Do you remember the last time you visited a website that was old, slow, and hard-to-use?. You probably left such a page quickly. This happens with your clients.
At present, a company website is no longer just a virtual calling card but one of the main ways for people to know your business, evaluate its qualities, and decide if they can trust you with important orders or purchases. No matter how great the services or products you provide, if your website does not match the latest trends, it may ruin the reputation of your company and cause people to buy from your competitors.
As a business owner, one faces a dilemma of choosing between improving the design and keeping the same website structure. However, to make the correct choice, one should realize what one's website really requires. The following article provides a comparison between a website redesign and a website refresh and helps find out when one type suits better than another.
Signs Your Website Is Outdated
Website design trends and customer demands are always changing. If you think your website was good a couple of years ago, chances are it’s outdated right now.
The following are some common indicators:
- It does not fit mobile devices.
- It loads slowly.
- It looks outdated.
- Users cannot easily get the information they need.
- You do not get enough contacts from your site.
- Your rivals have better sites.
- Website updates have become challenging.
In case you face more than one of these issues, it is worth considering updating your website to attract more visitors. Redesigning the site usually brings positive results.
What is a website refresh?
A website refresh can be linked to renovating your house rather than building a new one. While its structure is kept the same, changes are made in terms of appearance, along with some functionality.
The process can involve:
- Color and font updates
- Image replacement
- Website content refreshing
- Better CTAs
- Some enhancements for mobile users
- UX improvement
Website refresh is a good option for companies that already have an existing website that needs just a bit of polishing.
But when there are significant problems with a website's structure, speed, or other performance, a site refresh may not suffice.
Website Refresh Vs. Website Redesign: Key Differences
The table provided here helps you get the gist of the two possibilities.
| Feature | Website Refresh | Website Redesign |
| Goal | Make changes to the look and feel of the existing site | Create a new website from scratch
|
| Changes Needed | Minor changes in terms of design and content | A brand new website design, layout, and functionality |
| Time Frame | A couple of days to weeks | Weeks to several months |
| Price | More affordable choice | Expensive process |
| Usefulness For | For sites working effectively, but just looking old | For sites having any problems with performance or user experience |
| SEO Advantage | Slight SEO improvement | SEO optimization potential |
| User Experience Improvement | Improved by making minor changes | Optimized completely |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Some basic modifications, if needed | Complete mobile compatibility |
| Value Over Time | Better temporary option | Better long-term choice |
When Should Website Redesign Be Considered a Refresh?
A total website redesign isn’t always necessary for every business. There might be situations where a couple of adjustments will have an incredible impact on performance.
Website refresh may be suitable in cases where:
- If branding has only undergone a slight change.
- The website already functions effectively on smartphones and other mobile devices.
- It appears outdated but is fully functional.
- It requires updating products, services, or information regarding the company.
- It requires improving calls to action and conversions.
Website redesign is usually faster and cheaper than a complete reconstruction. It is the preferred choice for businesses that do not want to change anything significant.
Website redesign service providers in Edmonton offer various types of website refresh options that cater to varying budgets.
When Does Your Business Need a Complete Website Redesign?
Sometimes there are a few situations where small changes are not going to work. In such a case, you should consider getting a total website redesign instead.
If you require a redesign, then:
- Your website is not mobile-friendly.
- The loading time is very slow.
- Navigation is complicated.
- Website technology is outdated.
- Updating the content is a difficult task.
- The website is not providing any leads.
The nature of your business has changed, but the website is no longer representing your brand.
A total redesign will enable you to enhance the website's design, functionality, SEO, security, and overall usability.
Many growing businesses partner with an established website redesign company in Edmonton because they want a website that will continue to help them grow for years to come and not just be a quick fix for an immediate problem.
Cost Implications
Budget becomes one of the most important considerations when making a choice between a website refresh and redesign.
Website refresh implies smaller expenses since the existing layout remains the same. Most efforts concentrate on improving the website’s design and adding content.
Website redesign usually implies larger expenses since the developer often starts the project from scratch and creates something entirely new.
This may include such things as a new website layout, technical SEO optimization, improved speed, enhanced security, and other elements.
The budget for redesigning the website depends on several different aspects, such as:
- Number of pages
- Design customization
- E-commerce support
- Technical SEO
- Creation of the content
- Integration with third-party services
Despite higher expenses, the redesign eliminates all problems in the long run.
Expected ROI from a Website Redesign
The website should not be considered an extra cost for a business; rather, it should be used as a tool to earn income.
An appropriately designed website can provide numerous returns on investment.
Improved User Experience
The user can easily find the desired information, which will make him/her more interested in contacting your business.
Improved Search Engine Performance
In today’s world, websites are not only fast but also optimized for mobile devices and SEO techniques.
Increased Number of Leads and Sales
Navigation that leads to conversion, along with a properly designed call-to-action button, will help you get more clients and sales.
Positive Brand Image
A professionally designed website will always leave a good impression on users.
Lower Costs Maintenance
It might be easier to maintain your new website since it will be updated in terms of technology.
Companies that choose to redesign their websites in Edmonton usually see improvements in traffic and business growth.
Choosing The Best Solution
It would depend on how your current site is working and the goals of your business.
If your site is doing well but it needs something different in terms of design, then perhaps refreshing is all that’s needed.
On the other hand, if you have an issue with your site being faulty in some way or even not meeting the marketing objectives anymore, then a redesign could be best for you.
Conclusions
The decision to make a website refresh or website redesign should be based on the needs of your business now and in the future.
When the need arises for a business to update its website design and technology but keep its structure as-is, a website refresh would be ideal. However, if there are significant problems with a business's current website, such as design and performance, then a website redesign may prove to be worth the expense.
Having a modern website can do wonders to build client trust and increase visitor numbers, as well as generate leads. Either way, working with an expert Website redesign company in Edmonton can help a business develop its site into something that will bring success and tangible results.
