Key Takeaways
- Start with clear goals and benchmarks before redesigning
- Audit existing content and decide what to keep, update, or remove
- Plan URL structure and 301 redirects to preserve SEO
- Test thoroughly before launch across devices and browsers
- Monitor performance closely in the weeks following launch
Pre-Design Phase
- Define redesign goals and success metrics
- Benchmark current performance (traffic, conversions, speed)
- Conduct user research and gather feedback
- Audit existing content and assets
- Analyze competitor websites
- Document current URL structure
Design Phase
- Create wireframes for key pages
- Design mobile and desktop versions
- Establish typography and color systems
- Design UI components and patterns
- Get stakeholder approval on designs
Development Phase
- Set up development environment
- Build responsive templates
- Migrate and optimize content
- Implement SEO elements (meta tags, schema)
- Set up analytics and tracking
- Configure forms and integrations
Pre-Launch Phase
- Test on all major browsers
- Test on various devices and screen sizes
- Verify all forms work correctly
- Check all links and images
- Set up 301 redirects
- Test site speed
Post-Launch Phase
- Submit updated sitemap to search engines
- Monitor for 404 errors
- Track key performance metrics
- Gather user feedback
- Fix issues as they arise