Table of Contents
Website audits are an important part of the discovery process. We offer website audits to each client with an existing website to understand the history of the website, what worked, what failed and how they picture the future of their website.
But not every project needs a complete rebuild. Some websites just need new features, a retooling, fresh content or fresh eyes.
Just recently we took over the website of a local well-known bakery in Durham Region. They had an existing website that was built by another agency and had various designers and developers take a jab at the project but the same issues remain – it wasn’t converting. It didn’t work with their clientele and it wasn’t being used the way the client wanted.
The website itself looked great but the homepage was missing a call to action, the checkout page was broken and the customer felt lost when using it. With this client it made sense to retool the existing website and make it usable.
What is the difference between a redesign and a refresh?
Think of your website like a house.
The Refresh:
New paint, updated furniture, and better lighting. You aren’t moving walls; you’re updating the UI (User Interface).
The Redesign:
Tearing it down to the studs. You’re changing the floor plan, the plumbing, and the foundation. This is a UX (User Experience) and structural overhaul.
But what determines a redesign vs. refresh?
Does the website look good but it isn’t converting? Or it feels disconnected? Refresh
Has your brand changed and the website needs colour changes? Refresh
Has your service offerings / demographic changed? Redesign
Poor or no mobile experience? We usually opt for a full redesign but this can be fixed during a refresh.
Is your website over 5 years old? Redesign. Technology moves so quickly that a 5 year old website is likely outdated.
You’ve shifted from a simple brochure site to needing a E-Commerce shop or a client portal. Redesign.
What are the pro vs. cons of a Website Refresh or Website Redesign?
Feature | Website Refresh | Website Redesign |
Focus | Visuals & Content | Functionality & Strategy |
Timeline | 1–2 Weeks | 2–6 weeks |
Best For | Keeping things “modern” | Solving deep business problems |
Risk | Low | High (requires careful SEO migration) |
A refresh can be quicker and cheaper but doesn’t fix major underlying issues. A refresh also has a shorter life span so if your website was already feeling outdated, a refresh may not fix that. A Redesign is a larger investment but builds a foundation that can last the next 5+ years, often paying for itself through higher conversion rates.
Why Partner with 368 Durham for Your Next Move?
Deciding between a quick polish and a total overhaul isn’t a choice you should have to make in the dark. At 368 Durham, we don’t believe in selling you a “new” site just for the sake of it. We believe in building the right tool for your specific goals.
Whether you are a local shop in the Durham Region or a growing agency in the US, our approach is rooted in transparency and technical expertise:
- The Audit-First Approach: We start by looking under the hood. If your current WordPress foundation is solid, we’ll tell you. We focus on ROI, not just billable hours.
- Deep WordPress Expertise: From Divi and Elementor to complex WooCommerce integrations, we build sites that are as easy for you to manage as they are for your customers to use.
Scalability for the Long Haul: We don’t just build for today. We ensure your site—whether refreshed or redesigned—is ready to grow as your business expands into new markets.
