Before You Change the Design… Try Changing This
When a website isn’t performing, the first instinct is almost always the same: It must be the design.
It feels like a safe bet. A new layout, a fresh color scheme, better images—surely that will improve things.
But here’s the truth: design isn’t always the problem. And redesigning your site before you fix the real issue can cost you time, money, and momentum.
In many cases, what’s actually broken is your call-to-action.
The Real Problem Isn’t What Your Site Looks Like—It’s What It’s Asking
A well-designed site can still underperform if it’s not asking the visitor to take the right next step.
Let’s look at a few scenarios:
– Your homepage looks sleek and modern, but the CTA says “Learn More.” Learn more about what?
– Your product page is polished, but there’s no urgency or clear value in the “Buy Now” button.
– Your lead magnet is buried below the fold, where no one sees it.
In all of these cases, the design isn’t necessarily bad—it’s just not paired with a clear, intentional, action-driving CTA.
Design Is an Amplifier, Not a Fix
A redesign can help highlight your message—but it can’t fix a message that’s unclear.
If your CTA doesn’t align with your business goals or your visitor’s needs, the most beautiful layout in the world won’t move the needle.
Here’s what we recommend before you even touch your layout:
– Audit your primary CTA: Is it obvious? Is it above the fold? Does it match the visitor’s level of awareness?
– Check for CTA overload: Are you asking for too many things at once?
– Clarify your offer: Does the CTA tell users exactly what happens when they click?
If you’re not getting the results you want, fix this first—then decide if a design change is worth it.
Redesign Regret Is Real
We’ve worked with site owners who spent $10K+ on a full redesign, only to realize after launch that nothing changed.
Why? Because the problem wasn’t the design. It was the strategy.
The CTA was vague. The messaging didn’t lead users toward a goal. The site looked great—but it didn’t work.
That’s a painful (and expensive) way to learn what really matters.
Don’t Repaint Before You Fix the Engine
We’re not saying design doesn’t matter. It absolutely does.
But design should support strategy—not cover for it.
If conversions are low, engagement is flat, or users are bouncing, start by looking at what your site is asking them to do—and how clear that ask really is.
Your CTA is the pivot point between attention and action. That’s the place to start.
Need a Second Opinion?
If you’re tempted to tear your site down and start from scratch, hit pause.
Let’s look at the structure, the flow, and the CTA first.
A few small adjustments might save you from a major (and unnecessary) overhaul.
