Would you consider these website designs an upgrade?

[DemiGR]

Hello everyone, I've asked a few questions in here regarding website design, etc.  So first I want to thank you guys for the responses, and second I want to apologize I hope I am not boring you guys.  I just feel like this is a forum of qualified people and I value your opinions greatly.

Now to my question, I am considering a redesign as we are not happy with our current site located http://www.studentdebtrelief.us/.  We think it feels outdated, not structured well, no good call to actions, ten different fonts, blurry images, does have good integration with social media, boring and bland news page, etc.

I just wanted some opinions on these other sites that were designed by the fellow we are considering hiring.  I've gotten some feedback from a friend that he doesn't think they would be an upgrade from our current site, which I totally disagree with. Though I am the first to admit design/creativity is not my strong suit, so I don't value my own opinion on this very much either, lol. I am hoping I can get some insight from you guys here.  Do you think the designs below are of higher quality than our current site? Would you be more inclined to continue reading these sites than our own? Is there one in particular you think is the best?

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/archive.jpg

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/zazachat.jpg

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/jetpeppers3.jpg

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pbs_9001.png

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fidgetfeed.png

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/haute.jpg

http://www.jayhafling.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/worketc-732x1362.jpg

Thanks for the help

[brad.s.knutson]

I agree with you that the designs presented are much more appealing than your current design.  While your current site is outdated and has a "responsive" (sort of...) design, there is a lot of room for improvement.

It looks like he is an experienced designer that has a working knowledge of SEO, which is really important when considering developing or designing a new site.  URL structures, page layout, and usability all play into SEO.

As far as what design to go with, you'll probably want to sit down with your management team and first determine the following:

1. Who is using your site?
2. Why are they using it?
3. What are potentials users looking for?
4. What are we offering potential users?

After defining these answers (you probably already have done this), you'll have a better idea of what type of design you want, what type of call-to-action's you'll have, the layout and structure, etc., etc.

[DemiGR]

Bradley thanks for the response.  When you say 'he has a working knowledge of SEO', you mean the new designer, correct?

[brad.s.knutson]

Yes - his website homepage has a short excerpt on SEO, so I'm assuming he has a working knowledge of it.

[DemiGR]

Anyone else with some feedback?