# Website redesign vs refresh

> When is the right time to think about a redesign? Would a refresh be enough? What is the difference between a redesign and a refresh?

### The difference between a redesign and a refresh

Your website is usually the first place customers find out about you. You want to make an impression that stays with them. It's probably clear to everyone that this first impression comes from the website's design. Straight after that, they get stuck into the content, and it has to be good to convince them that your business is the right one for them.

So clearly you need to start communicating with customers from the earliest possible moment and show them the added value your product or service offers over the competition.

How do I know my website needs a redesign? Every type of website, whether a company presentation, a content portal or an online shop, needs its own approach, but these traits are usually common to all of them.

### Redesign vs refresh

**A website redesign** means significant changes to the site's architecture, functionality, visuals and content structure.

**A website refresh** focuses on small changes, such as moving the logo or changing the colour palette or font. These may come from a UX audit, for example, which might recommend changing the shape and colour of CTA (call to action) buttons or increasing the contrast between text and background to make the site more accessible.

So do I really need a redesign? You always have two options: rely on your gut feeling or on analytics data. I lean mainly towards the data, but I think it's important to listen to your own urge for change too.

![Table: the difference between a website redesign and a refresh](https://webikon.sk/cdn-cgi/image/width=2000,format=auto,fit=scale-down/https://media.webikon.sk/originals/5d/b7/5db749884ca04a2d.jpg)

#### What should I ask myself first?

- Does the website's design look dated?
- Are my conversions or sales falling?
- Have I had complaints about the website's usability or accessibility?
- Do I often have technical problems with the website?
- Does my website feel fast, or do I feel I'm always waiting for something?
- Is the website adapted for mobiles and tablets?
- Can people with visual impairments use my website?

It's important to ask yourself how much it will cost and whether you have enough in the budget for the redesign to make sense, meaning it includes everything needed for real change.

Every website needs maintenance, monitoring and updates after launch, and possibly technical support too. Some websites need it more often, others only once in a while. Sometimes a business needs 24/7 oversight, because every minute can cost you serious money. If you neglect these activities, your website can easily end up unusable, behaving unpredictably or, worse still, an easy target for hackers. It's a good idea to factor these costs into your budget for the coming years.

### Keep experimenting and innovating

Run A/B tests and think about new looks and functionality. Think everything through carefully, get advice and measure the results. Once you're happy enough with it, you can release it. Preparation is key, but you don't always have to wait for a full redesign. Some changes are very easy to make and have a big impact. And sometimes things that work don't need changing; backing them with good marketing may be enough.

#### Tips for improving your website's usability (UX):

- Use adequate contrast between text and background.
- Optimise the website for SEO and keywords, in other words its content.
- Add visuals and distinctive brand elements so your website is easy to recognise.
- Make sure every page works well on mobile devices.

A well-executed redesign is hard work, and taking it on often takes a lot of courage. But if you want your business to grow, you usually can't avoid it. I believe that with us you'll get through it quickly and without unnecessary risk. Write to us if you get stuck and need a consultation, or if you're looking for an agency to manage the whole thing for you.

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Source: https://webikon.sk/en/blog/redesign-vs-refresh/