How to Plan a Website Redesign: A Step-by-Step Guide
A redesign goes a lot smoother when you plan it before anyone opens a design file. Here's the order we suggest, whether you work with us or not.
1. Decide why you're redesigning
Write down what isn't working now and what you want the new site to do. Common reasons:
- The site looks dated or doesn't match your brand anymore
- Visitors can't find what they need
- It's hard for your team to update
- It doesn't work well on phones
- You need new features, like online booking or a store
Turn those into two or three goals you can check later, such as "more quote requests through the site" or "staff can post news without calling anyone."
2. Look at what you have
Before you change anything, take stock:
- Pages: list every page and note which ones get used. Your analytics can show this.
- Content: what's still accurate, what needs a rewrite, and what can go.
- Features: forms, logins, integrations, and anything else the site does.
- Search: which pages people find you through, so you don't lose them in the move.
3. Know who the site is for
Think about the people who visit and what they came to do. A homeowner looking for a quote needs different things than a current customer looking for a support number. Plan the site around those tasks.
4. Plan the structure
Sketch the main menu and the pages under it. Keep it simple and use the words your customers use. This is also when you list the old URLs that will change, so each one can be redirected to its new page.
5. Get your content ready
Content is the most common reason projects stall. Decide who's writing or updating each page, and gather photos, logos, and documents early. If you need help with writing, plan for that up front.
6. Choose the platform and features
Pick the platform that fits how you work. If you're deciding between the two we use most, see Joomla vs WordPress: Which Is Right for Your Business?. List must-have features separately from nice-to-haves so you can phase things if you need to.
7. Design and build
Design usually starts with the homepage and a few key page types, then the rest of the site follows. Review on a phone as well as a computer, and check that the site works with a keyboard and screen readers.
8. Test and launch
Before go-live, check forms, links, redirects, analytics, and page speed, and make sure a backup is in place. After launch, watch for broken links and search changes for a few weeks.
9. Keep it up
A site needs updates, backups, and fresh content after launch. Decide who handles that before you go live.
How 3by400 can help
We plan, design, and build redesigns, mostly on Joomla, and we can host it afterward with our boutique hosting. Learn more about our website design work, or see What Affects the Cost and Timeline of a Website Project.
Start a project
Ready to talk about your website? Start a project or reach us at 678-379-9321 or