A redesign improves what already exists. A rebuild replaces the foundation. They are often quoted as if they were the same job, and choosing the wrong one either wastes money or leaves the original problem untouched.
What a redesign actually covers
A redesign keeps the existing site structure and content model, and improves presentation and clarity: layout, typography, imagery, hierarchy, calls to action, mobile behaviour and copy.
It is the right choice when the pages you need already exist and the business has not fundamentally changed.
What a rebuild involves
A rebuild starts from the structure. Pages are re-planned, the navigation is redrawn, content is rewritten or reorganised, and the site is built again — often on a newer Wix editor or a different platform.
It costs more and takes longer, but it is the only option when the underlying structure is the problem.
Signs a redesign is enough
- The page structure still matches how you sell
- Content is accurate and only needs tightening
- The site is on a current editor and behaves well technically
- Problems are mostly visual: hierarchy, spacing, imagery, calls to action
- Mobile issues are layout-level rather than structural
Signs a rebuild makes more sense
- Your services or products have changed significantly
- Navigation cannot be fixed without re-planning the pages
- The site runs on an outdated editor with limited layout control
- Ecommerce, booking or member features need to be added properly
- Editing anything is slow enough that the site never gets updated
What to protect either way
Keep your existing URLs where you can, and redirect them where you cannot. Keep the pages that already attract search traffic, and improve them rather than deleting them. Export your content before any structural work begins.
A reasonable way to decide
Write down the five things you want the site to do better. If most of them are about how the site looks and reads, a redesign will get you there. If most of them are about what the site is missing or how it is organised, plan a rebuild.
You can see how these ideas are applied in practice across the case study archive, or read more in the journal.
