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DOES YOUR BRAND NEED A WEBSITE REFRESH OR WEBSITE REDESIGN? HERE’S HOW YOU DECIDE!

 

There’s no way to deny it: websites must adapt to the times. Users don’t go looking for websites with broken links, or ones that appear outdated. And if your website is falling behind the curve in this way, you might as well not exist. In this article, you’ll learn how to tell if your website needs a redesign or just a refresh — and where to start when updating an existing site that is outdated. Your website is your first impression and begins the journey of building trust with potential customers. The goal of a website refresh is not just to change the face and layout of your site, but to let it be the best representation of your brand. If you’re looking for a complete overhaul – from branding to functionality – then it’s time for a total website redesign.

What is a Website Redesign?

A website redesign is when you completely change the look, layout and/or functionality of your site. It’s essentially taking your website down to its foundations and rebuilding it from scratch. Website redesigns are often done in response to evolving user expectations, or because you’ve outgrown what you need from your site and want something new. To ensure the overhaul of your website doesn’t end up costing more than it has to, it is important to understand the difference and weigh the cost-benefit of each project before diving into a complete overhaul.

What is a Website Refresh?

A website refresh is when you bring your website design up to date and make it look more modern. You can do this by changing the branding colors, fonts, and/or graphics. Or you can overhaul everything, including content management system as well as all your pages and blog posts, keeping the same navigation but updating all of the styles to be more modern. A website refresh could completely change everything about your website or just a few things—it depends on what you want to achieve and whether or not you’re working with an existing design team or have a new one creating from scratch.

How is a Refresh different from a Redesign?

A website refresh is essentially an update to the site’s content, design, and structure — essentially the same as updating your social media feed or email format. A website redesign, on the other hand, would be like completely changing the way Google works and organizes and displays its search results. Your redesign might mean switching to another content management system or going from a static to a responsive design, using something like WordPress for the first time. Because the core functioning of the website is changing, a redesign is much more complicated, takes more time to roll out, and can even involve some training to help you maintain it. However, redesigning your website can be a simpler project, like creating a brand-new theme or skin for your current content.

Should I do a Refresh or Should I Completely Redesign The Website?

Refresh, or update if you like, is a solid choice if your website is getting less traffic than it once did. It will give you time to decide what more drastic changes you might make. Refreshes are the difference between changing the color of your car versus going from a V6 to a V8 motor. A refreshing your website will take far less time to complete and is a much less complicated procedure because it involves only adding new content and tweaking some existing content as necessary. There’s no need for deep thinking and analysis; instead, just plan out what you want to draw attention to and how best to do so.

A website redesign isn’t just about having a new look; it’s also about having a website that better fits all your needs. Perhaps you’re having trouble with the load time of your site, or visitors are getting frustrated because they have to sign up for an email list before they can see what your products offer. Or, maybe you just want more functionality than what your current site can provide. Boasting a new and improved design will likely attract more visitors as well, since it is more appealing than the original website design.

Our team of website experts can help you determine the best way to improve your online presence. We have a variety of services that can be tailored to meet your needs and budget. Choose from responsive web design, custom website development, or ecommerce site development. We can also help you update your current CMS and make any needed improvements or updates, as well as optimize it for rapid load times. The key is to determine your primary goal for the website. 

If you’re looking to update your website in some way, the first step is to determine the type of project you want to pursue. Redesigns are often much more comprehensive projects than a refresh, which can simply entail tweaks and changes to the layout and design of your site without any major overhauls. A redesign can encompass more complex changes such as moving toward a responsive design or changing your website structure, while a refresh typically includes smaller changes such as adding new imagery or modifying existing content. If you feel like a full makeover is needed, then consider working with a professional redesign team that can help guide you through the process step-by-step.

UX and UI design is a focus at Studio Brand. Whether it’s a complete website redesign or a simple graphics update, we can develop the look and feel of your digital presence with scalability in mind. The UI/UX process starts with research, prototyping and user testing to ensure we’re making the best design choices for your users.

At Studio Brand, we’re committed to helping you grow your business and take it to the next level. Our team of dedicated designers and developers are some of the most innovative in the industry. We will work closely with you to make sure that your website meets all your specific needs.

Want to discuss your options for a website refresh or a website redesign?

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