Preparing for a Website Redesign: What to Pay Attention To (and What to Rethink)

Redesigning your business website can feel exciting - new look, fresh content, maybe a better logo. But before diving into colors and layouts, it’s worth asking:

Are we just changing how it looks - or how it works?

A great redesign isn’t just about appearance. It should make your site easier to use, easier to find (especially on Google), and more effective at turning visitors into customers.

Here’s what to think about before you start working with a web designer or developer - so your redesign actually supports your business goals.

1. Don’t Just Make It Pretty - Make It Work Better

Take a step back and look at your website structure:

Is it easy for visitors to find what they need?
Do your services or products have their own pages?
Can someone understand what you offer in just a few seconds?

This is especially important if:

You want to appear in Google searches
You’re planning to run ads (Google, Meta, etc.)
Your current site feels messy or hard to navigate

A redesign is the perfect time to clean things up and build a stronger foundation - not just update the visuals.

2. Talk Goals, Not Just Design

Before you think about colors or fonts, think about why you’re redesigning:

Do you want more leads or inquiries?
Are you launching a new product or service?
Do you want to look more professional?

Share these goals clearly with your designer or developer. A good one will use that information to guide the layout, content, and user experience - not just the look.

3. Think About How People Will Find Your Site

Will people come through Google? Social media? Paid ads?

If you’re doing SEO (search engine optimization):

You need pages that match what people are searching for
Clear structure and headings matter
Slow sites and clunky layouts can hurt your rankings

If you’re running paid ads:

You’ll want focused landing pages, not just your homepage
Make it easy for people to take action (call, book, buy, fill out a form)

Your website doesn’t work alone - it’s part of your bigger marketing picture.

4. Be Careful With Competitor Copying

It’s tempting to look at competitors for inspiration - and that’s okay. But copying their layout, content, or strategy too closely can backfire:

You don’t know what’s working for them (or if it is)
You risk sounding generic
You might miss what actually makes you stand out

Instead, try this:

Ask yourself how you would want to use your own site
Imagine your best customer: what do they want to see, learn, or do?

Design your site for real people, not just to keep up with the competition.

5. Don’t Forget the Words

Beautiful design won’t fix unclear messaging. Your website should clearly say:

What you do
Who it’s for
Why it matters
What to do next (book a call, send a message, etc.)

If your content hasn’t been touched in years, this is your chance to improve it. Great copy builds trust and helps people take action.

6. Mobile and Speed Matter More Than Ever

Most of your visitors are probably on their phones - and nobody likes a slow or broken mobile site.

Make sure your redesign:

Loads quickly (especially on mobile data)
Looks good and works well on all screen sizes
Has buttons and forms that are easy to use

Fast, mobile-friendly sites are better for users - and for Google.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Redesign - Realign

Your website isn’t just a brochure. It’s one of your most important business tools.

So when you redesign, don’t just aim for “nicer.” Aim for “clearer,” “easier,” and “more effective.”

Before you get started:

Think about your goals
Consider how people find and use your site
Talk to your designer or developer about structure, not just style

A thoughtful redesign can help your business grow - not just look better.

Need help figuring out what your site actually needs? Reach out (on Linked In) - I’m happy to chat.