If you have a website then I can guarantee that you will be constantly asking yourself “Should I redesign and change the look and feel of the site”?

There are certainly times when you should consider a redesign but if you are thinking of changing the look and feel of your site just because you are bored with it then resist the temptation.

A redesign should serve a specific purpose and should only be done in response to a definite need.

If the site isn’t attracting repeat visitors, is slow to download or is looking tired and jaded then a redesign could be just the thing needed to revitalise the site.

But, bear in mind, that redesigning your website is like performing plastic surgery on it.

Your website will lose its current identity (for the better or worse) and your regular visitors might not recognise your new design at first glance. You risk losing them just because they thought they landed on the wrong page.

So, if possible, try and retain a characteristic feature from your old layout. Perhaps it is the logo of your site, perhaps it is the same text style or the colours.

Try and retain some continuity throughout the redesign, all the best brands do this. If you think of the way the coke brand has evolved certain things, such as the products colours, have remained constant.

If you are thinking of redesigning your site why not put a poll on the site and ask the most important people, your visitors, their opinions.

If they think it is necessary for the website to have a fresh look, give it to them!