Website Redesign Checklist: When and How to Revamp Your Site
I know—you have a website, and it’s doing its job. Maybe it hasn’t been updated in a while, and you know you need to get to it. But, also - let’s be real—it’s just not a priority.
I get it. I’ve been there. I was so busy working in my business that I didn’t have time to work on my business (to quote Megan Flatt). My own website sat untouched while I focused on everyone else’s.
But here’s the thing: every moment we’re not showing up on Google, we’re losing potential clients. Or worse—the people who do find us, but land on our site, and well - they’re... underwhelmed.
Unfortunately, websites aren’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. Technology changes literally every day (say hi, ChatGPT), and user expectations keep rising. If we want to rank and impress, we have to keep up.
And it’s not just about tech and functionality—looks matter, too. Design trends evolve from year to year, and if someone lands on your site and it’s clear it hasn’t been touched since the last time culottes had their moment (which, honestly, I’m still recovering from), they might assume your business hasn’t evolved either.
So, I put together a quick gut-check to answer the big question: Is it time to update your website?
Think of it like it’s like that haircut you keep putting off. At first, you tell yourself it’s fine. Then, one day, you catch a glimpse in the mirror and realize Crystal Gayle vibes have fully taken over.
Life is busy. The world is a lot right now, and it’s easy to let your website fall to the bottom of the to-do list.
Still, think of the time you finally did get that haircut. That glow of knowing you’re taking care of yourself? A website refresh gives you that same boost—but with the added benefit of growing your business.
Plus, a website update is the perfect excuse to send out a fresh email campaign, highlight new services, and improve your user experience—all while making sure your online presence truly reflects you.
Still not convinced? Let’s dive into a checklist that might just change your mind:
When to Consider a Website Redesign
Your Website Looks Outdated
Whether your site is overloaded with text, filled with tiny, outdated images, or rocking a color scheme straight out of another era, people will notice. Signs of neglect—like having to pinch and zoom on mobile or references to events and trends that ended years ago—signal to visitors that your site isn’t keeping up.
Modern web design leans toward clean, airy aesthetics with plenty of white space and elegant fonts. Neon buttons? Maybe not? Today’s color palettes tend to be more neutral. Big pops of color are reserved for CTA’s but shouldn’t overwhelm. Imagery should complement the design—not compete with it.
We all spend so much time online that, whether we realize it or not, we’ve become experts in spotting fresh design trends. Subtle animations, smooth scrolling, sophisticated fonts—we know what looks current, and so do your users. If they land on your site and it feels a little stuck in time, the back button is just one click away.
It’s Not Mobile-Friendly
More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t responsive, you’re definitely losing visitors.
Think about it—if your text is misaligned, buttons are too small to tap, or a pop-up hijacks the screen with no clear way to close it, people won’t stick around. Frustration leads to quick exits, which means not only are you losing potential clients, but Google is also paying attention. And when users bounce fast, your rankings take a hit.
A smooth, mobile-friendly experience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for keeping visitors engaged and keeping Google happy.
Slow Load Times
This is really straightforward. If your site takes longer than 3 seconds, people pull a full Scooby Doo exit and scram.
Your Brand or Business Has Evolved
Most businesses evolve over time—whether you’ve refined your niche, shifted your services, or completely rebranded, your website should reflect those changes.
You also don’t want to miss an opportunity to showcase your best work. If your portfolio, testimonials, or case studies aren’t front and center, you’re losing potential clients who need to see the value you bring.
And let’s be real—if your competitors’ sites feel fresh and engaging while yours has, well, metaphorical chipping paint, that’s not a great look. A modern, updated website not only keeps you relevant but also positions you as the expert you actually are.
Your SEO Performance is Slipping
Your SEO performance is one of the most important aspects of your website strategy. Keywords, relevant and current content, and user engagement all play crucial roles in determining your rankings.
If your site hasn’t been updated in a while, outdated content can hurt your rankings, as search engines may view it as irrelevant. Plus, technical SEO issues can creep in—slow loading times, broken links, and poor mobile optimization can all negatively impact your visibility.
And if folks arrive on your site, take one look, and leave because it feels so out of date, that hurts your ranking too. You could be missing out on valuable local traffic if your business information or service areas aren’t current. Keeping your content fresh and your site optimized is essential for attracting potential clients and maintaining your online presence.
Low Conversion Rates
Let’s assume none of the above issues are plaguing your site. I mean, if you haven’t updated in a while, they probably are—but even if you’re fine in those areas, low conversion rates still mean your site isn’t doing its job.
Your website should be working and speaking for you when visitors arrive. If you’re struggling to capture new business, it’s somewhat useless.
Do you have a clear plan for your users? Are your call-to-action (CTA) buttons easy to find? Do you showcase user testimonials that build credibility? And what about your email capture strategies?
If you’re getting lots of visitors but no leads or sales, it’s a sign that your site might not be optimized for conversions.
It’s Hard to Update
One of the things I always tell my clients about their sites is that I strive to make them as easy as possible to update. Using platforms that are mobile-friendly and have intuitive design tools is a must!
If your website is built on an outdated platform or requires a developer for every small change, it’s time for an upgrade. A lack of a user-friendly content management system (CMS) can deter you from regularly updating your content, leading to an outdated site that doesn’t reflect your current offerings.
Additionally, complex design elements or custom code can complicate even minor changes, making it frustrating to keep your site fresh. Relying heavily on third-party developers for updates can slow down your ability to adapt, resulting in missed opportunities to engage with potential clients.
So Now What?
Revamping your website doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following these steps, you can create a site that not only looks great but also functions effectively to attract and convert visitors.
Start by defining your goals—whether you’re looking for more leads, better branding, or an enhanced user experience. Auditing your current website helps you pinpoint what’s working and what needs improvement, while researching modern design trends will ensure your site feels fresh and relevant.
Don’t forget about the user experience! Streamlining navigation and ensuring your site is easy to use will keep visitors engaged. Plus, optimizing for SEO and speed will help you rank higher and keep people on your site longer.
Choosing the right platform is crucial, so look for user-friendly options that suit your needs. And let’s not overlook your content strategy—engaging copy and strong calls to action will drive results.
Finally, before you launch, make sure to test everything. Check for broken links, responsiveness, and load times to ensure a smooth user experience.
So, if you’re ready to breathe new life into your site and make it a true reflection of your brand, it’s time to get started! Remember, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business, so let’s make it count!
Click to download your checklist.
