How to Prepare for a Website Redesign (Without the Stress)

Why Most Redesigns Feel Stressful

You probably know the feeling: your current site isn't cutting it, you know you need an update, but the thought of gathering assets, rewriting content, and coordinating with a developer feels overwhelming.

It doesn't have to be. Here's how to prep like a pro.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Site

Before you plan the new site, understand what's working and what's not.

Quick audit checklist:

• Which pages get the most traffic?
• Where do visitors drop off?
• What do clients ask about most?
• What feels outdated or broken?
• What do you love about your current setup?

Spend 30 minutes reviewing analytics (even basic ones) and jot down your observations. This becomes your redesign brief.

Step 2: Define Your Goals

What do you want the new site to do that the old one doesn't?

Common goals:

• Look more professional
• Convert more visitors into bookings
• Be easier to update yourself
• Improve mobile experience
• Add new features (email capture, booking, gallery)
• Reflect a brand evolution

Pick 2-3 priorities. Everything else is nice-to-have.

Step 3: Gather Your Assets

You'll need these ready:

Content

• Current text (even if you're rewriting it)
• Photos you want to feature
• Any existing branding (logo, colors, fonts)
• Links to sites you admire

Technical

• Access to your current domain host
• List of integrations (booking tools, email services, analytics)
• Any custom features you rely on

Business

• Your pricing or service list
• FAQ content
• Testimonials (if you have them)

Step 4: Write Your Brief

A good brief saves weeks of back-and-forth. Include:

1. Who you are — Your brand, your audience, your vibe
2. What you need — Pages, features, functionality
3. What you like — Examples of sites you admire
4. What you don't like — Things to avoid
5. Timeline — When you need it live
6. Budget — Your range (this helps them scope appropriately)

You don't need to write an essay. Bullet points are fine.

Step 5: Choose Your Developer

Look for someone who:

• Understands your industry
• Has a clear process
• Offers fixed pricing
• Communicates professionally
• Has relevant portfolio work

Ask for a proposal that includes scope, timeline, and price — all upfront.

Step 6: The Handoff

Once you've selected a developer:

• Share your assets in an organized way (a folder or document)
• Respond to questions quickly
• Review deliverables on schedule
• Provide feedback clearly and concisely

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait until the last minute — Give yourself 2-4 weeks to prep
• Don't try to write perfect content — Good content beats perfect content
• Don't overthink the design — Your developer knows what works
• Don't skip the audit — Understanding what's broken prevents repeating mistakes

Timeline Reality Check

Phase	Typical Duration
Prep & brief	1-2 weeks
Design	1-2 weeks
Development	2-3 weeks
Review & revisions	1 week
Launch	1 week

Total: 4-8 weeks depending on complexity.

Bottom Line

A redesign is an investment in your business. The more prepared you are, the faster it goes, and the better the result. Don't let perfection be the enemy of progress — your new site will be better than your current one, and that's what matters.

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Need a redesign that actually goes smoothly? I make the process simple and stress-free. Let's discuss your project.