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How to Manage a Website Redesign Project

Photo by Jason Goodman from Unsplash

 

Be honest. How likely are you to stay on a website that takes forever to load, is filled with boring content, and feels outdated?

How much inconvenience are you willing to endure in pursuing a product or service?

Your website should make users feel compelled to learn more and take action. It should be quick to load, easy to navigate, and filled with relevant information. Is your website designed with the user in mind?

If your website is experiencing little to no traffic, low conversions, high bounce rates, slow speeds, and feels stagnant overall: it's time to talk about a redesign.

Want to know how to redesign a website?

This article will teach you everything you need to know about managing a website design strategy with your business in mind.

What is a Website Redesign?

A website redesign can grow conversions, lower bounce rates, improve usability, and boost overall productivity for your website and, by extension, your business. That is if it's managed the right way.

Website redesigns are more than a restructured layout or an updated brand style; they are a total reconstruction of websites. Redesigns incorporate improved features and strategies at all levels of web development. From coding and backend configuration to engaging content and visuals, website redesign projects optimize websites to serve users better.

Not every website will benefit from a redesign. When understanding how to approach a website redesign, there are many things to consider. Before creating a website redesign strategy, look at how the current website functions. Pay attention to performance indicators like conversion and bounce rates. Then, do some preliminary market research to determine if your website is optimized for the product or service offered, the type of website you're hosting, or the target audience your website serves.

Group of people discussing at a table

Photo by Dylan Gillis from Unsplash

website redesign strategy should prioritize the needs of the site. Some websites, like those with low traffic and conversions, could boost profits exponentially with a complete redesign. On the other hand, websites with high-traffic and low conversions may benefit more from web development services like migration rather than a total redesign.

 

Creating a Project Roadmap

Whether you plan to redesign independently, with a freelancer, or with a web development team, staying organized is key. One effective strategy for managing a successful website redesign is to follow a project roadmap with stages like:

Discovery & Research

The first step in a website redesign is collecting and analyzing relevant information. Data collection is essential for determining a website's current strengths and weaknesses. And tools like website audits and user feedback can help examine site features and functionality better inform the website redesign strategy.

discovery items

Strategy & Design

From user-focused information architecture to solid wireframes, experts in digital marketing and UX can assist in creating new design strategies that boost rank with SEO and prioritize site users.

website wireframes

 

Development

The next step in the process is to integrate data-informed strategies with design structures in front-end development. Redesign management teams can assist in creating attractive, responsive, and easy-to-navigate web designs that speak to your business's unique audience. Practical backend configuration is another key part of a profitable website redesign project. Here, having assistance from qualified web development or IT teams is especially beneficial for any project manager looking to avoid future technical limitations.

a man coding on a computer

Photo by Lukas from Pexels

Testing & Implementation

The website is design configured; all that's left is to hit "publish" and watch the conversions roll in, right? Almost.

With a well-organized going-live strategy, developers can gain valuable feedback from KPIs, test surveys, and other web management tools to measure the new site's success and address any problems before they escalate and drive away traffic.

If you are a tech-savvy individual with time to spare, tackling a website redesign project on your own may sound like a good idea. Otherwise, the best option is to save precious time and unnecessary stress and leave detailed web design projects to the experts. You can access a team of experienced professionals when working with a website redesign service. Optimizing and meeting your goals at every stage of your website's redesign is a dedicated team's top priority.

How Often Should A Website be Redesigned?

A website's estimated lifespan is between 1.5 to 2.5 years. There are ways to combat the risk of outdated content, like prioritizing evergreen content on the website, but that isn't the only factor contributing to a website's mortality. Aged systems, applications, and programs are prone to technological errors. And in the end, times change, technology advances and businesses must keep up to succeed.

Of course, every website is different. How often a website needs a redesign may depend on the market it serves or the business's goals. To determine whether your website requires a redesign, answer these 5 questions:

  • Are users reporting problems with the current website?
  • Does the style, content, or design feel outdated or boring?
  • Is the site easy to navigate and working properly without delays?
  • Does the current website support the directions you wish to take your business in the future?
  • Is the current website accurately reflecting the brand, mission, and vision?

It might be time to consider a website redesign if you answered anything other than "yes" to any of these questions.

At this point, you may wonder, "wait a minute, how much does it cost to redesign a website, anyway?"

How much it costs to redesign an existing website and how long it takes depends on your choice. A DIY approach will save money, but it may not be as effective as other options. Freelance web design services vary in cost, from several hundred to several thousand per project, and require a lot of trust for quality results. A reputable website redesign management service may be a higher cost upfront, but it comes with the added assurance of investment return, thanks to tested skills and experience.

Marcel Digital’s Web Development Services

With nearly 20 years of industry experience, we understand that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to... well, anything. And that includes redesigning a website, and that's why we offer tailored solutions to web development services driven by analytics and shaped by values that guarantee results quickly.

Websites developed by Marcel Digital experience 70% growth in organic traffic and a conversion rate increase of 52% on average.

We are redefining what it means to be a digital marketing agency, starting with how we help you achieve your goals. Authenticity, integrity, accountability, and insight are central to Marcel Digital's project management strategies.

Our expert team of seasoned web developers is ready to take on your next project with attention and care, covering everything from redesigns to hosting and maintenance, with access to effective management systems and more.

Our case studies offer an in-depth look at our effective methods and strategies.

Read more about how we automated a system of event-focused landing pages and increased page engagement for Herbalife Nutrition by 114%.

 Look at how our expert website redesign services boosted Ziegler’s overall conversion rate by 513%.

We streamlined information architecture and increased HUB Ontario’s overall traffic by 152%. Find out how!

Ready to get started on your website’s redesign?

Send us a message today! 

  • Web Design

  • Web Development

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About the author

Alex Vilmur

Alex Vilmur is a wizard at development and also trumpet. He once auditioned for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, but found his passion for website development and Umbraco made it too hard to leave.