Business Growth & Strategy
September 2, 2025
The 7 Most Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make Online
Every business owner faces the same question at some point: should I update my current website, or scrap it and begin again? In this article, I’ll share how I approach that decision with clients, the signs your site might just need a refresh, and the situations where a rebuild makes far more sense.
When I meet new clients, one of the first things they ask is: “Can you just improve my existing site, or do I need a brand-new one?” It’s a fair question. Redesigning feels quicker and cheaper, while starting again can sound daunting.
The truth is, the right answer depends on your goals, your current setup, and the hidden costs you might not see yet.
A redesign is usually the smarter choice if the foundations of your site are solid, but the presentation or structure is holding you back.
Typical signs include:
Your site looks dated but still works well technically.
You want to refresh branding, colours, or images.
The navigation feels clunky, but the core system is sound.
You only need minor tweaks to content, layout, or messaging.
In these cases, a redesign can bring your website back to life without tearing everything down.
Sometimes, patching over old problems is like painting over cracks in a wall. It might look better for a while, but the underlying issues remain.
I normally recommend starting from scratch if:
The website is built on outdated software or a platform no longer supported.
Loading speed is painfully slow, even after optimisations.
The design isn’t mobile-friendly.
Security is weak, or updates keep breaking the site.
The site structure is so messy that SEO and content updates are nearly impossible.
In these cases, building new is often faster, safer, and more cost-effective long term.
It’s easy to underestimate the cost of sticking with a broken site. A slow, confusing, or insecure website silently pushes customers away. Even worse, it can damage your reputation.
Yes, a new build may require a bigger upfront investment, but if your site is actively losing you enquiries, you’re already paying the price in missed opportunities.
When I work with a business, I always start with an audit. I look at the technical side, the design, the content, and the customer journey. Then I give clear recommendations: which parts can be kept, which need fixing, and whether a full rebuild is justified.
This way, you avoid throwing away something that still works, but you also avoid wasting money trying to rescue a site that’s beyond saving.
If you’re not sure which way to go, here’s what I’d suggest:
Check if your site is mobile-friendly using Google’s free tool.
Run a quick speed test at GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights.
Ask yourself if your website genuinely brings in new clients today.
If the answer is “no” on any of these points, it may be time to consider a rebuild.
Your website is more than just an online presence – it’s a business tool. Whether you redesign or start fresh, the goal is the same: to create a site that attracts visitors, builds trust, and drives enquiries.
If you’d like me to review your website, I offer a free audit. I’ll tell you honestly whether a redesign will do the job, or if starting fresh will save you time and money in the long run.
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