What should be included in a website redesign project plan?
Clear Objectives and KPIs
- Define the purpose of the redesign: better UX, mobile compatibility, lead generation, etc.
- Set measurable goals such as improved conversion rates, lower bounce rate, or SEO rankings.
- Identify which parts of the site are underperforming and need the most attention.
- Determine branding goals, content tone, and new visual direction.
- Align redesign goals with broader marketing and business strategies.
Scope and Functional Requirements
- List features to be included: contact forms, payment integrations, chatbots, etc.
- Document all existing functionalities that must be retained or improved.
- Include performance requirements like load time benchmarks and responsiveness.
- Specify integrations with external tools like CRMs, email platforms, or analytics.
- Account for multi-language support or accessibility compliance if applicable.
Content Strategy and Migration
- Plan which content will be rewritten, removed, or migrated as-is.
- Map legacy URLs to the new structure and prepare 301 redirect plans.
- Audit media files and documents to identify what needs updating or compression.
- Define tone, voice, and messaging guidelines for rewritten content.
- Schedule reviews and approvals for all new or updated material.
Design and Development Milestones
- Create wireframes and design mockups with user feedback incorporated.
- Split the redesign into stages: planning, prototyping, development, QA, and launch.
- Use a staging environment for development and internal testing.
- Allocate time for mobile-first design, performance optimization, and accessibility.
- Include clear roles, responsibilities, and review checkpoints across teams.
Testing, Launch, and Post-Launch Activities
- Test the site for cross-browser, device, and screen-size compatibility.
- Perform QA testing for forms, navigation, and interactive components.
- Conduct SEO audits, speed tests, and UAT (User Acceptance Testing) before launch.
- Have a rollback plan and full backups ready before going live.
Schedule post-launch monitoring and immediate bug-fixing sessions.
