How to Plan a Website Redesign (Without Losing Your Mind)
Whether your website is feeling outdated, isn’t working the way you hoped, or simply no longer reflects who you are, it's probably time for a redesign.
But before you dive headfirst into new colors, fonts, or layouts, a successful website redesign starts with a plan. A solid, strategic, human-centered plan.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the key steps to planning a website redesign that works for you, your audience, and your goals.
1. Know Why You’re Redesigning
Start with the “why.”
Is your current site hard to update?
Is it slow, clunky, or confusing?
Are you not getting the leads, signups, or sales you hoped for?
Or does it just look dated?
Whatever your reasons, write them down. These will guide your goals and decisions later on.
Tip: Be honest with yourself here. A pretty new website won’t fix deeper issues like unclear messaging or missing functionality, but a redesign is a great time to address those, too.
〰️
Tip: Be honest with yourself here. A pretty new website won’t fix deeper issues like unclear messaging or missing functionality, but a redesign is a great time to address those, too. 〰️
2. Define Your Goals
Once you know why you’re redesigning, define what success looks like.
Do you want to:
Grow your email list?
Improve mobile usability?
Highlight a service or product?
Tell your story more clearly?
Make updates easier without calling a developer every time?
Your goals should shape your strategy, not just the design.
3. Know Your Audience
Your website isn't for you. It's for the people you're trying to reach.
Spend time understanding:
Who they are
What they’re looking for
What they value
What might be frustrating them on your current site
If possible, talk to customers or supporters. Look at analytics. See where people drop off or get stuck. These insights will help you design a site that serves real humans, not just your team’s preferences.
4. Audit What You’ve Got
Before you toss your whole site in the trash, take stock of what’s working:
Are there pages that perform well in search?
Content people keep visiting or sharing?
Photos or testimonials that still reflect your brand?
A website redesign doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. You might just need to reorganize, refresh, or realign.
Tip: Be honest with yourself here. A pretty new website won’t fix deeper issues like unclear messaging or missing functionality, but a redesign is a great time to address those, too.
〰️
Tip: Be honest with yourself here. A pretty new website won’t fix deeper issues like unclear messaging or missing functionality, but a redesign is a great time to address those, too. 〰️
5. Build a Sitemap That Makes Sense
Think of your sitemap as your website’s blueprint.
Group related content. Simplify where you can. Create clear paths for visitors to follow.
And remember: more isn’t always better. A clean, focused structure often outperforms a site with dozens of hidden, buried pages.
6. Get Clear on Your Message
Your homepage isn’t a billboard. It’s a conversation.
A strong website starts with clear, compelling messaging that answers your visitors’ top questions:
What is this?
Who is it for?
Why should I care?
What should I do next?
Good design helps, but good messaging converts.
If you’re not sure how to say it, this might be the time to work with a writer or brand strategist. Voice and clarity matter more than ever in 2025’s attention economy.
7. Choose the Right Platform and Tools
Not all websites are built the same. Your platform should match your needs, team, and budget.
Ask yourself:
Will I need to update this myself?
Do I need e-commerce, booking, or blog functionality?
Do I want to integrate email marketing, CRMs, or other tools?
Popular platforms like Squarespace, WordPress, and Shopify offer different strengths; what works for a photographer may not work for a nonprofit.
If you’re not sure what you need, get advice from someone who builds sites with clients, not just for them.
8. Design With Purpose (and Users) in Mind
Now comes the fun part, design!
But it’s more than colors and fonts. Good design helps people find what they need, feel what you want them to feel, and take the action you want them to take.
User experience (UX) should guide your layout, buttons, menus, and mobile experience. The goal? A site that feels easy, trustworthy, and intuitive.
9. Plan for Launch and Beyond
Launching a new site doesn’t mean the work is done.
Plan for:
Redirecting old links so you don’t lose SEO
Testing forms and buttons
Training your team to make updates
Gathering feedback from users
Continuing to improve over time
Great websites aren’t set-it-and-forget-it. They grow with you. Make a plan for future updates, blog posts, or content changes, so your site stays fresh and useful.
How Shine Digital Services Can Help
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Do It Alone
A website redesign can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
With the right plan, a bit of strategy, and the right support (whether that’s a freelancer, agency, or platform), you can create a site that truly reflects your vision and serves your audience.
Start with clarity. Design with purpose. And build something that works for you. Contact us to start today!
