New year. Same goal for most creators, coaches, and consultants.
Sell more courses. Book more clients. Grow your list.
Here is the truth.
If you are relying only on social media posts to sell, you are leaving money on the table.
Your email list is where sales actually happen.
Have you ever looked at your website and thought, “This needs a change, but what kind?” You’re not alone. Many people get confused about terms like reskin, refresh, and redesign. They all sound similar, but they differ in big ways. Based on that graphic you shared, which shows a current site next to these three options, let’s dive in. The graphic asks, “How exactly do they differ?” and breaks it down simply. It compares the current version to reskin (adjustments to aesthetic), refresh (enhancements to elements), and redesign (overhauled vision and experience).
Why does this matter? If you’re running a blog, a shop, or any online space, picking the right update can save time and money. It can also boost how users feel about your site. What if you choose the wrong one? You might end up with a site that looks new but still feels old and clunky. Let’s explore each one step by step. By the end, you’ll have ideas on which might fit your needs. Ready to think about your own site? Let’s start with the basics.
Before we jump into changes, let’s talk about the “current” state. The graphic shows it as the starting point: a basic layout with gray tones, simple boxes, and a red button. It’s like your site’s snapshot right now.
Why assess this first? Because any update builds on what you have. Ask yourself:
If you’re happy with the core but want tweaks, you might not need a full overhaul. Suggesting a course of action: Grab a notebook and list what works and what doesn’t. This simple step can guide you. For example, if the layout is solid but colors feel dated, a small change might do the trick.
Now, let’s move to the first option: reskin.
A reskin is like giving your site a fresh coat of paint. The graphic calls it “adjustments to current aesthetic.” It keeps the same structure but tweaks colors, fonts, or images to make it look modern.
Why choose a reskin? It’s quick and cheap. Perfect if your site works well but looks old. Think of it as updating your wardrobe without buying new clothes—just accessorizing better.
Here are the key features of a reskin, in bullet points for quick reading:
For instance, if your site has a dark gray theme like in the graphic, a reskin might switch to brighter reds and circles for a fun vibe. Have you noticed sites that suddenly look sharper without changing much? That’s often a reskin.
To see it in action, check this example of a website before and after a reskin-like update:
Wondering if this is for you? If your traffic is good but bounce rates are high due to outdated looks, try a reskin. Suggestion: Use free tools like Canva to mock up color changes and see how it feels.
Moving up a level, a refresh is about “enhancements to existing elements,” as the graphic says. It’s more than just looks—it’s improving what’s there without starting over.
What’s the appeal? A refresh fixes pain points while keeping the familiar feel. It’s like reorganizing your room: same furniture, but better arranged.
Key aspects in bullets:
In the graphic, the refresh version adds yellow circles and cleaner lines to the gray base. It’s enhanced but still similar. Ever visited a site that added a chat feature or better images? That’s a refresh.
Here’s a visual example of a website before and after a refresh:
Are you dealing with user complaints about slow features? A refresh could help. Action idea: Survey your visitors with a quick poll—what one thing would they improve? Use that to plan your enhancements.
Now, for the big one: redesign. The graphic labels it as an “overhauled vision and experience.” This is a total makeover, rethinking everything from layout to purpose.
Why go this route? If your site no longer fits your goals, like if your business has grown, a redesign aligns it anew. It’s like building a new house instead of patching the old one.
Bullets for the main points:
The graphic shows a bold red background with new icons and a video play button—totally different from the current gray. Sites like major brands do this every few years to stay relevant.
Take a look at this before-and-after redesign example:
Is your site from five years ago and not mobile-friendly? Time for a redesign.
Suggestion: Hire a pro like us Kajabi-Experts. Start small by sketching your dream layout.
To make it clear, let’s compare them. The graphic puts them next to each other for a reason—it shows the progression from minor to major changes.
Use this table for a quick overview:
| Aspect | Reskin | Refresh | Redesign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Visual tweaks | Element improvements | Full overhaul |
| Time | Short | Medium | Long |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Risk | Low | Medium | High |
| Impact | Subtle | Noticeable | Transformative |
What stands out to you here? If time is tight, reskin wins. But for big growth, redesign might be worth it.
Pros and cons in bullets for each:
Reskin Pros:
Reskin Cons:
Refresh Pros:
Refresh Cons:
Redesign Pros:
Redesign Cons:
Have you weighed these for your site? Think about your goals—what’s your timeline and budget?
Choosing depends on your situation. Ask: What’s wrong with my site? Is it just looks, or deeper?
Real-world examples: A blog might reskin for a new season’s colors. An e-commerce site could refresh with better carts. A company rebranding? Full redesign.
Suggestion: Audit your site using free tools like Google PageSpeed. See what scores low and match it to these options.
