The digital representation of your company is your website, but like everything else, it eventually fades. If it’s performing poorly, you may be considering updating your website or rebuilding it. There are other factors besides appearance that determine the answer. Let’s dissect it so you can make an informed decision about whether your website requires a complete overhaul or just a makeover.
What Does It Mean to “Update” a Website?
Updating entails using the current framework while making improvements in certain areas. This could consist of:
- Changing out images or graphics
- Rewriting text for SEO or clarity
- Plugin or CMS version updates
- Altering layout elements, fonts, or colours
- Increasing responsiveness or speed on mobile devices
These are easy fixes that will help you update your website without incurring large expenses or causing any downtime.
What Does a Website Rebuild Mean?
Rebuilding a website is a total makeover. It includes:
- Redesigning the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI)
- Rebuilding CMS and backend architecture
- Rewriting or restructuring every piece of content
- Reworking the technical underpinnings and SEO structure of the website
- Relaunching or migrating to a new platform
Expect a larger investment if you need to rebuild your website, but the results will be far better.
Indications That Your Website Needs to Be Rebuilt
The following warning signs indicate that your website requires more than just updates:
- It is older than four or five years.
- Your Website Doesn’t Look Good on Mobile
- Slow Speed of Loading
- Your Company Has Outgrown the Website
- Difficult to Maintain or Update
- Inadequate SEO Results
Instead of continuously patching up your website, it might be time to rebuild it if any of these apply to you.
When Basic Updates Are Enough
Follow the updates if:
- You find the structure satisfactory.
- Your website works well and is responsive.
- You’re just experimenting or making changes to the content.
Advice: Before making a decision, audit your website using tools like PageSpeed Insights or Google Search Console.
Real-World Illustration
Before: The website of a nearby legal practice was five years old, sluggish, and out of style.
Update Attempt: The images and copy were updated. There is no change in traffic.
Following a Rebuild: Performance was enhanced by a contemporary, mobile-first rebuild. In three months, organic leads rose 140%.
Concluding Remarks: Consider the Long Term
For small tweaks, updating your website is a great idea. However, it’s probably time to rebuild your website if it seems to be constantly lagging or performing poorly. In the long run, it can help you avoid wasting time, money, or opportunities.
Do you need assistance making a decision? We are able to examine your website and suggest the best course of action.
