- Keeping strong URLs when possible
- Setting up 301 redirects for changed pages
- Updating titles, meta descriptions, and headings
- Keeping internal links intact
- Confirming your sitemap and indexing after launch
Quick “Pre-Design” Website Redesign Checklist
Use this as your short version:
- ✅ Goal defined + success metric
- ✅ Traffic + conversion pages identified
- ✅ Navigation and service structure cleaned up
- ✅ Messaging hierarchy clarified (headings tell the story)
- ✅ CTA + conversion path simplified
- ✅ Proof and trust signals added near CTAs
- ✅ Mobile usability + accessibility reviewed
- ✅ Speed/performance plan in place
- ✅ SEO plan (URLs + redirects + metadata)
Final thought
A redesign should improve results—not just appearance. If you address structure, conversion, and performance first, the visual refresh becomes the final layer that elevates everything.
If you want a second set of eyes, a redesign audit can deliver a prioritized fix list before you invest time and budget into new visuals.
- Compress and resize images
- Remove unused plugins/scripts
- Minimize heavy animations and sliders
- Improve caching and hosting setup
- Ensure core pages load fast on mobile
Step 9: Preserve SEO during the redesign
Redesigns often hurt SEO when URLs change without planning.
Protect rankings by:
- Keeping strong URLs when possible
- Setting up 301 redirects for changed pages
- Updating titles, meta descriptions, and headings
- Keeping internal links intact
- Confirming your sitemap and indexing after launch
Quick “Pre-Design” Website Redesign Checklist
Use this as your short version:
- ✅ Goal defined + success metric
- ✅ Traffic + conversion pages identified
- ✅ Navigation and service structure cleaned up
- ✅ Messaging hierarchy clarified (headings tell the story)
- ✅ CTA + conversion path simplified
- ✅ Proof and trust signals added near CTAs
- ✅ Mobile usability + accessibility reviewed
- ✅ Speed/performance plan in place
- ✅ SEO plan (URLs + redirects + metadata)
Final thought
A redesign should improve results—not just appearance. If you address structure, conversion, and performance first, the visual refresh becomes the final layer that elevates everything.
If you want a second set of eyes, a redesign audit can deliver a prioritized fix list before you invest time and budget into new visuals.
Many redesigns fail for one simple reason: the team starts with the visuals.
A new layout, new colors, and new typography can make a website feel modern—but if the underlying structure is unclear, the site will still underperform. In 2026, the best redesigns start by improving clarity, user flow, and conversion first, then the visuals support the strategy.
Use this checklist before you redesign anything.
Step 1: Clarify the goal (don’t redesign without a target)
A redesign should solve a problem. Pick one primary goal:
- More qualified leads
- Better conversion from ads
- Improved credibility / trust
- Clearer service messaging
- Easier navigation and usability
- Faster load speed and performance
If you can’t define the goal, you can’t measure success.
Step 2: Audit your traffic and lead sources
Before changing anything, answer:
- Where does your traffic come from? (Google, ads, referrals, social)
- Which pages bring visitors in?
- Which pages convert best?
- Which pages have high exits or bounces?
Even simple data from Google Analytics/Search Console can prevent redesign mistakes—like removing a page that’s quietly driving leads.
Step 3: Fix information architecture (IA) and navigation
A common redesign issue is “more pages, less clarity.” Your navigation should feel obvious.
Check these:
- Are services grouped logically?
- Can users find what they need in 1–2 clicks?
- Are menu labels clear (not clever)?
- Do you have duplicate pages competing with each other?
Rule of thumb: If your services require explanation, your navigation isn’t doing its job.
Step 4: Strengthen messaging hierarchy (what you say and how fast it’s understood)
Most visitors skim. Your pages should communicate the essentials quickly:
- What you do
- Who you help
- Why you’re different
- What action to take next
Quick test:
If someone lands on your homepage and reads only headings, do they still understand your business?
If not, fix the hierarchy before redesigning visuals.
Step 5: Improve the conversion path (remove friction)
Redesigning without improving conversion is a missed opportunity.
Check:
- Is your primary CTA consistent across the site?
- Is “Contact” easy to find on mobile?
- Are forms short and simple?
- Do service pages end with a clear next step?
- Do you offer a low-friction CTA (audit, consult, estimate)?
If users have to think, you lose them.
Step 6: Update trust signals and proof
Design is a trust tool—proof is what closes the loop.
Add or improve:
- Testimonials tied to outcomes
- Before/after examples
- Case studies (even short ones)
- Certifications (only relevant ones)
- BBB accreditation and reputable associations (if applicable)
Place these near CTAs and on key service pages—not only on an About page.
Step 7: Mobile-first usability and accessibility checks
Your redesign must work flawlessly on mobile.
Check:
- Tap targets (buttons aren’t tiny)
- Text size and spacing
- Sticky header behavior
- Form usability
- Color contrast and readability
- Clear focus states and accessible navigation
Accessibility-minded design improves usability for everyone and reduces drop-off.
Step 8: Performance and technical cleanup
A redesigned site that loads slowly will still underperform.
Before launch:
- Compress and resize images
- Remove unused plugins/scripts
- Minimize heavy animations and sliders
- Improve caching and hosting setup
- Ensure core pages load fast on mobile
Step 9: Preserve SEO during the redesign
Redesigns often hurt SEO when URLs change without planning.
Protect rankings by:
- Keeping strong URLs when possible
- Setting up 301 redirects for changed pages
- Updating titles, meta descriptions, and headings
- Keeping internal links intact
- Confirming your sitemap and indexing after launch
Quick “Pre-Design” Website Redesign Checklist
Use this as your short version:
- ✅ Goal defined + success metric
- ✅ Traffic + conversion pages identified
- ✅ Navigation and service structure cleaned up
- ✅ Messaging hierarchy clarified (headings tell the story)
- ✅ CTA + conversion path simplified
- ✅ Proof and trust signals added near CTAs
- ✅ Mobile usability + accessibility reviewed
- ✅ Speed/performance plan in place
- ✅ SEO plan (URLs + redirects + metadata)
Final thought
A redesign should improve results—not just appearance. If you address structure, conversion, and performance first, the visual refresh becomes the final layer that elevates everything.
If you want a second set of eyes, a redesign audit can deliver a prioritized fix list before you invest time and budget into new visuals.
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