Redesigning a WordPress Website: Your Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering redesigning your WordPress website? Whether your goal is to improve user experience, update your brand’s look, or boost your site’s performance, a redesign can be a game-changer. We understand that the process might seem daunting, especially if you’re not doing it yourself. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started with redesigning your WordPress website.

Define Your Goals

First and foremost, be clear about why you want to redesign your site. Are you looking to enhance user experience, update outdated content, improve site speed, or align your website with new branding?

Common goals include:

Improving user experience (UX)
Enhancing visual appeal
Increasing site speed and performance
Updating outdated content and design
Ensuring mobile responsiveness
Boosting SEO and site traffic
Aligning the site with new branding or business goals

Having clear goals will guide the entire redesign process and help your designer understand your vision.

Analyse Your Current Website

Before jumping into the redesign, take some time to evaluate your current site. Look at your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics to understand user behaviour. Check your site’s speed, SEO, and mobile responsiveness. Gather feedback from your users about their experience. This will give you a solid understanding of what’s working and what needs improvement.

Research and Get Inspired

Look for inspiration from other websites, especially those within your industry. Identify design elements and features you like, such as layouts, colour schemes, navigation structures, and functionalities like contact forms or galleries. This will help you create a wish list for your new site.

Create a Wish List

Based on your goals and research, make a detailed list of features and changes you want in your redesigned website. This could include new content, enhanced design elements, improved navigation, or new functionalities. This list will serve as a blueprint for your designer.

Set a Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your website redesign. Consider the costs of hiring a designer or agency, additional services like copywriting or SEO, new plugins or themes, and ongoing maintenance. Having a clear budget will help you find the right designer and avoid unexpected expenses.

Find the Right Designer

Choosing the right designer or agency is crucial. Look for professionals with a strong portfolio that aligns with your vision. Check their experience with WordPress and read reviews or ask for references. Good communication is key, so make sure they understand your goals and can explain their process clearly.

Plan the Redesign Process

Work with your designer to plan each step of the redesign. This typically involves:

Discovery Phase: Discussing your goals, target audience, and preferences.
Design Phase: Creating mock-ups and prototypes for your approval.
Development Phase: Building the website based on approved designs.
Testing Phase: Thoroughly testing for functionality, compatibility, and performance.
Launch Phase: Deploying the new site and monitoring for any issues.

Prepare Your Content

Organise and update your content to fit the new design. This might involve rewriting or optimising content for SEO. Ensure all your content is fresh, relevant, and aligned with your brand’s voice.

Focus on SEO and Analytics

Ensure that the redesign does not negatively impact your SEO. Work with your designer to:

Implement SEO best practices.
Set up redirects from old URLs to new URLs if necessary.
Install and configure analytics tools to track site performance post-launch.

Plan for Maintenance

Once your new website is live, regular maintenance is essential. Make sure your team is trained to use and update the site. Establish a maintenance plan to keep your website secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly.