The verdict in three sentences
A non-responsive 2018 website costs you customers every day: 70% of local traffic is mobile and Google downranks slow sites. A well-run redesign takes the mobile Lighthouse score from 40 to 90+, organic traffic up 50-80% in 4-6 months, and conversion rate from 1% to 3-4%. The choice is between an express redesign (fast, affordable) and a strategic redesign (new architecture, deep local SEO).
The 10-point diagnostic checklist
Before rebuilding, diagnose. Here are the 10 points that determine whether your site is "obsolete" or "recoverable."
| # | Checkpoint | 2026 critical threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HTTPS active (padlock) | Mandatory |
| 2 | Mobile responsive | 100% of pages |
| 3 | Load speed | < 3s on 4G |
| 4 | Mobile Lighthouse score | > 80 |
| 5 | Title/meta description tags | Unique per page |
| 6 | Google Business Profile linked | Verified and current |
| 7 | WhatsApp / click-to-call button | Present |
| 8 | Updated content (dates, prices) | < 12 months |
| 9 | Sitemap + Google indexing | Submitted |
| 10 | Working contact form | Tested |
A site ticking fewer than 6 of 10 points justifies a redesign rather than a simple refresh.
Express vs strategic redesign
Two tiers depending on your ambition and budget. The express redesign fixes the essentials; the strategic one rebuilds for growth.
| Criterion | Express redesign | Strategic redesign |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 450,000-700,000 FCFA | 900,000-1,600,000 FCFA |
| Timeline | 10-15 days | 22-35 days |
| Scope | Design + mobile + basic SEO | New architecture + content + local SEO |
| Pages | 5-7 | 10-20 |
| Target Lighthouse score | 85+ | 90+ |
| Content writing | Existing reused | Rewritten and optimized |
| SEO follow-up | One-off | 3-6 months included |
| Hosting | 18,000-35,000 FCFA/month | 18,000-35,000 FCFA/month |
The ROI of a redesign
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A Thiès SME receiving 800 visitors/month at 1% conversion generates 8 leads. After a strategic redesign, +65% traffic (≈1,320 visitors) at 3.5% conversion = 46 leads/month, i.e. ×5.75. If one lead in five becomes a customer at a 60,000 FCFA average basket, revenue moves from ~96,000 to ~552,000 FCFA/month generated by the site.
Mini case study
Mr. Sarr runs a hardware store in Thiès with a 2018 site (Lighthouse 38, non-responsive, invisible on "hardware Thiès"). He chooses a strategic redesign at 1,200,000 FCFA. Within 5 months: traffic +72%, rank #2 on his flagship query, 31 quote requests/month versus 6 before. At 70,000 FCFA margin per converted order (5/month), he recoups his investment in ~3.5 months and turns net positive from month 4.
FAQ
Should I rebuild everything or just fix it? If the site ticks fewer than 6 of 10 checklist points, a redesign beats patching. Below Lighthouse 50, start fresh.
How much is hosting after a redesign? Expect 18,000 to 35,000 FCFA/month depending on traffic and needs (pro email, backups, CDN).
How long before SEO improves? Organic traffic typically rises 50-80% in 4 to 6 months, provided an active Google Business Profile and local content.
Is mobile really that important in Thiès? Yes: about 70% of local visits are on smartphone. A non-responsive site loses most of its audience.
How long does a redesign take? 10-15 days for express, 22-35 days for strategic including content writing and local SEO.
Let's talk about your project. We audit your current site for free and hand you the prioritized 10-point checklist. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
