How do I prepare for a website redesign?
Before a redesign starts, write down what the site must do, gather every login, record which pages bring visitors and leads, collect real photos and reviews, and name one person who approves. That groundwork keeps the project moving and gives your web team what it needs to protect your search traffic.
The short version
- Write down what visitors should do: call, book, ask for a quote or buy.
- Gather logins for the domain, DNS, hosting, website and Google accounts.
- List your current pages and the ones that bring visitors and leads.
- Collect real photos, reviews you’re allowed to use, and service details.
- Name one person who approves, and agree on feedback times.
What should I get ready?
1. The goal
In plain words, write what the new site must do and for whom. Note what’s wrong with the current site (slow on phones, hard to update, few leads) and what’s working. If you’re not sure a full redesign is needed, read whether to redesign or fix your site.
2. The logins
You’ll need access to the domain registrar, DNS, current hosting, the website admin, Google Business Profile, Search Console and Analytics, and your email provider if email might be affected. Read which logins your business should own. Never email passwords; share access through each service’s user settings instead.
3. A record of what Google already likes
Export your current page addresses and the pages with the most clicks from Search Console. Those become the redirect map that protects your rankings. Our answer on whether a redesign hurts rankings explains why.
4. The content
- Real photos of your team, work and place. See stock or real photos.
- Reviews and testimonials you have permission to use.
- Services, areas served, common customer questions and policies.
- Logo files and any brand colors or fonts.
5. One decision-maker
One person gives final approval. Others can comment, but feedback goes in together, once per stage.
6. Sites you like
Pick a few, and note what you like about each: the layout, the tone, how easy they make it to get in touch.
Why does preparation matter?
Most of a redesign’s calendar time is waiting for content and decisions, not building. Prepared owners get a better site sooner, and the web team can protect what already works in Google.
What are the common mistakes?
- Starting without logins. A missing registrar password can hold up launch day.
- Throwing out pages that rank because they look old. Rewrite them; don’t delete them.
- Approving by committee. Conflicting feedback from five people slows every stage.
- Forgetting after launch. Decide now who updates the site. Read what website maintenance includes.
What if you can’t find a login?
Most services have an owner recovery process. Start it early, because some take days. If a former developer holds an account, ask them in writing to add you as an owner.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
Preparing costs nothing but time. Gathering logins and pulling a page list usually takes an afternoon. Photos and content take longer, which is why it pays to start before the project does.
How does E-3 handle this?
When E-3 redesigns a site, the new version is tested on a staging copy first, and you approve the plan and the preview before launch. For the service itself, see Can you redesign my website?
Related questions
Common questions
- Should I write the content myself?
- Your knowledge is essential, but you don't have to write polished pages. Many owners send notes, facts and photos, and the web team shapes them into pages for approval.
- What slows redesigns down the most?
- Waiting: for text, photos, logins or decisions. Getting those ready early keeps the project moving.
- Do I need to know which platform I want?
- No. Tell your web team who will edit the site and how often. They should recommend a platform and explain why.
Rather talk it through?
Call our team, or send a note and we’ll reply within one business day. No pressure and no jargon.