Do I Offer Website Redesigns or Refreshes? Here’s What You Need to Know
One of the most common enquiries I receive sounds something like this:
"I've built most of my website myself — it just needs a few finishing touches."
But in reality, once I look at it, what’s often needed isn’t just a few tweaks — it’s a full professional design.
So today, I want to walk you through the real difference between a refresh, a redesign, and when it’s time to consider a full professional rebuild — so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
Because getting clear on this now will save you time, stress, and disappointment down the track.
First, Let’s Define It Properly: Refresh vs Redesign vs Full Build
Website Refresh:
A refresh is for websites that have a solid foundation — good structure, working SEO basics, professional imagery, clear messaging — but need a modern update. This could mean updating fonts, colours, adding a few new sections, or polishing layouts to bring the site up to date without changing its bones.
Website Redesign:
A redesign is when the structure isn’t working properly — the navigation, page flow, user journey, or messaging needs reworking. It’s more than cosmetic. It’s about making sure your website is helping your business grow, not holding it back.
Full Website Build:
If you’ve DIYed your site — even with a good platform like Squarespace — but all you have is photo blocks next to text blocks, no strategic flow, no SEO structure, or inconsistent layouts... that’s not a website that needs "just a few finishing touches."
That’s a website that still needs to be built properly from the ground up.
Why It’s So Important to Know the Difference
It’s really common to feel like you’re close when you’ve DIYed a site. You’ve put in hours, you’re attached to it — and you just want it to look and feel polished.
But as a professional website designer (with over 160 websites under my belt), I can tell you:
Without proper SEO foundations (heading hierarchy, metadata, alt tags), Google won't find you — and your audience won’t either.
Without strategic layouts (designed with the user journey in mind), visitors will leave without taking action.
Without polished design (spacing, flow, hierarchy, call-to-actions), your website will feel confusing or amateur — no matter how lovely your brand or service is.
And no — these gaps aren’t fixed with a few quick tweaks.
They require professional expertise, strategic planning, and custom design thinking to bring everything together properly.
What Happens When You Try to "Patch" a DIY Site?
Often when someone says "just a few finishing touches," what they really mean is:
Reformatting entire layouts to be SEO-compliant
Rebuilding the structure of pages for better usability
Designing navigation that flows logically
Sourcing or reworking imagery for visual impact
Writing or editing copy so it's client-focused, not just business-focused
Testing across all devices to ensure a responsive mobile design
In short?
They’re asking for a professional website build — but using "refresh" language because they’re not sure what’s actually involved.
This mismatch between language, expectations, and budget can cause real frustration on both sides if not addressed upfront.
I prefer to be transparent — and educate you — so you know exactly what you're investing in.
When a True Refresh Might Be Possible
If your current website:
Has a clear structure already in place
Has properly formatted headings and page layouts
Has optimised imagery and alt tags
Has strategic calls to action
Has strong, SEO-friendly copy
Then yes — a refresh could be the right next step for you.
Small visual updates, slight text tweaks, updated images — no problem.
But if the foundation is missing?
A refresh will only polish the surface — it won’t fix the core problems that are hurting your brand visibility and business growth.
Why a Full Professional Build Is Worth Considering
If you’re serious about using your website as a powerful marketing tool (not just an online brochure), here’s what a professional build gives you:
Strategic layout and navigation that guides users to action
SEO setup to increase your chances of being found online
Copywriting structure that speaks directly to your ideal clients
Consistent, brand-aligned design that builds trust and authority
A mobile-optimised, fast-loading, easy-to-manage website
And most importantly — confidence.
Confidence to show up, promote your offers, and know your website is supporting your growth.
Final Thoughts: My Promise to You
I’m not here to "upsell" you into a bigger package you don’t need.
But I am here to be honest.
If what you have really just needs a refresh — I’ll tell you.
If what you have actually needs a full build — I’ll explain why, so you can make the best decision for your business.
Because my goal isn't just to "finish" your website.
It's to create a calm, clear, strategic foundation that supports your brand, your growth, and your future goals.
Want to know what your website really needs?
Click here to book a Website Review Chat — I’ll assess your current site and give you honest feedback (no judgment, just strategy).
