When it comes to efficacy, a Web site is much like your home. Sure you have one, but is it working for you? Does the design of your house speak to who you are? Is the layout appropriate? Do the appliances appeal to the user and work as expected? For houses and Web sites alike, all of these questions are important. They help determine if there is a need to do a major renovation (major Web updates), or get a new house entirely (a full redesign).

Well, there are a number of things that indicate if a site is working as it should. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and your Web team:

Does the family come over for dinner very often?

In this context, your family is your users. It is important to examine the Web statistics and make sure they are using the site as expected. Do they come back often? Are they visiting pages you expect and interacting in the ways you intended – or are they sleeping on the sofa? It could be that what you have to offer isn't quite what your user needs now. The bunk beds may be out of date.

Do the drapes match the carpeting? (I'm going to flog this metaphor to death.)

We're talking branding here. As Web sites mature, the tendency is to add things you need at the moment, but didn't fit into the original design. This is only natural, but if the branding has drifted, if there are too many things inconsistent with the original idea, then it is time for an interior decorator or renovation contractor.

Can Grandma get up the stairs?

This speaks to usability. If the site contains information and functions that only appeal, or work for, one type of user, make sure that it is your key user. Even so, specialized sections of a site stand out as negative aspects of the site. Instead, consider redesigning around the core applications. If you are running an e-commerce site, makes sure that all of the core functions are geared toward making the process easy for customers to make a purchase.

Additionally, be careful of new technologies. For example, even if a new technology is cool and cutting edge, the good impression may be at the sacrifice of usability. If only 8% of your users have the plug-in, it isn't something to implement in your core functionality.

Does the floor plan make sense?

Finally, can the family even find the kitchen? What about the bathroom? Examine your key services and make sure the utilization makes is high enough to reflect a significant portion of the core user base. For example, at least 75% of users who place items in the shopping cart should complete the purchase. If this number drops below 50%, it is time to call the contractors.

The key to understanding the effectiveness of your Web site is to examine your expectations, your preferred user paths, and the actual outcomes. It is critical that all of these are examined. The Web stats and visit trends tell us only so much. Users can find the house, but will they sit down for a spell? If so, they are more likely to come back?

For more information, check out "How to know when it is time for a redesign".