Need some advice in a hurry

I have a site that is number one for my niche. It's not an extremely competitive niche but it does produce a lot of income and so I worry that changing anything in Google may have some kind of temporary or other effect.

What is your opinions on this? The site itself is about 4-5 years old and I have only ever done small tweaks a time. I feel like it's due for a remodel as the site looks kind of aged by todays standards and it could perhaps produce more income if it gets redone, but at what risk? I would just like to know what I stand to lose by someone who has had more recent experiences in this area.

The designer is due to start tomorrow. I have some other stuff I can have him do but I need to let him know by tonight. Thanks for any response at all.

If you ask me, I'd tell you what my grandfather used to say: if it is still working, then there is no need to be fixed.
If you stil have plenty of income, then why would you change something? Concentrate your efforts into not loosing the first position, and maybe on some other projects.
After all, 2 or more sources of income are better than one.

Usually any site that goes under a significant html change will lose rankings for a bit. I have found they come back rather easily. If you are completely restructuring the site, you might have more issues. If it's purely design, I say it shouldn't be too bad.
Also, you said that the niche isn't competitive, and your site is aged, so I'm sure big G will put you where you belong eventually.

That being said, if the site still converts, obviously the users are fine with the look, and I personally wouldn't change anything.

Both of you make good points. I guess it's mostly because I know what good looking sites are and mine is not. It is functional and obviously good enough that clients use the site. I was just considering how much more fruitful it could be with a better look. But yes, it's a scary proposition when is provides perhaps 15-20% of daily income.

Guess I will leave it for now and move on to new sites.

I have two websites that are pretty good money makers and they are far from being extravagant.
Maybe makes some minor changes slowly and see how things go.
Good luck to you!!

johnstac said:

Both of you make good points. I guess it's mostly because I know what good looking sites are and mine is not. It is functional and obviously good enough that clients use the site. I was just considering how much more fruitful it could be with a better look. But yes, it's a scary proposition when is provides perhaps 15-20% of daily income.

Guess I will leave it for now and move on to new sites.

Click to expand...

It would probably be fine, but as above, if it's not broke, dont' fix it.
If you were outside the top 10 I would say okay. Buti f you are #1 I would keep it how it is.