Q4 may be one of the best times to review the code, the colors, and the graphics on every one of your sites, and plan a “makeover” for any site that needs its look refreshed. Here’s are five ways to approach your site revamp efforts:

#1 – Check for obvious SEO-busters. Spiders like HTML best, so look for opportunities to keyword your navigation and add search engine friendly text links. Converting to tableless layouts with CSS can also improve your rankings. It’s a big job to redesign with CSS, especially if you’re used to old-fashioned HTML coding, so we suggest that you…

#2 – Update site design. Boxy layouts have given way to a more open, fluid Web 2.0 style with liberal use of white space. But creating a Web 2.0 look isn’t easy, and requires a strong working knowledge of CSS plus some skill with graphics. And not every web designer has mastered this look. So try a site like 99Designs to find a designer who can create an updated look that will appeal to your audience.

#3 – Add a logo. If you don’t want to do a complete design overhaul, try adding a logo or updating the current logo. Outsourcing logo design is very easy.

#4 – Add “credibility graphics.” Guarantee seals, branded company logos, security certificate logos, credit card logos, and other graphics that link the products you are promoting with trusted brands. Examples include “As Seen on CNN” graphics ad trusted security certificates. Be sure to check your affiliate agreement/terms and conditions to be sure you are allowed to use the company logo on your website.

#5 – Update “hero shots” or refresh product graphics. Visitors’ eyes tend to gravitate to photos of people, so if you use these “hero shots” on your site, try changing them to see if it increases your conversions. It’s also important to check for updated product graphics from your merchant.

Next… clean up your mailing lists!

Other posts in this series:

Q4 Affiliate Marketing Checklist

6 Ways to Put Dormant Domains to Use

Which Offers to Keep, Which to Dump?

ROI Tips for Affiliates

5 Ways to Update Aging Sites

Test New Niches