You’re not alone if you’re struggling to find your business online. 96.55% of all web pages receive zero search traffic from Google.
A common question we get is, “Can you improve our SEO so more people can find us?” While SEO plays a crucial role in online visibility, it all starts with a solid foundation—a website built correctly from the start so search engines can find and index it.
Unfortunately, many businesses take a DIY approach or hire freelancers who may not fully understand the technical side of web development.
As a result, key elements in the design process get overlooked, making it much harder (and sometimes more costly) to fix later. Some even treat basic on-page SEO strategies as an entirely separate service, when in reality they should be included in the website evaluation and development process from the start.
So, how do you know if your website needs a total rebuild or just some SEO optimization? A proper website evaluation can help uncover what you need.
Here are a few essential things to consider:
1. Determine Who Has Website Ownership and Control of SEO
Before making any changes to your site, it’s essential to understand who owns the content, design, and platform access.
Some key questions you should consider include:
- Did you write the content, or did your designer or a third-party copywriter create it?
- Do you have the right to edit or move it to another platform in the future?
- If you upgrade your site, will you have full access to make SEO-friendly changes?
Answering these questions is important because some website builders and freelancers may own the content, design, and site elements, making it harder to change or move your site when needed.
2. Make Sure You Have Access to Critical Backend Elements
Many popular website platforms simplify the design process to cater to non-technical users. However, some of these platforms also limit access to important backend elements—like header codes, meta tags, and schema markup. These elements help search engines understand your site’s content and improve your SEO rankings.
If your current website doesn’t allow you to customize these areas, a thorough website evaluation can determine if this limitation affects your online visibility.
3. Find Out If Your Designer Built an SEO-Friendly Website
There’s a big difference between a web designer and a web developer. While both play important roles, their skill sets vary:
- Web Designers focus on aesthetics—making your site look visually appealing.
- Web Developers handle the technical aspects—ensuring your site is optimized for SEO, loads quickly, and functions properly on all devices.
Many businesses hire a designer who creates a beautiful website but lacks the knowledge to set it up for SEO success. If your site wasn’t built with SEO best practices in mind, a website evaluation may reveal the need for a developer to optimize or even rebuild it.
When a Website Evaluation Indicates a Rebuild is the Best Option
If your website lacks essential SEO features, isn’t mobile-friendly, or runs on a platform that limits optimization, sometimes the best recommendation is to start fresh. Rebuilding your site with a search-friendly structure from the beginning can save time, money, and frustration in the long run.
That said, don’t let a poorly optimized website hold you back from reaching your business goals. Whether you need a few SEO improvements or a complete rebuild, we’ll help you understand your best options. Book a consultation now to get expert advice and a clear action plan.
