Avoiding the Mike Brady Syndrome in Web DesignJune 21st, 2024

Image showing Brady Bunch House.

I originally wrote this post way back in 2011. I recently had an experience which brought me back to this very premise. A former client of mine passed control of his business onto his daughter who brought in her own web people (although we had a great relationship for over a decade). I understand, this is part of the business. But when I saw their new website, I checked out the company that had built it, and their entire portfolio was using the exact same WordPress theme over and over and the same exact design.

They just would substitute the main picture and change text, my guess is it took them an hour to build the entire websites. The problem with this is that it’s not only boring, it’s also not a good business practice at your charging people for a new website, but giving them re-used websites.

Back to the original post…..

Have you ever noticed when you are designing a website, you have a tendency to fall back on what worked in the past for you? Does it get to the point where all your sites start to look the same? I call this the “Mike Brady Syndrome”.   If you remember, in The Brady Bunch Movie, Mike, an architect was failing to sell designs as they all looked like his one successful project: The Brady house. He designed a gas station, and it was the Brady House with gas pumps, he then designed a restaurant, again exactly the same. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t sell a design, as he was too close to it to see the forest through the trees.

The point is, we all get stale and it can be challenging to come up with new designs.  For me, I don’t have the option of repeated trips back to the drawing board, so I tend to have at least 2 other designers create a mockup along with myself. This allows my clients to have really good choices and the end result tends to be something special. As my company develops sites for small businesses, this type of service is pretty rare, and I am proud of that.  Now if I were strictly a designer I may not be able to do this, but since I also develop and ultimately manage the sites, it is my best interest to create something special, even if the design phase can be quite costly.  I also try to rotate in new freelancers to create designs, as using the same few ends up back with Brady Houses.

So let me ask you this, if you are a designer, you need to get inspiration to avoid the syndrome I mentioned. Where do you go for that inspiration? Websites? A walk in nature? I would love to hear. I am sure those pulling their hair out would like to know as well.

Now this post was originally written from a designer standpoint, but my point for updating this was that some companies get lazy and don’t even try to find an original take on a project. Now, from a financial standpoint, I understand why these companies are doing it, but I feel bad for their clients who are getting retreads but are being charged for new tires!


Contact us if we can help you design, or redesign your website.


 

Don’t Let Your Website Be the Dilapidated House on the StreetMay 23rd, 2024

Image showing Don’t Let Your Website Be the Dilapidated House on the Street. As I was walking through a neighborhood recently, I came across a house that was completely boarded up and dilapidated. It stood out, and not in a good way. The peeling paint, broken windows, and overgrown yard made it clear that this house had been neglected for years. It was an eyesore amidst the well-maintained homes around it. This sight got me thinking about a similar phenomenon I encounter frequently in the digital world: outdated websites.

In my line of work at RooSites, I often come across websites that look like they haven’t been updated since the mid-90s. These sites are not only aesthetically unappealing but also fail to function properly on modern devices. They remind me of that neglected house – a digital eyesore amidst sleek, user-friendly, and responsive websites. If your website falls into this category, it’s time to take action. Here’s why you shouldn’t let your website be the dilapidated house on the street.

First Impressions Matter

Your website is often the first point of contact potential customers have with your business. Just as a neglected house sends a message of disregard and abandonment, an outdated website can give the impression that your business is not keeping up with the times. Visitors might question the quality of your services or products if your online presence looks unprofessional.

Functionality is Key

Older websites often struggle to perform on modern devices. With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, having a website that isn’t mobile-friendly can lead to a poor user experience. Broken links, slow load times, and difficult navigation can frustrate users and drive them away. Ensuring your site is responsive and functional on all devices is crucial for retaining visitors.

SEO and Performance

Search engines favor websites that are regularly updated and optimized for performance. An outdated website can suffer in search engine rankings, making it harder for potential customers to find you. Regular updates, fresh content, and proper SEO practices are essential for maintaining visibility online. Think of it as the digital equivalent of keeping your house in good repair – it boosts your curb appeal and keeps the visitors coming.

Security Concerns

Just as a neglected house can become a target for vandals, an outdated website can be vulnerable to security threats. Older websites are more likely to have outdated software and plugins, which can be exploited by hackers. Keeping your website updated with the latest security measures protects your business and your customers’ data.

Reflects Your Brand

Your website is a reflection of your brand. A modern, well-maintained website conveys professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail. It shows that you care about your business and your customers. Just as homeowners take pride in maintaining their property, business owners should take pride in maintaining their online presence.

Time for a Digital Renovation

If your website is looking like the digital equivalent of a dilapidated house, it’s time for a renovation. At RooSites, we specialize in helping businesses revamp their online presence. From modern designs and responsive layouts to SEO optimization and security updates, we can help turn your outdated website into a sleek, functional, and user-friendly platform.

Don’t let your website be the dilapidated house on the street. Contact RooSites today and let us help you create an online presence that stands out for all the right reasons. Just as a well-maintained house can enhance the beauty of a neighborhood, a well-designed website can enhance the reputation and success of your business.

Remember, in today’s digital world, your website is more than just a virtual address – it’s your business’s home. Make sure it’s inviting, functional, and up-to-date, so you can welcome visitors with confidence and leave a lasting positive impression. Let’s build a better digital neighborhood, one beautiful, functional website at a time.


Ready to get started on your website renovation? Reach out to RooSites and let’s turn that outdated site into something you can be proud of!


 

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