What are the differences between a website refresh and redesign? Many businesses are not aware of the difference between a website refresh and redesign. There are multiple key differences, so it pays to know which one you need for your needs! Let’s find out!
What is a Website Refresh?
A website refresh is a process of updating the content and design on your website. This can be done for many reasons, but typically it is because your site looks outdated, or you want to make changes in order to increase conversion rates. Basically, a website refresh would typically leave the foundation of your website’s functionality and code intact but give it a new / fresh look. A refresh can be as simple as changing the background color, or it can involve a more complicated process that includes everything from new images to online shopping carts. The goal of a refresh update is usually to make your site look modern, while also increasing visitor engagement with your content and making navigation easier for users. Website refreshes are used in many different sectors, including retail, education, government, etc.
Typically, when website refreshes are implemented, there are some website elements that remain unchanged, and these sections are not worked on. However, some website elements (for example the navigation bar) may be completely changed around to give the website a fresh new look while some website pages will be rearranged to make room for new content or additional content.
Who typically performs website refreshes?
Many website refreshes are implemented and conducted by third parties / web development teams such as companies that specialize in website design. Website refresh teams can consist of website designers, website developers, content managers and website strategists.
What are some common website refreshes?
Some website refreshes can include changing website design colors, including a new color scheme to a website or updating the website’s logo. Content changes can also be part of a website refresh such as adding more information, reorganizing information, refreshing the layout, adding pages or simply offering alternative content for different target audiences.
What is a full website redesign?
Redesigning a website means starting over from scratch- generating fresh ideas about how best present information on pages in order attract visitors with differing needs who visit via many devices they may use each day. A full website redesign is an all-encompassing makeover that completely transforms the way a business looks. It can include everything from the logo, to the layout and interface, even all the way to the color scheme.
“Why?” you may ask, “What’s so special about my site for us to do a full redesign?” Well for starters – it could be bloated with unnecessary features and outdated design principles which makes users feel lost or confused on how they should interact with your pages.
An expert team of designers will help streamline this process by focusing only what matters most: providing value through their creative work while keeping things clean & simple without losing integrity as well doing research into user behaviors in order find out where change must happen.
Another reason for a redesign website is that your business has expanded or changed and the original website is no longer meeting your needs. Maybe you’re selling more than just products online, now offering services as well? This may require updating to an ecommerce platform that supports your growing business.
A lot goes into website redesign project like researching current trends so that they don’t go out-of date quickly (which would make visitors feel left behind) and considering how people consume information now compared with five years ago through social media feeds etc, this is a very important phase to any redesign project.
Basic Steps to a Website Redesign Project
The first step in doing a full web design is getting consent from clients. The designer must make sure they have clear direction on what exactly needs to be done for this type of renovation, as well as know if there are any specific features or elements that need to be included in the new design. Next would be coming up with a proposal for how much money will go toward designing and updating the website.
Once these two phases are finished, web designers can then get to work planning out the website. They will need to look at what is working and not working on the current website, as well as any positive and negative feedback they have received about their web presence during its existence. It is important to go through all this information so that nothing gets missed when it comes time for the web redesign.
Once everything has been decided on and planned out including which content management system to use, designers will be ready to start designing web pages for clients. This includes coming up with a design layout (which might include input from clients), adding in content like graphics and text, adding all necessary features like contact page or other any website asset related items.
This web redesign process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how many web pages or if the entire website is being designed.
Conclusion
And there you have it! When it comes to website design, there are two major decisions you need to make with regards to your current business goals. Which type of project do I want? A website refresh or a website redesign? And how much money should I spend on the project? Both types of projects have their pros and cons depending on your needs. If you’re not sure which one is right for your business, contact us today. We can help answer all your questions about what will work best for your company while providing a free estimate AND a great website!
