I’ve been reflecting recently on the value of “renovating” your website rather than restarting from scratch.  There are numerous attention getting devices that might refresh and revitalize your site, while ensuring that you realize the most value for your spending.   The key to a successful reno is to know which fix to make first.  Even a beginner at DIY home projects might figure out that you lay the new kitchen floor before you install the cabinets.  Similarly, it would be foolhardy to undertake a number of new website initiatives simultaneously. – Better to roll them out strategically and get each one right the first time.

Take, for example, the introduction of social media to your site.  While social media and social marketing are everywhere these days, they are not simple things to pull off.   As B.L. Ochman points out in her article Debunking Six Social Media Myths, tools of social media needn’t be expensive, but their implementation requires a great deal of skill and planning.  An item like a new blog and the comments it generates can really invigorate a website – if executed well.  It is worth the time to choose the right person to write the blog – not to mention the right material to blog about.
 
So, take your time, and reap the rewards of your “reno”.  Make every “fix” worthwhile.

In recent months, many governments have scrambled to buoy their economies while encouraging their citizens to make the right financial decisions. A perfect example of this fact is the recent choice by the Government of Canada to introduce the Home Renovation Tax Credit. This measure encourages homeowners to boost the value of their existing homes by investing in home improvement items or renovation work. In economically uncertain times, this credit enables people to work with what they’ve got rather than seeking out an entirely new home (not to mention the associated funding required to purchase it!)

Arguably, sensible businesses should take the same tack with their website. It may not be necessary for a company to completely rebuild its site from scratch in order to realize increased financial returns. Key pages can be reformatted and refreshed, while maintaining the integrity and value of the original website. Just like a fresh set of windows on a home, new features, such as a blog or an eNewsletter sample, can add new life to a homepage for a fraction of the cost of an entirely new site.

So far, I see no business tax credit on the horizon for website renovations, but can it be far away? (Aha!…Dear Mr. Flaherty)