Website redesign prep and checklist

Getting ready for your new website doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s what to expect, and how we’ll support you every step of the way.

Since you’re talking to us, you’re likely already through on this part.

But, just in case, here’s what you need to do before signing a proposal with us.

Before you dive in, think through the “why” behind your redesign and get alignment internally on these:

  • Obtain leadership support: Make sure your leadership team supports the project. If you need help making the case, let us know, and we can provide talking points and examples.
  • Define success: Identify what a successful website looks like for your business—more leads, higher conversions, better engagement, or all of the above.
  • Acquire a budget: You’ll need a realistic budget that matches your redesign goals.
A person stands smiling while holding a coffee mug, in front of a perforated metal wall with a red circular design. They wear a striped shirt over a dark t-shirt.

So, you’ve signed your proposal, what’s next?

1. Provide brand and content essentials

A strong website begins with clear messaging and visuals. Be prepared to collaborate on these things when we get started.

Brand assets

We’ll need logos, colors, imagery, and style guidelines so we can design in alignment with your identity.

We’ll ask for these at the project start!

Core messaging

What’s your mission, differentiators, and positioning?

During the Discover phase, we’ll help transfer your messaging to the content we draft in our deliverables. Be prepared to answer this question at the start.

Content planning

Do we need to refresh all page content, or can we focus on a core set of high-impact pages for launch?

Being able to communicate your content goals will help us define the content plan early during the discover phase of the project.

Content is often the heaviest lift.

We’ll break it into manageable steps and can offer support services if needed.

2. Gather insights and inspiration

Together, we’ll look outward and inward to guide the redesign project.

Customer & team feedback

Be prepared to share what you’ve heard from customers, sales, and marketing about what’s working (and what’s not) on your current site.

Review competitor websites

Review 3–5 competitor websites with us—we’ll analyze what they’re doing well and where you can stand out.

Define visitor goals

Think about what you want people to do on your site (fill out a form, request a demo, make a purchase). We’ll use this to shape features and calls-to-action.

3. Assemble your team

Clear communication makes for a smoother project.

Plan stakeholder input

We’ll schedule a few short interviews the the stakeholders you identify within the first week or two of the project.

Our goal is get key perspectives without overwhelming your team.

Learn about stakeholder interviews

Identify decision-makers

Choose a small group with final authority so we can keep the project moving without “design by committee.”

The size of this group can make your job easier (or the opposite). Choose wisely.

Set expectations for involvement

Early in the project, plan for about 4 hours a week to attend meetings and to gather some of the things we ask for.

As we approach launch, expect 20+ hours spread across content entry, testing, meetings, and stakeholder management.

Don’t worry, we’ll provide a detailed timeline so you know exactly when your input is needed.

4. Grant access to your tools

To keep the process efficient, we’ll need these at the project start.

A high-level list of what we handle vs. what you handle

To keep things stress-free, here’s how responsibilities are split:

We’ll Handle You’ll Handle
  • Project management
  • Timeline
  • Stakeholder management
  • Decision-maker management
  • Meeting attendance
  • Page layouts
  • Design
  • Approvals
  • Timely feedback
  • Draft content for key pages
  • SEO
  • AI readiness
  • Sharing brand assets
  • Involving the right team members to review and revise content
  • Other content that you wish to revise or write new
  • Development
  • Content entry
  • Testing
  • Content entry is often a shared responsibility
  • Form email notification confirmation
  • Training on your new CMS
  • Assign team members to content entry
  • Pre-launch prep
  • Post-launch monitoring
  • Launch approval
  • Updating the DNS (often done by a technical resource)

 

There’s more to this, but we didn’t want to bore you with all the very specific items that we’re responsible for.

Future-ready

Your new site will be built with best practices baked in, including:

  • AI discoverability: So your business is easy to find in emerging AI-powered search and assistant tools.
  • Scalability: Flexible structure so you can keep growing your site post-launch.
  • Compliance: Requirements for WCAG accessibility and GDPR/CCPA privacy standards are documented.
Two women stand side by side smiling in front of a window with a brick wall background.

Let’s work together to build your redesign plan

Planning ahead makes your redesign smoother, faster, and more successful. When you partner with us, you don’t need all the answers right away—we’ll uncover them together.

Reach out to Chris or Stephanie directly to get started with your redesign project.

Download the checklist and start prepping

Some reassurances

“This feels like a lot…” → That’s why we’re here. We’ll guide you step by step and never leave you guessing.

“We don’t have all our content or assets ready.” → We’ll help prioritize what’s essential for launch and build a plan for the rest.

“I’m not sure how much time this will take.” → We’ll provide a clear timeline so you always know what’s next.