Learn from the Pros: Website Redesign FAQs

Redesigning a website can feel overwhelming, especially if you have limited experience with the challenging process. To help you take this first step, our Web Design and Development expert, Melissa Nault, will walk you through some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to redesigning websites.

1. When Should I Consider a Website Redesign?

You might have already noticed that your club’s website looks outdated, doesn’t align with your company’s current image, or is simply not as user-friendly as it should be. Melissa explains, “I personally can tell a big difference on a website when it’s even just three years old. Which doesn’t seem very old, but it’s getting there. I think in three to five years you want a new website.” This may not sound like a long time, but consider how much can change in that period: technology evolves, offers and amenities shift, and even audiences turn over.

Another sign? Your website doesn’t load as fast as it could. In today’s fast-paced online environment, users expect a website to load quickly—if it doesn’t, they’re likely to leave. Google also expects your web pages to load quickly and, if they don’t, it could hurt your ranking in their search engine. Don’t lose your valuable audience to those avoidable, slow loading times.

2. What Are the Benefits of a Website Redesign?

The benefits of redesigning your website run deeper than aesthetics and updated information. On an objective level, redesigning your website will greatly improve your user experience. A well-designed website with beautiful graphics and engaging content has a much higher chance of converting visitors to members rather than a boring website with a simple laundry list of amenities. 

This is especially important as more users access websites on their mobile devices. Melissa notes, “As of 2024, over 60% of website traffic is viewed on your mobile device. Now we really design for mobile more so than desktop.” That’s not to say that your desktop website isn’t equally as important. It just means that you have to consider where your target audience is coming from. Spoiler alert: it’s typically on their mobile devices.

Another undeniable benefit is the opportunity to improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). SEO, according to HubSpot, “refers to techniques that help your website rank higher in organic (or. “natural”) search results, thus making your website more visible to people who are looking for your product or service via search engines.” Mobile responsiveness is another factor that Google uses to evaluate how and where to rank your website. 

In other words, SEO is the key to having your website appear at the top of a Google search page.

Along with SEO, upgrading the security features of your website during a redesign can protect your business from potential threats and give your customers peace of mind.

3. How Long Does a Website Redesign Take?

The timeline for a website redesign will vary depending on your project's complexity, goals, and nuances. At StoryTeller, we typically aim for a 120-day timeline, which allows us to thoroughly plan, design, and develop the new site. However, many smaller projects will be completed within 90 days. 

It can be tempting to rush through the process, wanting your new website as soon as possible, but it’s crucial to allow enough time for each phase. Discovery, content creation, design, and testing are all pieces you will want to spend time on to ensure the final product meets your expectations. 

A well-planned and executed redesign is worth the time investment, as it will not only better serve your business, but leave you satisfied with the results.

4. How Much Does a Website Redesign Cost?

The cost of a website redesign can vary widely based on your needs and the scope of the project. Several factors can influence the overall price, including the complexity of the design, depth of the website, new content creation, and whether you require professional photography or video production. Though it may seem like an optional cost, high-quality images can truly make or break your website design. Melissa shares, “You can look at a website with just some low-res, grainy photos, and you would not like the site as much as if you saw it with beautiful, perfectly staged photos. It makes all the difference in the world.”

The cost of a full website redesign might tempt you to outsource updates individually to save money. However, Melissa cautions, "Even if you outsource different parts of the project, those costs can still add up to $10,000 or $20,000 very quickly." In other words, if you're investing in a website redesign, you might as well ensure all changes are cohesive and that everyone involved is aligned on the same goal.

Truthfully, investing in a website redesign is often more cost-effective than it might initially appear. The right design can quickly pay for itself by boosting your online presence and driving substantial business growth. 

5. Should I Hire a Professional Agency or Use a DIY Template?

While DIY website builders like Wix or WordPress templates offer a quick and affordable way to create a website, there’s no substitute for the thorough expertise and experience that a professional team brings to the table. When you hire an agency, you’re not just getting one single designer—you’re gaining access to a whole team of seasoned specialists who will handle everything from content creation and design to development, lead generation, and project management. 

Melissa points out that with an agency, “You get a full team versus tackling all of that on your own.” A professional agency ensures that every nuanced aspect of your website is crafted with care and precision, resulting in a site that not only looks great but also performs well in terms of SEO, user experience, and security. 

Although the initial investment might be higher than using a DIY template, the long-term benefits of a professionally designed website often far outweigh the cost. You’ll end up with a site that better represents your brand, differentiates you from the competition, and helps you achieve your business goals more effectively.