The Basic Steps to Redesigning a Website

You know how some projects seem so huge that you just don’t even want to start them? When you’re first starting the process of redesigning the company website, it can seem like a daunting task. In reality, though, redesigning the website is a series of steps, just like any other project. Once you’ve started, you begin to realize that redesigning the website isn’t a behemoth of a job. It’s like putting a puzzle together, one piece at a time.

In case you’re still in the “how do I start this project?” stage, we’ve listed the basic steps to redesigning a website, laid out for you in a way that is easy to tackle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath…and keep reading. 

The Basic Steps to Redesigning a Website

Define the Goals and Purpose

Why are you redesigning the website? What’s the purpose? Try answering some of these questions to help you distinguish the purpose:

• What is your business’s unique value and message?
• Is your business’s message/branding changing?
• If so, what is changing? Consider visual assets like the logo and color scheme, as well as the overall look and feel of the website.

Remember: clarity and consistency is key. New site visitors should immediately understand what you do and why it should matter to them.

Determine your Budget

Budgeting is an important step that can’t be overlooked. Determining the budget now will save you time later, since you’ll know exactly what you can and can’t do within the parameters of the budget.

Determine the Designer

Hey – like us! Check out this page on our website to learn more about working with us as you redesign your website.

Plot Out Site Navigation

We like to help out on this step, but you should also be playing around with ideas. How do you think visitors will want to travel around your site? What site navigation will make it easier for them?

Analyze your Current Visuals

Do you like the imagery that is already on your site? Do you want the designer to incorporate new imagery or take new, original photos for you? Do you like the font that is used? How’s the color scheme?

Answering these questions will help the designer understand the desired overall concept behind your website.

Critique Designs

Once the designer comes to you with a series of comps, you’ll be able to react to the proposed designs. React openly and honestly, giving the designer usable feedback to incorporate when revising the designs.

Evaluate the Site

After you’ve chosen a design, the heavy work is over for you. The designer will make the flat, static comp into a real, working website in the development stage. Once this stage is finished, yourr website will have successfully completed the basic steps to redesigning a website.

Once your new website is live, give it a week or so. Then, evaluate. Is there a part you’d like to change? Communicate any desired changes to the designer. Usually, designers want you to have a newly redesigned website that you’re proud of (at least, we do), so they’re happy to make post-launch changes.

Think you’re up to tackling these simple steps? Of course you are! If you’d like to get the conversation going with us here at RedMoxy, click below.