Do you need a rebuild, or just a refresh?

A refresh costs about half a rebuild and keeps the search ranking you have already earned. Here is how to tell which one you need.

Signs you only need a refresh

The site works. Pages load, forms send, nothing is broken — it just looks dated. The content is still accurate. You are reasonably happy with the structure and only wish it looked current.

Signs you need a rebuild

• It is not usable on a phone
• You cannot edit anything without calling someone
• It is built on a platform that no longer gets updates
• The structure no longer matches what your business does
• It loads in more than about three seconds and nothing fixes it

The ranking question

This is the part people miss. A refresh keeps your existing pages and addresses, so the search ranking you have built up over years stays intact. A rebuild done carelessly can wipe it out overnight. If you do rebuild, the old addresses need redirecting properly — ask whoever quotes you how they plan to handle it. If they look blank, keep shopping.