The Website Redesign Timeline: From Discovery to Launch and What to Expect

A website redesign timeline feels so overwhelming because there’s just so much to think about! Between strategy, design, copy, SEO, and site build, it’s a lot for business owners to consider doing themselves.

You might think outsourcing a website redesign means it will take a few weeks. In my experience, someone will always tell you they can do it faster or cheaper, but that doesn’t always mean better. 

Like products and services offered by your own business, we get what we pay for and there is always someone willing to make something cheaper. But the quality of your brand and the customer experience at your digital front door is a pretty important investment!

Strategic website designs are my speciality. I love creating beautiful and functional websites that clearly communicate what you do and who you serve, and, most importantly, are optimized for search and AI queries so people can find you!

If you think you need a website redesign soon, this timeline will give you a good idea of what to expect.

 

4 Signs You’re Ready for a Website Redesign

Before we get into the website redesign timeline, let’s quickly chat about how to know it’s time for a redesign. It’s a big investment, and we want to make sure it doesn’t go to waste.

Here are some signs your website needs to be refreshed:

• Your website no longer reflects your business.
• You’re not getting leads or conversions.
• Your SEO traffic has plateaued or declined.
• You’ve outgrown your current platform.
• You’re not able to make the updates needed because of platform (or current vendor) limitations.

If you resonate with one or more of these signs, you should look into redesigning your website in the next year. Most web designers are booking a few months out, so you should probably start researching some businesses to work with!

I specialize in search-optimized website design that looks as pretty as it performs. This is the website redesign process after you sign a contract with Woods MarCom.

 

Phase 1: Discovery and Research (Weeks 1-2)

Before I start designing the new website, I work with clients to define its purpose. It’s important to set goals, success metrics, and expectations early in the redesign process. By aligning business goals with website goals, I ensure my clients walk away happy with their new website.

Key Activities in the Discovery Phase:

• Brand and messaging review
• Ideal client and user journey analysis
• Website audit (what’s working, what’s not)
• SEO audit (content gaps, rankings, technical issues)
• Competitor research and industry benchmarks

Deliverables:

• Project roadmap and timeline
• Website goals and KPIs
• Initial SEO and content recommendations

 

Phase 2: Strategy and Site Architecture (Weeks 2-3)

Next, I begin to strategize the website development. I map out the page hierarchy and navigation structure by reviewing each page and deciding whether to keep it, remove it, or add a new page. I choose a keyword to target on each page. Then, I start planning the conversion paths on each page and clarify the primary calls to action.

Deliverables:

• Final sitemap
• SEO keyword map
• Content plan and page outlines

Here’s the SEO checklist I use when mapping out a new website!

 

Phase 3: Content Creation and Copywriting (Weeks 3-6)

Next up in the website redesign timeline, I’m starting to fill in the gaps I identified in phase 2. I create new content on existing pages and start from scratch on new pages.

I typically start with the home page, then work my way through other core pages, such as services, about, contact, and blog. SEO optimization is included in my copywriting process.

​I may ask clients for testimonials, case studies, and photos as I begin developing the website copy.

Deliverables:

• Finalized website copy
• SEO-optimized headings and metadata
• Clear CTAs per page

 

Phase 4: Visual Design (Weeks 6-8)

Now that the copy is finalized, the design can begin. Copy always influences the design because while aesthetics are important, it’s the copy that will convert readers into clients.

Using the copy, I create wireframes and plan the layout for each page. I think about the typography, spacing, color usage, SEO, and accessibility features. The goal is always to design for clarity and trust, while staying unique and on-brand.

Deliverables:

• Design mockups
• Mobile-responsive designs
• Approved final designs

 

Phase 5: Development and Build (Weeks 8–10)

Let’s turn those page designs into a functional website! I’ll help you set up your platform of choice (I usually recommend Showit + WordPress, or Shopify for e-commerce sites) Then, I’ll begin building out the approved copy and design.

Along the way, I set up everything you need for an SEO-optimized website, including:

• URL structure
• 301 redirects (if redesigning an existing site)
• Site speed optimization
• Image optimization and alt text

I’ll also help you set up integrations to other tools you may use, such as:

• Email marketing tools
• Contact forms
• Scheduling tools
• Google tools
• Analytics tracking

Your website is almost ready to launch!

 

Phase 6: Review, Testing, and Quality Assurance (Weeks 10–11)

Before we hit the publish button, I review your entire website to make sure everything looks and is functioning properly.

What Gets Tested:

• Mobile responsiveness
• Browser compatibility
• Page speed
• Forms and integrations
• SEO elements
• Copy accuracy
• Link testing
• Brand consistency

You might think this is an unnecessary step with how thorough we’ve been in the process so far, but you’d be surprised how many tiny updates I make in the review phase!

 

Phase 7: Launch Preparation and Go Live (Week 12)

Right before we publish your pretty new website, I’ll back up your old one, just in case you ever need it. I also submit your domain and DNS verification, do final SEO checks, and set up indexing and tracking.

It’s finally time to go live! Once your website is live, I conduct live testing to ensure everything works as intended. I’ll also monitor your SEO performance over the next few weeks and months to ensure there aren’t any drastic changes.

 

A Redesign Is a Strategic Investment

Rushing the website redesign timeline will backfire. A high-quality website only comes from strategic thoughtfulness throughout the entire process. When design, content, and SEO align, you get a website that is just as pretty as it is functional.

If you’re in the market for a new website this year, let’s chat! I’d love to learn more about your long-term goals and how a new website could support that.

See an example of my work!

Website Redesign Timeline FAQs