In the digital world, users demand simple and intuitive experiences. If your website doesn’t meet their standards, they will find another gym in no time. It’s important to keep up with the latest trends and implement UX practices to keep visitors coming back again and again. Redesigning a website is a long process that requires careful planning and execution. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available with the latest techniques on how to effectively redesign your site so it stands out from the crowd. We’ll look at 5 tips you need to incorporate into your next website redesign project if you want users to stay and come back again.
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Don’t forget about mobile usability
Poor mobile usability is one of the biggest mistakes that fitness websites make. In an effort to make your site look good on a desktop computer, you might create visual elements that are too small to read on a smaller screen or obstructive features such as pop-up banners. You want to create a seamless experience across all devices. This means thinking about how your site will appear on a mobile device – will it still look good? Can users navigate the site easily? This is especially important with Google’s recent algorithm update (Mobilegeddon), where they prioritize websites that are mobile-friendly over those that aren’t. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you could lose out on potential new customers who are searching for fitness businesses online.
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Change your imagery
Many fitness websites still use the same imagery that they did years ago. This is a mistake, as it creates a dated feel and makes your site seem unoriginal. If you want to show off your new, fresh approach to fitness and make your site stand out from the competition, you need fresh imagery. Image Source A good place to start is by updating the images of your instructors and staff. These are the images that visitors see first when they arrive at the site, so it’s important to choose the right ones. If you don’t have updated images, now is the perfect time to get them done.
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Make your copy simple and effective
One of the biggest mistakes that fitness businesses make on their websites is over-complicating the copy. If your website copy is too wordy and complicated, users will quickly become frustrated and move on to the next site. For example, look at this sentence: “We have a wide range of classes and programs designed to cater to all levels of fitness, from beginners to professional athletes.” That sentence is probably fine in person, but on a website, it’s too wordy and has too many “moving parts”, making it difficult to understand. A much better approach would be something like this: “We offer classes for everyone from beginners to high-level athletes.”
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Incorporate video and animation
Studies have shown that including video on your website can increase engagement by up to 200%. You can incorporate video in a couple of ways. First, you could create a video tour of your gym that shows off all of your equipment and amenities. This is a great way to draw potential new members in and give them a feel for what your gym is like. Another way to incorporate video is by hosting videos from your instructors and staff. This gives your visitors a chance to connect with the people behind the brand and hear more about their experience with fitness. Video can be used in other ways, as well. GIFs have become increasingly popular, especially on social media. This is an excellent way to convey information quickly, as well as add a fun element to your website.
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Don’t be afraid to experiment
There are many different approaches to design, and no single design will work for every single business. The most important thing to remember when redesigning your website is that there is no “right way” to do it. You need to find a design that works for your business and its goals. If your website currently has a “classic” design, doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same format with your redesign. You have the freedom to try something new and experiment with different styles to find the perfect fit for your business. Your website is the first thing that people see when they are looking for a gym, so it’s important to make a strong first impression that will keep them engaged and interested in your business. Don’t be afraid to try new things and push the envelope to find a design that truly represents your business.
Conclusion
The fitness industry is always in motion, and the same can be said for the best practices and trends in website design. If you want to keep up with the competition, it’s important to update your website regularly. This includes everything from the imagery used to the way your content is written. However, the most important part of any website redesign project is to remember not to forget about mobile usability and to keep your copy simple and effective. Now that you know what to look for in a website redesign project, you can ensure your fitness business has the best website possible. From the imagery to the copy and the design of the site, these are the tips you need to keep in mind to succeed in the digital fitness world.
