A redesign keeps what already works, such as the platform, content and page addresses, and improves the rest. A rebuild starts again, which suits sites whose platform or structure no longer fits the business but needs careful redirects to protect search traffic.
List the pages that bring in visitors and enquiries before anything changes, and keep or redirect every one of them.
Google's site move guidance centres on mapping old addresses to new ones with permanent redirects, which matters most for a rebuild.
| Criterion | Redesign | Rebuild from scratch |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | An audit of the current site's design, content and structure. | A fresh brief, design and build. |
| Content | Existing content is audited and restructured. | Content is planned again, and much of it rewritten. |
| Page addresses[1] | Existing addresses can often stay the same. | A new structure usually means new addresses, each mapped to the old one with a permanent redirect. |
| Platform | Can stay on the current platform if it still fits. | A chance to move to a platform that fits better. |
| Risk to search traffic[1] | Lower when addresses and content stay in place. | Higher, so redirects and content mapping are planned before launch. |
Some movement is normal after any big change. Mapping every old address to its new page with permanent redirects is the main safeguard Google describes for site moves.[1]
Yes. We recommend whichever keeps what works on your current site and fixes what does not.
Your website, fully managed — no big upfront cost.
We design, build, host, maintain and keep improving your site for one simple monthly fee.
A one-off custom build you own outright.
A defined scope and a single fixed quote — delivered once, and yours to keep.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your project. We respond within 24 hours.