of modern web development. It's not just about making websites accessible across various devices but also about delivering a seamless, optimized user experience on all platforms. If your website isn't responsive or, at the very least, mobile-optimized, it's time to consider a redesign.

2. Simplified Site Architecture

Information architecture is one of the most overlooked aspects of a website redesign. At Bowen Media, our clients come to us with site maps closer to a labyrinth than a website. Before any website design can begin, a clear site map is mandatory. Generally speaking, when redesigning the site architecture, less is more. When you simplify the content and page architecture, you create a clear path to the content specific to an end user’s needs.

3. Clean UX/UI

When a visitor lands on your website, you have, on average, about 5 to 8 seconds to capture their attention. A cluttered and unorganized UX/UI design can make it difficult for the user to quickly comprehend the information on the site, which poses a significant problem. The website should immediately communicate what the business does in a simple, visually appealing way.


Clean UX/UI design plays a crucial role in ensuring that users can effortlessly navigate the website and find the information they need. By focusing on clarity, simplicity, and intuitive navigation, a well-designed UX/UI helps guide visitors towards the intended actions, such as making a purchase or contacting the business.

4. Conversion Optimization

A crucial aspect of any website design is conversion optimization, which involves incorporating strategically placed calls to action (CTAs). These important messages guide users through pathways aligned with their end goals, whether that’s making a purchase, contacting the business, or signing up for a service. The pathways should be as straightforward and short as possible, ultimately leading to a simple form, contact page, or "buy now" button.


Effective conversion optimization involves creating clear and compelling CTAs that align with the website's overall objectives. These CTAs should stand out visually and be placed in prominent locations where users are most likely to see them. The simpler and more intuitive the path, the more effectively the website design will convert visitors into leads or sales.

5. Incorporate Video

Video is simply the fastest and most engaging way to communicate with website visitors. Video puts a face and personality to your business. It allows visitors to learn about your business without having to read a lot of text – which is great. Oh yeah, and search engines love it, too!

6. Fresh Content

The ability to keep content on the site constantly fresh and up to date is a definite must-have in a website redesign. Not only does fresh content provide an incentive for users to come back, but it also boosts your SEO. The search engines prefer sites that consistently put out content relevant to the business and its customers. Fresh content not only keeps your audience engaged but also helps establish your site as an authority in your industry.


Are you a business looking to start a full-fledged SEO campaign? Start with a website redesign that incorporates a blog, gallery, and/or news section. This setup allows you to regularly share updates, showcase your latest projects, and keep your customers informed about industry trends or company news. Consistently publishing relevant and valuable content will enhance your site's visibility and credibility, leading to better search engine rankings and increased customer trust.

7. Avoid Distractions or Interruptions

Just a few years ago, automatically scrolling text, pop-ups, flash, and GIF animations were all popular in web design. However, users quickly found these elements to be extremely distracting. Instead of impressing visitors, flashy designs often annoyed them. Distracting elements tend to drive away more visitors than they impress. Interactivity with the site should be intuitive and non-disruptive, and most importantly, it should directly address the needs of potential customers.


Today, micro-interactions and subtle animations have become key trends, enhancing user experience and engagement while being far less distracting. These small, interactive elements provide feedback to users, guide them through their interactions, and make the overall experience more dynamic and enjoyable. Incorporating micro-interactions and animations into your website design can create a more intuitive and engaging user experience, making it easier for visitors to interact with your content and encouraging them to stay longer on your site.


Bowen Media is an award-winning web design and digital marketing agency. When you’re ready for your website redesign, contact us and tell us about your business, goals, expectations, and budget. We’ll reach out shortly and have a conversation with you about how to launch the perfect website redesign for your business or brand.

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