Refreshing or rebuilding an existing site
Website Redesign Cost
A website redesign usually costs less than a brand-new build when content and structure can be reused, and more when it involves a platform change or a large migration. The biggest risk isn't the price; it's losing the Google rankings your current site has earned. This guide explains what affects redesign costs, the difference between a redesign and a rebuild and how to protect your search visibility.
Redesign or rebuild?
A redesign refreshes the look, layout and content on the same or a similar structure. A rebuild moves to a new platform or changes the structure significantly. Rebuilds cost more because content must be moved, URLs often change and everything needs testing.
What affects the cost
The number of pages to move or rewrite, whether content is reused or rewritten, new features, integrations, the platform change and the redirect work needed. Our calculator treats large migrations (50 or more pages) as a separate category because the planning and redirect work adds up.
Protecting your Google rankings
Before you change anything, list the pages that bring in visitors and enquiries using Google Search Console and your analytics. Map each old URL to its new equivalent and set up permanent (301) redirects. Keep page titles and content that rank well, or improve them rather than starting from scratch. After launch, monitor Search Console for errors and fix them quickly.
When a redesign is worth it
Common signs: the site is slow on phones, hard to update, looks dated compared with competitors, no longer reflects your services or isn't generating enquiries. If the site works well, targeted improvements may be enough.
Redesign checklist
- List of top pages from Search Console and analytics
- Old-to-new URL redirect map
- Content that ranks kept or improved, not deleted
- New site tested on mobile before launch
- Google Business Profile and listings updated if details change
- Search Console monitored for errors after launch
Good to know
Your questions, answered.
Will a redesign hurt my SEO?+
Not if it's planned properly. Redirects, preserved content and post-launch checks prevent most traffic loss.
How long does a redesign take?+
Small sites often take a few weeks. Larger sites with many pages to map and redirect take longer.
Is it cheaper to redesign or start again?+
Reusing good content and structure is usually cheaper. A full rebuild makes sense when the platform or structure is holding you back.
Related guides
Sources
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