When Should I Redesign My Website? A Comprehensive Guide for Busy Business Owners

Author: Jamie Aukofer

Updated: April 24, 2025

Published: April 23, 2018

Your website should evolve with your business–here’s how to tell when it’s time to make a change.

Let’s be honest: redesigning your website sounds like a lot. And yeah, it can be. But done right, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got a clear plan and a partner who speaks your language. I’ve worked with dozens of businesses that wrestled with the same question: When should I redesign my website? Most of them knew something wasn’t working but weren’t quite sure where to start. So today, I’m giving you the blueprint I share with our clients to help you make smart, strategic decisions without the drama.

 

Why Even Bother with a Website Redesign?

Things change fast. Your industry evolves. Technology shifts. Your business grows. And if your website isn’t keeping up, your customers might not be sticking around. That’s where a redesign can breathe new life into your digital presence.

It’s not just about a new color scheme or choosing fonts (though that’s fun too). A complete website redesign should improve your user experience (UX), boost your search engine optimization (SEO), decrease bounce rates and make sure your calls to action (CTAs) actually convert. According to FMG Suite, businesses should consider a redesign every 2-3 years, but let’s go deeper than timelines.

 

Ask Yourself: Is My Website Still Working For Me?

You don’t need a crystal ball, just an honest evaluation. Here are some questions I ask clients during our strategy sessions:

  • Does the site load quickly? (Page loading or loading time is a huge deal for UX and SEO.)
  • Can customers easily find what they need?
  • Are the CTAs clear and driving action?
  • Does the site look and work great on mobile?
  • Is the content still relevant and engaging?

If you answered “no” to even a couple of those, it might be time for a website refresh or even a full redesign.

 

The Big Red Flags: When It’s Definitely Time to Redesign

While small tweaks can go a long way, sometimes your website is silently screaming for a makeover.

Watch for these signs:

1. It Takes Forever to Load

Slow page loading kills conversions. People bounce. Search engines penalize you. Your competitors thank you.

2. Your Bounce Rates Are High

If users visit and then peace out without interacting, something’s not working. It could be poor navigation, confusing layout, outdated content or a CTA that doesn’t inspire.

3. Your Site Isn’t Mobile Friendly

Google prioritizes mobile-first design in its search engine results pages. If your current site doesn’t display well on smaller devices like cellphones or tablets, you’re losing out on quality traffic.

4. The Brand Looks Outdated

Your website is often the first impression. If it looks like it’s stuck in 2012, your credibility takes a hit even if your services are top-notch.

5. You’re Not Showing Up in Search Results

Your site might be beautiful, but if it’s not optimized for SEO, no one will find it. A redesign can integrate keywords, improve site structure and give you a better shot at ranking higher.

 

What Actually Happens During a Website Redesign with Keystone Click?

If you’re picturing months of chaos and a budgetary blackhole, take a breath. A smart redesign is strategic, phased and focused on impact.

Here’s what we typically tackle:

Strategy First (Always)

At Keystone Click, we start with research. We audit what’s working, what’s not and what your competitors are doing. This research-first approach ensures your new site actually helps you grow.

UX and Navigation Improvements

We make sure your customers can find what they need with fewer clicks and more clarity. That means intuitive menus, strategic CTAs and well-structured pages.

Content Overhaul

We review, update and optimize your messaging with an eye on keyword integration for SEO. Fresh content boosts your rankings and keeps users engaged.

Visual Refresh

Yes, we’ll talk color scheme, fonts and images, but it’s not just about looking good–it’s about building trust and aligning with your brand identity.

Technical Upgrades

From improved loading times to integrating a better content management system (CMS), we make sure your site runs smoothly under the hood.

 

SEO: Handle With Care

A redesign without an SEO plan is like moving without forwarding your mail. You risk losing your rankings, traffic, and leads.

I recommend this great guide from HubSpot on how to protect SEO during a redesign.

If URLs change, set up proper redirects. Keep metadata intact. Use a staging site to test before you go live. And please—don’t delete pages willy-nilly.

 

Tools to Guide You

Not sure how to plan a redesign? This HubSpot template is a great place to start.

Looking for ideas and inspiration? Crazy Egg’s redesign tips are packed with smart advice.

 

Redesign vs. Continuous Improvements

Here’s the thing: You don’t always need a full-blown overhaul. Sometimes, gradual improvements can keep your site healthy without a huge investment.

Regularly updating content, tweaking your CTAs, monitoring bounce rates, and running UX tests can buy you time before it’s time to redesign from the ground up.

That said, if your site feels like an old pair of shoes—comfortable but not professional—it might be time for that full refresh.

 

Bottom Line: A Website Redesign is an Investment in Growth

I get it–a complete website redesign can feel like a big leap. But it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to attract, engage and convert your ideal customer. Done right, it delivers ROI you can see and measure.

If you’re still wondering When should I redesign my website, let’s talk. At Keystone Click, we help B2B businesses like yours build smarter, faster, and more effective websites that align with your goals. Let’s chat about your web development needs and find the right solution for your growth.

Schedule a website redesign consultation with us today.

 

Editor’s note: Our team of digital marketing experts is always on the lookout to bring you the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about our industry. This post was originally published in April 2018 and has been updated to reflect current best practices.

headshot of Jamie Aukofer on a white background. Jamie is wearing a black hoodie and dark-rimmed glasses

Jamie Aukofer