In this blog we explain the difference between a website revamp, reskin or rebuild.
If you feel your existing website is looking a bit lacklustre, outdated or no longer reflects your services or brand; we can help you decide on the best path forward – and make it happen!
While the temptation might be to start from scratch (and some website developers go straight for this option to make a quick buck) this isn’t always necessary.
The first question is to address what is wrong with your existing website.
Is it a design or aesthetic problem? A functional or SEO issue? The back-end a nightmare to update?
This will tell you whether a revamp, reskin, or rebuild will be the best solution for you.
Website Revamp
What is it?
A website revamp is your best option when the site structure, functionality and look and feel of your website is fine, but the content and flow isn’t right.
A revamp will give it a fresh and new interface for those who access your website.
Who needs it?
It’s time for a website revamp if:
- Site text is not up to scratch or is dated.
- No buttons or ‘call to action’ throughout the site.
- All of your services are jammed on to the ‘Service’ page.
- You don’t have any headers or SEO.
What does it involve/include?
- Start by going over your website and working out what you really need to change and what you want to keep.
- Determine who you want your target audience to be and how you want to reach them.
- Work out what design changes you’re going to implement and then plan to start rebuilding your website.
Website Reskin or Redesign
What is it?
A website reskin involves keeping the majority of your website’s functions and code intact but changes the aesthetic (look and feel) of the site.
It’s a more cost-effective option than a full rebuild, but it may not give you the added functions that you are looking to gain in the process.
Who needs it?
You may need to reskin or redesign your website for the following reasons:
- Current theme isn’t mobile responsive (compatible).
- Poor layout or navigation.
- Theme is no longer support by the original developer, so no updates (this puts you at risk of a hack)
- Outdated or you just don’t like the look of the template.
What does it involve/include?
This could take the form of a few simple steps by changing logos, fonts, colours and freshening up your website. You could also take it a bit deeper and take on a new theme or background template, it really depends on how much you want to change.
Website Rebuild
What is it?
A rebuild covers the full internal aspects of a website. In addressing its strategy, the technology used and the CMS (Content Management System), in addition to the look and feel.
Who needs it?
Reasons why you may decide to choose the option of a rebuild:
- Website wasn’t built in WordPress.
- Major functionality issues.
- Poor or no SEO due to poor site structure.
- Another web host is trying to charge exorbitant release fees.
What does it involve/include?
A rebuild is a more in-depth process because it addresses the underlying technology and functionality, such as CMS, servers, code and databases in use.
You’ll have to think about every aspect of how you want your website to run and how effective you want it to be.
What website platform should I use?
For most clients, we recommend WordPress as your Content Management System (CMS) because of the following reasons:
- Ease of use
- Integration and access to plugins (software)
- Blogging and SEO capabilities
- Maintenance and ease of updates
- Cost-effectiveness
- Ongoing updates and technical support
We have the technical experience to work with websites on other platforms, however, we find WordPress is one of the most reliable. If your website isn’t on WordPress but you want to be – you’ll be in the market for a rebuild.
What is the difference between revamp, reskin or rebuild?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions or need advice from an experienced website developer, please get in contact with the team at Brisbane Digital Co on (07) 3889 2977 or send us a message here.
