A website redesign is more than a fresh coat of paint. Done well, it is a chance to make your site faster, clearer and better at generating enquiries. Done carelessly, it can lose the search rankings you already have. This checklist helps you redesign without regret.
Key takeaways
- Start with goals, not just a new look.
- Keep and improve the content that already works.
- Protect your SEO by redirecting old URLs.
- Test on mobile before and after launch.
1. Start with clear goals
Before choosing a design, decide what the new site must do better: more enquiries, easier editing, faster loading, or clearer services. Goals guide every decision that follows.
2. Audit your current content
Not everything on your old site is worth keeping — but some of it works. Review which pages get traffic and enquiries, and carry the good content forward, improved rather than discarded.
3. Protect your SEO
This is the step most redesigns get wrong. If page addresses (URLs) change, set up redirects from the old ones to the new ones. Otherwise, the rankings and links you built up can disappear overnight.
A beautiful new website that lost its Google rankings is not an upgrade. Protect what you have earned.
4. Speed, mobile and testing
Build for speed and mobile from the start, then test thoroughly before launch — every page, on desktop and phone. Check forms, links and buttons so nothing breaks on day one.
Planning a redesign?
We can redesign your site to be faster and clearer while protecting your rankings. Tell us about your current website.
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