Out with the old and in with the new! In 2013, it is predicted that the usual and conventional trends in web design and development will fade away as new and refreshing advancements start to take over your online marketing strategy. Here’s a sneak peek of what To-do and what Not To-do when it comes to your website:

Do not use templates: The purpose of your site is to give your company a unique identity that stands out from others around the web. Using a template may be okay for a beginner, but for an established professional business, we recommend sticking with a custom-built site!

Do have a custom design by a professional: You ultimately want a site that looks, acts and does what you want it to do and in order to put your vision to life, there’s no better person to accomplish this task than a professional artist.

Do not consider Flash: One- it’s bad for your SEO, two- many mobile devices do not support it and three it is a pain to update. Need I say more?

Do consider a CMS: A content management system (CMS) is a computer program that allows publishing, editing, modifying content and maintenance all from one central interface. They offer numerous features for SEO, mobile-friendly sites and it’s a cinch to update!

Do not be afraid to use more white space: A clean design aesthetic, professionalism and simplicity are key factors in getting your message across to your online visitors. This fundamental element makes good design for the purpose of legibility, increased comprehension and improved attention

Do look for more social media integration: Look beyond linking your company Facebook page to your site– in an article by Forbes titled, 5 Surprising Marketing Trends for 2013, “The reality is not all social media sources are perfectly suited to every industry. This year businesses should decide which platforms are the most worthwhile places to reach their audience, thus hopefully seeing greater returns as a result.” Expand your social networking knowledge and determine which network suites your business best.

If you would like more information on how Old City Web Services can help enhance and modernize your website, give us a call: 904.829.2772 or email us: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com to set up your free consultation.