We’ve covered how reskin, refresh, and redesign differ, straight from that graphic. Reskin adjusts aesthetics, refresh enhances elements, and redesign overhauls the vision. Each has its place.
But what about you? Are you ready to update? Start by evaluating your current site. Maybe try a small reskin first to test waters. Or, if you’re bold, plan a redesign. What changes excite you most? Share your thoughts—perhaps we can brainstorm more ideas. Remember, the right choice keeps your site fresh and users happy. Let’s make your online space shine!
Have a website thats not on Kajabi but still needs some design work? Visit our sister company SITE ORBIT. They specialize in platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, LearnDash, Showit and more
Remember when “mobile-first” was the mantra of every web developer, marketer, and business owner? For years, the industry has been laser-focused on optimizing for mobile users – streamlined designs, bite-sized content, and lightning-fast load times for smaller screens. But a seismic shift is underway, and it’s turning everything we thought we knew about user behavior upside down.
The rise of AI-powered search is bringing desktop back to the forefront, and businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind.
A staggering statistic from BrightEdge reveals that 94% of ChatGPT referrals come from desktop users. This isn’t an isolated trend; other AI search platforms like Perplexity, Bing, and Gemini report similar numbers, with over 90% of their traffic originating from desktops. This data challenges the mobile-first paradigm that has dominated digital strategy for over a decade.
Why does this matter? Because AI search is fundamentally changing how users interact with the internet. Unlike traditional search engines, where mobile users often dominate due to convenience and accessibility, AI-driven search is a different beast. It’s not about quick queries on the go; it’s about deep, intentional research. And that’s happening on desktops.
Think about your own behavior. When you’re casually browsing or looking for a quick answer – say, the weather or a restaurant’s hours – you likely reach for your phone. Mobile users are often in a hurry, seeking instant gratification. They ask, get an answer, and stay within the app or move on. This aligns with the mobile-first philosophy: optimize for speed, simplicity, and snackable content.
Now, contrast that with how you use a desktop. When you sit down at your computer, you’re in a different mindset. You’re researching a product, diving into a complex topic, or comparing options. You’re clicking through links, reading long-form articles, and engaging deeply with content. Desktop users aren’t just scrolling – they’re analyzing, learning, and converting.
This distinction is critical. AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity cater to users who are seeking detailed, nuanced answers. These users aren’t swiping through a feed; they’re sitting at their desks, ready to dig in. And that’s why desktop referrals are dominating.
For years, mobile-first design was non-negotiable. Google’s algorithm prioritized mobile-friendly sites, and businesses scrambled to optimize for smaller screens. Responsive design, simplified navigation, and concise content became the gold standard. But AI search is rewriting the rules.
If 94% of ChatGPT’s referrals come from desktop, businesses that have poured all their resources into mobile optimization may be missing the mark. A site that’s sleek and fast on mobile but lacks depth or functionality on desktop could be invisible to AI-driven traffic. This is a wake-up call: the desktop experience matters again, and it matters more than ever.
So, how should businesses adapt to this desktop-first resurgence? Here are the key implications:
If you’ve been hyper-focused on mobile UX, it’s time to shift gears. Desktop users expect a robust, feature-rich experience. This means rethinking navigation, layout, and functionality to cater to users who are sitting down for a focused session. Ensure your desktop site is intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Don’t sacrifice depth for simplicity; desktop users are here for the details.
AI search thrives on depth. Unlike mobile users who skim short posts, desktop users are more likely to engage with comprehensive, well-researched content. Long-form articles, detailed guides, and in-depth comparisons are your best bet for capturing AI-driven traffic. Don’t be afraid to go deep – desktop users are ready to read.
Desktop users aren’t just browsing – they’re converting. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or filling out a form, desktop users are more likely to take action. Make sure your calls-to-action (CTAs) are prominent and your conversion funnels are seamless on desktop. A clunky desktop experience could cost you valuable leads.
This isn’t to say mobile optimization is irrelevant. Mobile still accounts for a significant portion of overall web traffic, and Google’s algorithms haven’t gone away. The key is balance. Your site needs to perform well on both mobile and desktop, but the desktop experience should no longer take a backseat.
The shift to desktop-first isn’t just about user behavior; it’s about how AI search engines function. Traditional search engines like Google rely on crawling websites and ranking them based on a variety of factors, including mobile-friendliness. AI search tools, on the other hand, prioritize delivering precise, contextually relevant answers. They don’t just point users to websites; they synthesize information and present it directly.
This means that businesses need to optimize not just for visibility but for relevance. AI tools are more likely to recommend content that is authoritative, detailed, and well-structured. A shallow, mobile-optimized page might rank well on Google, but it’s less likely to be surfaced by ChatGPT or Perplexity. Desktop-friendly, content-rich pages are better positioned to win in this new landscape.
