How to carry out a complete redesign of your website: steps, tools and techniques to follow

With a complete redesign of your website, it is possible to capitalize on new technologies to improve your online presence and your performance. But how to proceed? What tools and techniques should you use? This article is dedicated to all the steps to follow, as well as specific advice to succeed in your redesign. Let's find out together what you need to do to succeed in your redesign project!

 

What is a complete website redesign?

Technically speaking, a website redesign is the process of modifying the current graphics, content and/or structure until they match thecompany's current goals, making sure that the website is updated and adapted to the current technological context. This may include changes such as updated images or text, a complete graphic redesign or a technical upgrade such as a conversion to a new, more modern format.

 

More generally, a redesign is a project that consists of studying the existing website and improving its elements so that it can meet the current standards and thus support the marketing strategy of the company. The main objective of a well done redesign is to generate more traffic and conversion or a better search ranking on Google.

 

Moreover, ergonomics and design are also factors to consider, because a site that manages to retain visitors and convert contacts is more useful than a site lacking attractiveness.

 

Steps to follow for a successful redesign

The process of a web redesign can be done in different steps. Here are the main ones to take into account:

Step 1: Research and referencing

This consists in analyzing the current environment and understanding the company's strategy and objectives. Tools such as the SEO module of search engines oraudit tools such as Semrush are essential. Once the analysis is done, a set of specifications must be established to determine what type of content will be put online and how this content will be organized.

Step 2: Website design and content

This stage consists of developing the overall design and the design of the pages, adding the content and testing the functionality of the site. If you do not wish to design your own site, it is possible to hire a service provider or a web agencyIf you don't want to design your own site, you can hire a service provider or a web agency to create and improve the navigation and usability, as well as other design-related aspects.

Step 3: Mobile optimization

Mobile optimization is essential to ensure that site content is visible and accessible on mobile devices. Search engines such as Google are giving greater importance to mobile compatibility, taking this criterion into account when positioning sites in their results.

 

Tools needed to do the redesign

There are several tools available that can be used during a redesign. They include software tools that can be used for graphic design, development, analysis and SEO; research and auditing tools such as Google Analytics or SEMrush to evaluate the site's traffic and positioning; web marketing tools such as Sendinblue and AgoraPulse to manage social media; and finally tools that can be used for tracking, customer management and launching optimization (SEO) campaigns.

 

Techniques to be used during the redesign

Launching a redesign requires more than just advanced knowledge of tools; it also requires specific techniques. A good technique is to create a project brief, a summary document that includes the desired objectives as well as information about the technologies used, timelines, load and other specifics of the project. This facilitates planning and implementation throughout the project.

 

Another technique to employ is writing: when looking for effective content for the site, writing quality content remains crucial. It can be done internally or can also be entrusted to a professional writer. Many writing tools can also be used, for example SEO tools, documentation tools or semantic analysis tools.

 

Additional tips to get the best possible result

• Think about the objectives, the current state and the deposit in advance and define well the aspects to be changed;
• Go through the specifications, a document containing clearly established expectations between the client and the provider, with precise terms and an exhaustive list of things to do;
• Use analytical tools to understand thecurrent image of the site and the needs of the company (for example, a search engine like Google Search Console);
• Compare with examples to get an idea of the project to be realized and to obtain inspirations;
• Include images and graphics to give a more attractive look and illustrate the content;
• Review updates, apply patches and monitor the site regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.

 

Redesigning a website is a long and complex task, but one that offers potentially very satisfying results. By taking into account the steps to be implemented, the tools to be used and the techniques to be put in place, you will put your company on the right track to obtain the best possible results. You can also take advice from a web agency as Autour de l'Image to implement your redesign project and get consistent and fast results.