When a Redesign Isn’t the Answer
Not every website needs to be rebuilt from scratch. Sometimes what a site really needs is care, not a complete makeover. When a client comes to me saying, “I think I need a new website,” my first step is to check what’s already there. How long has the site been up? What platform is it built on? Can it still grow? If the base is solid, then a few tweaks might be all that’s needed.
It’s not always about throwing everything away. Sometimes a refresh means fixing spacing, redesigning the header, adding clear calls to action, or cleaning up a contact form. When I conduct a discovery session for an existing website, I don’t just focus on design. I check if all the plugins are up to date, make sure the site is secure, and confirm that on-page SEO is actually in place. It’s an all-in check-up. From there, we decide together what really needs attention.
Doing a full redesign on a live site is something I try to avoid. It sounds easy, but it can quickly turn into a headache. Changing fonts can mess up layouts. Old plugins can clash with new code. Navigation can break. Testing becomes a nightmare. Sometimes, what should be a tidy-up turns into a patchwork job that costs more time and stress than building fresh. So if the platform is healthy, great, we tidy it up. But if it’s falling apart under the hood, it’s time for a rebuild.
There are clear signs when a new build is the right call. If the site was created in the 90s and has never been updated, if it doesn’t scale on mobile or tablet, or if the platform can’t grow with the business, then the answer is obvious. Technology moves fast, and holding onto something outdated does more harm than good.
I always see a website as an investment, not an expense. Every improvement adds value. A well-built, modern site builds trust, attracts the right audience, and provides a solid foundation for growth. It’s like renovating a house: not because it’s falling, but because you want it to keep standing strong for years to come.
But here’s the truth. If your website has been a headache from the day it was created, chances are its foundations are bad. In that case, rebuilding isn’t just the best way forward, it’s the only way to stop wasting time and money.
And between us, I’m starting to rethink doing redesigns altogether. They can be more trouble than they’re worth. Sometimes, the cleanest and smartest solution is to start over — and build something that works properly from the beginning.
Ready to take the next step with your website? Whether you’re starting from scratch, refreshing your current site, or need help editing the video you took on your phone, I can help you create something that feels right for you and works well for your audience. Get in touch here.
