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Prepare for Your Website Redesign

Overview:
A successful website redesign starts with preparation. Whether you're working with a web agency or managing the project internally, being organized before the project begins will save time, reduce costs, and ensure better results.

This guide walks you through everything you need to do before your website redesign begins.

🧭 Why Preparation Matters

  • Keeps the project on schedule and within budget

  • Ensures your goals are clearly understood

  • Helps your design/development team make better decisions

  • Prevents content gaps, tech issues, or SEO damage

✅ Pre-Redesign Checklist for Clients

1. Define Your Goals and Objectives

Before any design work begins, ask yourself:

  • Why are we redesigning the website?

  • What isn’t working on the current site?

  • What do we want to improve (design, usability, conversions, SEO, etc.)?

Examples of Common Goals:

  • Generate more leads or sales

  • Improve mobile experience

  • Modernize design and branding

  • Make content easier to manage

🎯 Clear goals = better design decisions.

2. Know Your Audience

Your website should speak directly to your ideal customer.

Questions to consider:

  • Who is your primary audience?

  • What problems do they want to solve?

  • What actions do you want them to take?

Tip: Create simple user personas or customer profiles to guide the redesign process.

3. Review and Audit Your Current Website

Take stock of what you have and what needs to change.

Audit the following:

  • Which pages perform well (check Google Analytics)?

  • What content is outdated or missing?

  • Are there any technical issues (slow speed, broken links)?

  • Which pages get traffic from Google?

Deliverable: Create a list of pages to keep, update, remove, or add.

4. Collect or Prepare Your Content

Content is often the biggest delay in a redesign. Start early.

What to prepare:

  • Updated text for key pages

  • High-quality images, videos, or graphics

  • Bios, team photos, service/product descriptions

  • Testimonials or case studies

Not ready to write content? Ask your web team if they offer copywriting or content support.

5. Gather Your Branding Assets

Ensure your design team has everything needed for a consistent visual identity.

Provide:

  • Logo files (PNG, SVG, or vector formats)

  • Brand colors and fonts

  • Style guide (if available)

  • Social media links and icons

6. Review Competitor and Inspiration Sites

Knowing what you like (and don’t like) helps guide design direction.

What to look for:

  • Clean layout and navigation

  • Effective use of images or video

  • Compelling calls to action

  • Strong use of branding

Tip: Share 2–3 websites you admire and explain why.

7. Identify Required Features and Functionality

Make a list of the tools, features, or integrations your website needs.

Examples:

  • Contact forms or quote requests

  • Booking system or calendar

  • Live chat

  • eCommerce or payment gateway

  • Newsletter sign-up

  • Multilingual support

  • CRM integration (e.g., HubSpot, Mailchimp)

8. Confirm Domain, Hosting, and CMS Info

Make sure you or your team has access to the necessary accounts.

You'll need:

  • Domain registrar login (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap)

  • Web hosting credentials (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost, WP Engine)

  • CMS login (e.g., WordPress admin)

  • Email accounts or DNS settings (if changes are needed)

9. Set a Budget and Timeline

Knowing your budget helps define what’s possible. A realistic timeline avoids rushed decisions.

Ask your agency:

  • What’s included in the quote?

  • How are revisions handled?

  • What happens after launch (support, training, etc.)?

10. Assign a Point of Contact

Design projects run smoother when one person from your team is responsible for:

  • Gathering approvals

  • Providing feedback

  • Communicating with the designers/developers

Choose someone who understands your brand, goals, and decision-making process.

📌 Final Thoughts

A successful website redesign is a partnership. When you come prepared, your design team can deliver a website that not only looks great—but performs better, loads faster, and works harder for your business.

🔄 Want Help Getting Started?

We offer strategy calls, content planning support, and full-service redesigns. If you're planning a redesign soon, [contact us] and we'll guide you through the next steps.

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