To stay ahead, businesses need to adapt their strategies to align with the rise of AI-driven, desktop-first search. Here are actionable steps to get started:
The mobile-first era was driven by the rise of smartphones and Google’s dominance. But as AI search tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini gain traction, we’re entering a new phase: the desktop-first era. This shift doesn’t negate the importance of mobile but highlights the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes depth and engagement on desktop.
Businesses that adapt to this change will have a competitive edge. By focusing on robust desktop experiences, in-depth content, and conversion-optimized design, you can position your brand to thrive in the AI-driven search landscape. The data is clear: desktop is back, and it’s time to embrace it.
Your sales page isn’t a brochure – it’s your hardest-working salesperson. Use these four non-negotiables to connect with your ideal client, crush hesitation, and drive more “Buy Now” clicks.
Hook readers fast with language they already use to describe their problem and their dream outcome. Then shift from features to tangible results: show how life looks after they say “yes.”
You can’t photograph an online course on a shelf—but you can make it tangible. Use mockups: your eBook on a tablet, templates on a laptop, videos on a phone. Visibility = perceived value.
Back up your claims with validation from others. Mix formats to increase credibility:
New offer? Borrow proof from related services or pre-release your product to a few ideal clients in exchange for a testimonial.
Hesitation kills conversions. Add a clear guarantee (i.e., “7-day refund, no questions asked”) to lower risk and signal confidence in your results.
I build Kajabi sales pages that speak to your buyers and convert. Let’s map yours together.
Before you build, validate. Many great ideas stumble because they’re launched on assumptions. The antidote is a short list of rigorous questions that pressure‑test your product or service—from market fit to messaging to growth—so your time and money are invested where they’ll actually pay off.
Below is a practical, industry‑agnostic checklist you can run for any (fill in your business/product/service). It’s written to be dropped into your planning doc or shared with a team. Replace the placeholders with your specifics and you’ll have a clear, defensible launch plan.
Examples: survey results, interviews, inbound inquiries, review mining, search trend data, competitor analysis. Summarize your proof in 3–5 bullets and quantify where possible.
Desire is not the same as willingness. If your solution requires time, learning, or behavior change, validate that users will actually do it—even with savings or benefits. Use smoke tests, waitlists, preorders, or a concierge MVP to observe real behavior.
Buyers trust products that acknowledge reality. Identify (your industry‑specific regulations, standards, or regional differences) and explain how your offer handles them. This belongs in your product content and your marketing narrative.
Document both demographics (age, income, role, education, family status) and psychographics (values, risk tolerance, DIY comfort, domain literacy, preferred learning style). Give this persona a name and a one‑paragraph backstory so your team writes to a real human.
List the top communities, forums, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, or offline venues where your audience already gathers. Specify how your hook and CTA change to fit local norms. What wins on LinkedIn will differ from a niche Slack or subreddit.
Map the knowledge gap from “where they are now” to “ready to buy.” Decide what belongs in public education (content, lead magnets) vs. what belongs inside your product (checklists, templates, onboarding). Reduce cognitive load; increase clarity.
Concentration beats dilution. Choose the channels that intersect audience attention + your strengths + measurable intent. For each chosen channel, define a weekly publishing cadence, core message pillars, and primary CTA.
Line up beta users, reviewer copies, testimonial swaps, and founder‑led demos. Capture quotes, screenshots, and short case notes. Stage them across your sales page, emails, and top‑of‑funnel content.
Set a test budget with guardrails. Track impressions → clicks → leads → sales. Know your CAC threshold and your breakeven target. Pause what underperforms; double down on proven ad–creative–audience pairs.
Design an evergreen engine: SEO content clusters, partner webinars, referral incentives, community education, or platform‑native series. Repurpose top assets into new formats to reach adjacent segments—without inventing a brand‑new product.
| KPI | Definition | Decision Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Conversion Rate | Percent of visitors who purchase or book. | If < ___%, revisit offer/landing page, proof, and CTAs. |
| Lead-to-Customer Rate | Percent of leads who become paying customers. | If < ___%, tighten nurture sequence and objection handling. |
| Email Open / Click Rates | Engagement with your core messages. | If trend ↓ for 3 sends, test new subjects, hooks, and offers. |
| Top Traffic Sources | Channels driving qualified visitors. | Reduce time in low‑intent channels; invest in top 2 sources. |
| Customer Feedback | Testimonials, NPS, and review themes. | Turn praise into proof; turn friction into roadmap items. |
These 12 questions are your pre‑launch truth serum. They don’t eliminate risk, but they make your bets smarter. Replace the placeholders with your specifics for (your business/product/service), and you’ll have a concrete plan for validation, distribution, and year‑one growth—without bloating your roadmap.
If you want a copy‑and‑paste planning template of these questions in a doc format, reach out and I’ll share a version you can customize.
