Is your website outdated with declining metrics? Is your newly redesigned website losing traffic and needs fixed fast?
These are the two most common reasons companies call on us for a website redesign. The best solution to both of these challenges: a website built on an iterative development foundation using an MVP approach . Not sure what MVP stands for?
Minimally Viable Product (MVP) is a development technique in which a new product or website is developed with sufficient features to satisfy early adopters. The final, complete set of features is only designed and developed after considering feedback from the minimally viable product’s initial users. (source)
Whether you’re looking to improve the onsite experience on an older website or need to quickly improve the performance after a redesign, there are many advantages of iterative development using an MVP approach. Here are a few of my favorites that stress the importance of MVP.
1. Idea Validation
Starting with an MPV approach to your website forces you to clearly define the role your website plays in the customer journey and the value your company provides. This is especially important for an outdated site that’s not meeting user expectations. An MVP website built with this vision in mind allows you to quickly and cost-efficiently validate your positioning, messaging and online experience to ensure they’re relevant to your target audience.
2. Fast Development
An MVP website doesn’t require a lot of pages, deep design or significant coding. So don’t over invest in onsite functionality, API integrations and third-party enabled features. These extras can wait until you have tested and proved that the value proposition and onsite experience resonate with your ideal customers and drive them through the sales funnel.
3. Less Revisions
Many companies make a large initial investment and spend many months (even years) to launch a new website…only to see unsatisfactory results. The advantage of following iterative development and using an MVP approach is that it takes only a few months to launch the MVP website and capture both qualitative and quantitative data. Rather than making assumptions about the best messaging and UX for your website, you’ll have actionable data that enables you to prioritize your next sprints of development.
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Applying an MVP approach to any website, outdated or newly redesigned, can improve its overall performance. You’ll see increased traffic, higher engagement and improved conversion rates. Check out Quick & Affordable Validation of a New Product Concept to see how an MVP website approach was used to successfully validate a new outdoor game.
In her previous role as Vice President of Technology, Tessa helped clients execute engaging, multi-platform experiences and products to bring their brands to life. Moving into her role as CTO, Tessa oversees Mod Op’s technology stack to ensure the agency is leveraging the right platforms to deliver valuable and measurable marketing communications, entertainment and experiences.
Tessa Burg, Chief Technology Officer