A website is an asset that needs periodic updates to maintain its functionality. However, you need to know when to refresh your website and when to redesign it.  

In this article, we will be looking at the differences between a website refresh and a website redesign. We will also discuss when to do each of them. 

Let’s get right into it. 

Difference Between A Website Refresh and A Website Redesign

A website refresh involves applying small changes to a website while maintaining its main structure and design. It usually involves updating content and prices, fixing broken and outdated pages, and changing the photos and visual look of the site.

This process usually takes a few days to a few weeks. It is also budget-friendly and doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Meanwhile, a website redesign involves completely tearing down a site’s structure and rebuilding it from scratch. 

This involves changing the site’s structure, visual design, sitemap, and navigation. It could also mean changing the content management system that the site is hosted on, e.g., WordPress.

The goal of a website redesign is usually to improve the user experience (UX), technical SEO, mobile performance, and the conversion rate.

The process is usually more time-consuming and takes several weeks to several months to complete. It also requires a higher cost, as compared to a website redesign.

When To Do A Website Refresh

You need just a website refresh when:

•  Your website’s functionality is working well

• Your site’s aesthetics are aging or outdated

• Your customers can navigate through your site properly

• You just want to make little brand updates, like updating your brand logo or colours

• You want to edit your services, product offerings, and team member bios 

•  Your content management system is up to date

• You need to update your content, prices, and copy

• Your site loads fast and works well on mobile

• You need a quick fix to make your website sharper and more relevant

•  You need to update photos, fonts, and the visual look

• You want to stay current, but your budget is limited

When To Do A Website Redesign

You need to do a full website redesign when:

•  Your website doesn’t load fast

• Your site’s navigation is confusing

• Your content management system is outdated

• Your site doesn’t work well on mobile

• Your site’s user experience is poor

• Site visitors aren’t converting

•  Your site’s bounce rate is high

• Your brand changes its target audience or business model

•  Your site has technical issues

• You want to incorporate new technology

• You have enough budget

Final Thoughts

Whether your website needs a refresh or redesign depends on the issues you are trying to fix and your end goal. 

A refresh is a quick fix to give your site more beauty and relevance. Meanwhile, a redesign is a longer investment that can fix a lot of your site’s major challenges.

So, weigh the options and decide which one of them is best for your brand at this point.  

If you want an expert opinion to figure out which of them your site needs, send us a message. 

We can help you figure out exactly what your site needs and fix it for you at a very fair rate.