Website Redesign or Web Refresh?

Making the Right Web Move in 2025

Your website is more than a digital brochure—it's your brand’s first impression, your top salesperson, and your always-on marketing machine. But if your site is starting to feel outdated or underperforming, you’re probably wondering: Do we need a full website redesign or just a web refresh?

In 2025, making the right web move isn’t about guesswork—it’s about strategy, alignment, and measurable results. At UNANIMOUS, we help brands navigate this exact decision every day. Let’s break down the difference between a website refresh and a full redesign, and how to know which one is right for you.

Website Refresh vs. Website Redesign: What’s the Difference?

Website Refresh

A website refresh focuses on updating existing design elements, copy, and functionality without changing the core structure of your site. Think of it as a makeover—not a full renovation.

Common Refresh Tactics:

• Updating brand colors, typography, and imagery
• Rewriting key messaging and calls-to-action
• Swapping outdated photos or icons
• Optimizing site speed or SEO performance
• Making UX improvements on existing templates

This approach is often faster and more cost-effective than a full redesign. It’s a great choice if your brand has evolved, but your core structure still works.

Website Redesign

A website redesign is a ground-up rebuild. It often includes rethinking your content architecture, strategy, design, and functionality to better align with current business goals.

Common Redesign Triggers:

• A rebrand or major shift in services
• Poor user experience or confusing navigation
• Low conversion rates or high bounce rates
• Outdated technology or CMS limitations
• Website no longer aligns with your marketing strategy

In other words, if your website doesn’t support your goals, a full redesign may be the better option.

How to Know Which One Is Right for You

We always recommend starting with a website audit. At UNANIMOUS, our web team evaluates:

• User behavior and analytics
• Site performance and SEO health
• Brand alignment and content relevance
• Technical capabilities and future scalability

Here are some key questions to ask:

Why 2025 Is the Year to Act

Web expectations are evolving fast. In 2025, your audience expects:

• Responsive design + efficient performance
• Accessibility and inclusive design
• Authentic storytelling that builds trust
• SEO-optimized content that answers real questions
• Personalized experiences and intuitive navigation

Whether you choose a redesign or a refresh, the key is strategic alignment. Your website should reflect your brand’s current vision, speak to your audience, and deliver real results.

Let’s Make Your Web Move Together

At UNANIMOUS, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in aligned, intentional brand experiences—built with clarity, creativity, and measurable strategy. Whether you're considering a refresh or ready for a full redesign, our website design and development experts are ready to help you make the right move. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, we’ve partnered with organizations across the Midwest and beyond to create impactful websites that work hard for their brand—day in and day out.