Website redesign checklist: before you relaunch
When to redesign your website, what to keep (URLs, redirects, pages that rank) and a launch checklist to avoid losing traffic.
ToBrand team · 5 min read
Part of our complete guide: Business website guide: plan, build, launch, improve
A redesign can help your business, or it can quietly erase years of Google traffic. The difference is planning. This website redesign checklist covers when a redesign makes sense, what you must keep, and what to check on launch day.
When a redesign makes sense
Redesign when the site is getting in the way of your business. Common signs:
- It looks broken or is hard to use on a phone.
- It loads slowly and nobody on your team can fix it.
- You are embarrassed to share the link with a new client.
- You cannot edit text or add pages without calling a developer.
- Your business has changed, but the site still describes the old one.
Sometimes the problem is smaller. A few fixes may do the job. If so, say it plainly and save the money.
Website redesign checklist: before you start
- List every page on the current site. Note which ones bring visitors or enquiries.
- Write down what the site must do now: get calls, take bookings, sell products.
- Back up the whole site, including images and files.
- Save access details for your domain, hosting and Google accounts.
- Collect your logo files, brand colours and real photos.
What to keep
URLs. The address of each page is how Google knows it. If a page ranks today, keep its address if you can.
Redirects. If an address must change, set a permanent redirect from the old address to the new one. Without it, visitors and Google land on an error page.
Content that ranks. Do not delete a page just because it looks old. Check Google Search Console to see which pages get clicks, then improve them rather than remove them.
Page titles and headings. Keep the wording that earns traffic unless you have a clear reason to change it.
What to change
Fix thin pages, outdated offers, stock photos and unclear buttons. Make sure every page tells the visitor what to do next. Check that your phone number, WhatsApp link and contact form are easy to find on mobile.
Launch-day checklist
- Test every form and make sure enquiries reach the right inbox.
- Click each menu link and each button.
- Test the old addresses to confirm they redirect to the right new pages.
- Check the site on at least one Android phone and one iPhone.
- Confirm the padlock (HTTPS) shows and there are no browser warnings.
- Make sure the site is not set to hide from search engines. Test builds often carry this setting.
- Submit the new sitemap in Google Search Console.
- Check that analytics and tracking still work.
After launch
Watch Search Console for errors in the first few weeks. Rankings can move up and down for a while after a redesign, so do not panic over small changes. Fix broken links as they appear. Then keep the site healthy with our website maintenance checklist.
Cost and next step
Our Launch website starts at ₹24,999 plus GST for up to 5 pages, and Growth starts at ₹59,999 plus GST. Larger or more complex redesigns are quoted after a call. Read about our website redesign service, or get a rough number from the website cost calculator.
Thinking of redesigning? Send us your current site and we will tell you what to keep and what to change.
Was this guide helpful?
