Updating the visual design and user experience while keeping your existing platform and structure.
Consider a redesign when:
- Your website looks dated but functions well
- You're happy with your current CMS/platform
- Your site structure and navigation work well
- You need to update branding and visuals
- Your budget is limited
- You need quick turnaround
Building a completely new website from scratch, potentially on a new platform with new functionality.
Consider a rebuild when:
- Your website has significant technical issues
- You need to change platforms (e.g., to Shopify)
- Your site structure no longer matches your business
- You need new functionality your platform can't support
- Your site has security vulnerabilities
- Performance issues can't be fixed with optimization
Quick Comparison
How redesign and rebuild compare across key factors.
| Factor | Redesign | Rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 2-4 weeks typically | 6-12 weeks typically |
| Cost | 30-50% of new site cost | Similar to new site cost |
| Disruption | Minimal, gradual changes possible | More significant, but planned |
| SEO Impact | Usually minimal if done right | Requires careful migration planning |
| Results | Visual/UX improvements | Complete transformation possible |
Making the Right Decision
The choice between redesign and rebuild often comes down to the underlying health of your current website. If your foundation is solid but the house needs updating, a redesign makes sense. If the foundation itself has problems, it's often better to rebuild.
We recommend starting with a website audit. We can evaluate your current site's technical health, performance, and functionality to recommend the most cost-effective approach for achieving your goals.
Sometimes the answer is a phased approach: addressing critical issues first, then redesigning in stages. This spreads costs over time while still moving toward your ideal website.