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It’s so easy to keep postponing your website redesign because it can seem overwhelming to start! Especially when you’re not even sure where to begin or how to prepare. It’s easy to go down rabbit holes and then before you know it you’re weeks in but then wondering, “Crap, I hope I’m doing this right…”
And will it really help you to bring in more sales?
Between growing your business and living your life, we know how difficult it can be to make the time for prioritizing your website. That’s why we’re going over the essential questions you need to know the answer to before undertaking a website redesign.
What is it?
Do I need it?
& How do I prepare for it?
If you’re looking for an 8,000+ word article that tells you exactly how to do a website redesign because you have all the time in the world to do it yourself…. this blog post isn’t for you.
But if you don’t have time for that because you have a business to run and just want the professionals to break down the basics for you in an easy-to-scan and skimmable article…. we gotchu, friend.
What is a website redesign?
Yes, quite obviously it is a redesign of your website but not all redesigns are the same. Redesigning your website can be anything from simply updating your content to switching website builders entirely.
A website redesign strategy is very much dependent on your personal business needs. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal.
For example, sometimes you need a redesign and a rebrand because your current website isn’t connecting with your ideal audience. But, in order to choose your strategy, you need to decide if it’s time for a redesign to begin with!
The top 3 signs it’s time for a website redesign:
1. When your offers change or evolve.
Maybe you’ve chosen a new niche. Or maybe you niched down so darn well that your profits are soaring and you’re needing to expand your product suite and services.
Either way, if your offers have changed or evolved then it’s time to commit to a website redesign strategy. Because your website should be working for you as your best unpaid salesperson! And friend, right now it’s just not working for your new business needs.
On top of a shifting or expanding business, there’s also your brand identity to consider. Has it become outdated? Or is going to be able to grow with you as you redesign your website?
2. When your website builder works against you.
There are hundreds of website builders out there to choose from. We went through a great deal of trial and error before we found one that worked with us instead of against us. (Spoiler alert: our favorite is Wix.)
You don’t need to know how to code or be tech-savvy to have a stunning website. If the website builder you chose is making it super hard to even make a simple edit or impossible to optimize for SEO, then your website builder is working against you. (And that’s why we use Wix. It’s incredibly easy to use, especially when optimizing for SEO!)
If you’re struggling to update your website just on the desktop view, we can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to optimize your site for mobile devices! And if your website isn’t optimized for smartphones you’re leaving MASSIVE amounts of money on the table because 68% of all website visits in 2020 came from mobile devices.
3. When your website doesn’t make you money.
Let us clarify. We’re not talking about if you’ve made money on your website before. We’re talking about your conversion rate. In other words, the number of your website visitors that actually took the action you wanted them to take.
Whether the main goal of your website is to get your visitors to fill out a form to work with you or to have them directly make a purchase from you, your website needs to regularly convert your visitors from browsers to buyers. Your sales should be increasing as time goes on. Not plateauing, and definitely not decreasing.
Did any of these signs resonate with you? If so, it’s time to consider a website redesign. So, let’s get into the details of what you need to do next to prepare!
All the questions you need to answer to prepare for a website redesign:
Before you start shopping for new templates or searching for a website designer, you need to answer some pretty important questions.
What is your end goal?
Let’s start with the most important one. What exactly is your end goal? We’re talking BIG PICTURE here.
Imagine what life looks like after your website redesign. Are you selling out all your offers? Are your dream clients reaching out to you without any objections because your website spoke to their soul? Make sure you have a clear understanding of the results you’re looking for. Start by asking yourself these three questions:
What about your current website design is working well for you?
What about that design is not working for you right now?
What do you want to achieve with your new website design?
But wait! Are you writing your answers down on paper? Putting your thoughts into writing is the best way to get clarity on what you’re looking for. We’re kind of old school, but virtual paper works, too. ;)
How many pages do you need?
Take an inventory of your current website. We don’t mean just counting how many pages you have at the moment. Ask yourself if the pages are serving your needs.
Start by looking at the existing content on each page. Maybe there’s a page that could be split into two pages instead of one. Or maybe you find something that could be combined into one page instead of remaining as two. Maybe there’s even a page you need to get rid of altogether!
If you end up hiring a website designer, they can absolutely provide professional advice on this. But the more information you can supply them, the smoother the process will be!
Who do you want to do the website redesign?
Are you looking to do it yourself? Or are you looking to outsource your website redesign strategy? Because if you’re looking to hire someone, you should start looking through some portfolios first. (Plus, inspiration is always handy if you end up doing it yourself, too.)
There are millions of website designers out there but not all of them are going to be people you want to work with...just like inany other industry. But it’s not necessarily because they’re bad at what they do (although yes, there are some of those out there, too)...it’s because everyone has their own unique way of doing things!
Check out their website design portfolio and see if you vibe with them and like their design style. That way you know you’ll be OBSESSED with the final product because we want you to be proud AF of your new website!
What is your budget?
Whether you’re buying a new website template, or investing in custom branding…. you still have to estimate a budget. There are so many different packages and prices for website redesigns so it’s important to set a realistic budget. And just to give you some averages, if you’re looking for a fully custom website expect to prices to start at $5-10K depending on how many pages you’ll need. I’ll just leave this right here, but web design is 100% one of those things that you get what you pay for. Want more than just something that looks pretty, like, say, a website that uses conversion-based design, conversion copywriting, and SEO? Make sure you’re budgeting realistically based on what you actually want and need. In our opinion, it’s better to save up and do it right vs half-ass it now then have to pay even more next year when you realize your site actually isn’t working for you. We definitely don’t want that!
Moral of the story: do some research so you can determine what kind of package and pricing is going to work for you as well as your goals. For example, if you’re thinking about redesigning on your own…. sure, you’ll save a lot of money. But you won’t be saving any of your time. And honestly, time is money, right?
If you decide to work with an agency, consider choosing a boutique. Boutique website design agencies offer way more customized services. They can also specialize in various industries and niches. If you want high-quality services and personalized attention, boutique agencies are the way to go!
Maybe we’re a little biased, considering we’re a boutique agency ourselves, but when you work with a small tight-knit team like us, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what you’re getting, and knowing exactly who is working on your website redesign. You’ll always be able to reach us directly with any questions you have, too!
What is your timeline?
If you’re looking to get started right away and want your site done ASAP, you better start collecting all of your materials now. In other words, your photos, videos, audio, contact information, and anything else you’ll need for your website.
Your website redesign will get done soooo much faster if you’re sending all of your materials over at once, versus in like 18 different email threads. (Ask us how we know, lol.)
Now look over your notes and take some time to think over everything we’ve discussed.
It’s a big decision, but we know you can do it. Trust your gut! And whether you feel prepared for your website redesign or not, know that we’re over here cheering you on!
If you’d like some one-on-one guidance with your website strategy, then click right on over here to apply to work with us.