When it comes to launching (or relaunching) your online presence, one question often stirs debate: should you breathe new life into an old website, or take it down and build from scratch? At VOVO Digital, we’ve helped clients do both – and each path has its pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
So how do you decide? Let’s break it down.
The Case for Reviving an Old Website
Sometimes, your existing site has more value than meets the eye. Here are a few reasons you might choose a revamp:
🔗 You’ve Built Up Authority
If your website has been around for a while and has accumulated backlinks, rankings, or traffic, starting from scratch could undo years of search engine credibility. A thoughtful redesign that retains your URL structure and optimises existing content could keep that momentum going!
📝 There’s Solid Content Already
If your pages still contain valuable information, FAQs, or blog posts that perform well, it makes sense to audit and improve rather than re-do everything. Updating visuals, fixing navigation, and modernising your layout can breathe new life into a tired design.
🎨 Brand Identity Hasn’t Drastically Changed
If your brand message and audience are still the same, a refresh can keep the site relevant while staying aligned with your core look and feel. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all you need.
The Case for Starting from Scratch
Then again, there are plenty of times when wiping the slate clean is the smarter option, such as:
⏱️ Your Website Is Technically Outdated
If your current site runs on an old platform or isn’t mobile-friendly, it might be more effort (and cost) to patch things up than to rebuild. Starting fresh ensures your new website is fast, secure, and ready for the future.
🌱 Your Brand or Business Has Evolved
If your business has pivoted or your branding has completely changed – new logo, tone of voice, target market – a brand-new website might be necessary to truly represent who you are now.
🏚️ The UX (User Experience) Is Beyond Fixing
Sometimes, the layout, navigation, or user journey on an old site is so clunky that trying to fix it would be like renovating a crumbling house. In these cases, building a new site with a clear structure and user-first mindset is a better investment.
What Should You Do?
Here are a few guiding questions:
- Do you have strong traffic and rankings you can’t afford to lose?
- Is your brand still consistent with what your current site shows?
- Are the bones of the site solid, or is it creaking at the seams?
- Are your users getting what they need, or is the experience frustrating?
- Does your site have a high domain authority?
Not sure on the answers? There are tools at your disposal!
Understanding these metrics gives you a clear view of how strong your online presence is – and whether it’s worth building upon or better to start fresh. A site with solid domain authority and a good backlink profile may have hidden value that you don’t want to throw away.
So, What’s the Verdict?
You’ve made it this far, so here comes the long-awaited answer – drumroll please…
It depends.
Yep, the classic web designer’s answer. But it’s true, it really does depend on what you’re going for ultimately and the purpose of the site.
If you need to preserve your SEO and only want a visual or structural upgrade, a revival might be your best bet. But if you’re undergoing a brand transformation, want a clean technical foundation, or are targeting an entirely new audience, starting fresh could set you up for long-term success.
Whatever route you choose, VOVO Digital is here to help you do it right – whether it’s a polished rebrand or a bold new build. Get in touch today to discuss your options with a digital expert!