Website Redesign Checklist for Small Businesses | IT Done Right

If your website looks outdated, loads slowly, or isn’t getting enquiries, a redesign can make a huge difference. The mistake most businesses make is changing everything without a plan - which can hurt SEO and confuse customers.

Here’s a simple checklist to keep your redesign smooth, faster, and better for Google.

Quick links: Website Design Basildon · See our work · Start a project

1) Decide what “success” looks like

Before you touch the design, decide what you want:

• More calls?
• More quote requests?
• More shop sales?
• Better quality leads?

This decides layout, content and calls-to-action.

2) Check what’s already working (don’t bin it)

Look for:

• Pages that already get traffic
• Services people are actually searching for
• Contact methods customers use (form, phone, WhatsApp)

Keep what works - improve what doesn’t.

3) Fix the most common conversion problems

These are the usual enquiry-killers:

• Unclear headline (people don’t know what you do)
• Too much text before the point
• No clear “next step”
• Missing trust (reviews, photos, real business info)
• Slow pages / messy mobile layout

4) Improve the structure of your pages

A strong service site usually has:

• Clear H1
• Service sections with proper H2 headings
• Proof/trust (reviews, examples, process)
• FAQs
• Strong contact section at the bottom

This helps users and makes it easier for Google to understand the page.

5) Speed and mobile: treat these as non-negotiable

You don’t need anything fancy:

• Compress images
• Avoid heavy sliders
• Keep scripts minimal
• Make buttons easy to tap
• Ensure text is readable on mobile

Fast + simple usually beats “flashy”.

6) Avoid the SEO mistakes that lose rankings

If your existing site has Google visibility, protect it:

• Don’t change URLs unless you have to
• If you do change URLs, use 301 redirects
• Keep page topics aligned (don’t merge unrelated services)
• Keep internal links working
• Keep your title tags sensible and local where relevant

If you’re unsure, we can check your current setup before you launch the new site.

7) Refresh your trust signals

Small changes here make a big difference:

• Real photos (you, your team, your van, your shop)
• Reviews/testimonials
• Case studies / examples
• Clear service areas (Basildon, Essex, nearby towns)

8) Add a simple content plan (so it keeps improving)

After relaunch:

• Add 1 helpful blog post per month
• Answer common customer questions
• Link those posts back into your service pages

This builds topical authority over time.

Want help with a redesign?

If you want a redesign that looks modern and keeps SEO safe:

• Basildon web design
• Website Design Essex
• Portfolio
• Start a project