There is a difference between Website Development, a Website Redesign, and a Website Refresh. These are different projects that vary in complexity, time, and cost in order to complete. Before you decide which solution is right for you and your small business, it’s essential to understand the differences between each option. You can read our Website Design & Development page for more information about the approach Harv Communication takes to any website project, otherwise, keep reading this Blog post to learn more about the options available to you and how the process works!
What is a Website Refresh?
Let’s say you already have an existing website. Perhaps it was made by a friend-of-a-friend or a hired freelancer from 5 years ago that you no longer work with. Maybe you designed it yourself through a templated platform, allowing for a quick “drag & drop” design. Or perhaps you spent a lot of money 10+ years ago with the intention of never needing a new website again. Regardless of circumstance, a Website Refresh might be the right option for you. Search Engines, such as Google, want and expect to see new content contributed to your website on a regular basis. Beyond that, tools and technology are always updating, rendering older platforms and designs obsolete. User Experience should be at the forefront of your decision-making to Refresh the website. How does something look on an iPhone 7? Does it perform the same way on an iPhone 13? These are fundamental considerations of SEO in general but also correlate to whether it might be time for a Website Refresh.
The idea of a Refresh is taking the existing concept, design, and functionality and modernizing the look, feel, and performance. The wheel does not need to be reinvented. However, sometimes the tread on the wheels starts to fade and it’s time for a replacement set. In this metaphor, you do not need to buy a new car. You do not need to completely scrap the website and start fresh – take what you have and just ensure it’s performing correctly across each device type! Some changes to colours, layouts, and functions can be part of a Refresh but if it’s changing every single feature or changing the majority of the functionality, then it’s more of a Redesign which is a different process. On the other side of the coin, you may not have a website at all and instead are starting from scratch. This would then be considered a Website Development project.
Website Development, Design, or Refresh. Which is Right For Your Small Business?
The first question really comes down to this: what is your goal? Perhaps you already have the answer or maybe this is something that can be discovered through a comprehensive audit or business consultation conversation. Knowing what your goal is will help determine your budget and timing to help make the decision of what website project is right for your small business. Regardless of the type of website you are utilizing, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the website is performing correctly while still adhering to all best practices. You do not need to Refresh your website every month, but you certainly should keep an eye on each individual component to ensure it is in working order. This is particularly true with WordPress websites which rely on individual, 3rd-Party Plugins, Themes, and versions in order to function. Regular maintenance helps prevent the need for a total Redesign.
Having your own graphics, logos, or colour scheme is an important step in the process but these details must also remain consistent across each one of your digital touchpoints. Ensuring each one of the ways a potential customer can find your business online looks the same helps to reinforce your brand and remind customers of who you are. If you are looking for a new brand design, logo development, or help with Social Media marketing, I would recommend speaking with Donna to get started on your brand identity! Off of the website optimizations are also a recommended strategy to expand your digital footprint and provide multiple ways for a customer to find your business online. These can be completed as part of any overall Website Refresh, Design, or Development strategy.
If you have any questions or want to get started on a Website Refresh or Design project, contact us today. Let’s work together to grow your business online!
