10 Signs You Need a Website Redesign for Your Small Business
Key takeaways
- An outdated website can cost you customers without you noticing.
- Poor mobile experience is one of the biggest signs you need a redesign.
- If you can't easily update your site, that's a problem too.
- A redesign should start with your goals and what customers need.
- Your existing content and photos can often be reused.
Websites age faster than you'd think. A site that looked great a few years ago can now feel slow, cluttered or hard to use on a phone. The problem is that customers rarely tell you. They just leave.
This guide covers 10 signs you need a website redesign, what the process looks like and how to plan one without the stress.
Why a Website Redesign Matters
Your website is often a customer's first impression. If it looks outdated or is hard to use, people may assume your business is outdated too, even if your work is excellent.
A website redesign brings your online presence in line with the business you run today.
10 Signs You Need a Website Redesign
1. It Looks Outdated
Old fonts, cluttered layouts and dated colors make a business look inactive.
2. It's Hard to Use on a Phone
If visitors have to pinch and zoom, they'll leave.
3. It Loads Slowly
Slow pages frustrate visitors and push them to competitors.
4. Your Information Is Wrong
Old services, prices, hours or staff confuse customers.
5. You Can't Update It Easily
If every change is a headache, your site falls behind.
6. It Doesn't Bring In Calls or Inquiries
A website should generate leads. If it doesn't, something isn't working.
7. Your Brand Has Changed
New logo, new services or a new focus? Your website should match.
8. It's Hard to Find Key Information
Visitors shouldn't have to hunt for your phone number or services.
9. You're Embarrassed to Share It
If you hesitate to send people to your site, it's time.
10. Competitors Look More Professional Online
Customers compare. Make sure you don't lose on looks alone.
Website Redesign vs. Small Updates
| Situation | Small Updates | Website Redesign |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong hours or prices | ✓ | |
| New photos | ✓ | |
| Outdated design | ✓ | |
| Poor mobile experience | ✓ | |
| New brand or services | ✓ | |
| Site is hard to update | ✓ |
How to Plan a Website Redesign
- List what's working and what isn't
- Decide what customers need to find quickly
- Gather your current photos, logo and content
- Note a few websites you like
- Set a budget for setup and monthly costs
- Choose a provider who handles updates after launch
What to Expect From the Redesign Process
Most redesigns follow a simple path: share your details, the new site is designed and built, you review and request changes, then the new site launches. Your existing content and photos can often be reused or refreshed.
Website Redesign at The Website Haus
Our process works the same for new sites and redesigns:
- Share your business details
- We design and build
- You review and approve
- We launch and maintain
Pricing is simple: $100 one-time design and setup, plus required hosting and maintenance from $25/month (12-month agreement) or $30/month month-to-month, with up to 2 minor edits monthly. See our process.
Give Your Website a Fresh Start
If you recognized your site in a few of these signs, a website redesign could help you win back customers you didn't know you were losing. Start with your goals, keep what works and build a site that's easy to maintain.
Ready for a refresh? Start your website project. Unsure who to hire? Read how to choose a website design company.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a website redesign?
Common signs include an outdated look, a poor experience on phones, slow loading, wrong information, difficulty making updates and few calls or inquiries from the site. If you're hesitant to share your website with customers, it's likely time for a redesign.
How often should a small business redesign its website?
There's no fixed rule. Many businesses refresh their site every few years, or whenever their brand, services or customer needs change significantly. Regular small updates in between help keep the site current.
Can I keep my content during a website redesign?
Often, yes. Your existing text, photos and logo can usually be reused or refreshed in the new design. A redesign is also a good time to update anything that's out of date.
How much does a website redesign cost?
It depends on the size of the site and the provider. At The Website Haus, redesigns follow the same pricing as new sites: $100 one-time design and setup plus required hosting and maintenance from $25 per month.
What's the difference between a redesign and an update?
Updates are small changes like new hours, prices or photos. A redesign rebuilds the look, layout and structure of the site. Updates keep a good site current; a redesign fixes a site that no longer works for your business.