Key takeaways
- If your site is slow, outdated or hard to use on phones, fix that first.
- If your site is solid but nobody finds it, start with SEO.
- A redesign is the perfect time to build SEO into the site.
- Redirect old pages so you don't lose rankings.
Local businesses often wonder whether they need a new website or more SEO. The answer depends on whether your current site helps or hurts.
1. Signs you need a redesign first
- It's slow or hard to use on phones.
- It looks dated next to competitors.
- Visitors can't quickly find your services or phone number.
- It doesn't have a page for each main service.
- You can't easily update it.
2. When SEO should come first
- Your site is fast, clear and easy to contact you from.
- The problem is nobody finds it.
- Your Google profile and reviews need work.
3. Doing both
A redesign is the best time to build SEO in from the start: service pages, town pages, fast loading and tracking. Then ongoing SEO keeps building on it.
4. Redesign without losing rankings
- List every page on your current site.
- Keep pages that rank, or redirect them to the new version.
- Keep your business info the same.
- Check your rankings and calls after launch.
Related: when to invest in local SEO and our website services.
