If you’ve ever handled a website redesign project, you know how messy things can get without a proper plan.
Deadlines shift, tasks overlap, and clients keep asking…
“When will it be ready?”
It’s frustrating… not because your team isn’t skilled, but because there’s no clear roadmap guiding everyone from start to finish.
That’s where a website redesign project plan comes in.
It’s the difference between a smooth, organized redesign and a stressful, back-and-forth experience.
Without it, your agency risks missed deadlines, confused communication, and unhappy clients who feel left out of the process.
In this blog post, you’ll learn exactly how to create a simple, step-by-step website redesign project plan that keeps your team and clients on the same page.
You’ll also get a ready-to-use template you can copy or adapt for your next redesign project.
Whether you’re a small agency managing multiple clients or a growing team looking for better project structure, this guide will help you plan, design, and launch websites faster… with less stress and more happy clients.
Let’s get into it…
In this article
What is a website redesign project plan?
A website redesign project plan is simply a step-by-step guide that helps you organize how a website will be updated or rebuilt.
It shows what needs to be done, who will do it, and when each task should be completed.
Think of it like a roadmap… it helps your team and client stay on the same page from start to finish.
Why is a website redesign project plan important for agencies?
Well, the answer is obvious…
It keeps the team and client aligned, organized, and ensures the project is completed smoothly and on time.
Let’s go more deeper…
1. It helps manage client expectations
When clients come to you for a website redesign, they often have a lot of ideas.
- Some want a modern look
- Some want more leads
- Others want better performance
Without a clear plan, clients can start asking for extra things halfway through… and that’s how confusion begins.
A project plan sets the tone from day one. It explains what will be done, what’s not included, how long it will take, and what each stage looks like.
So when a client asks, “When will my new homepage be ready?” or “Can we add this extra feature?”, you can simply point to the plan.
This saves everyone from frustration and keeps communication clear.
Clients appreciate transparency, and a clear project plan builds trust because they know exactly what to expect and when.
2. It prevents scope creep and timeline confusion
If you’ve worked on a redesign before, you know “scope creep”… that’s when the project keeps expanding beyond what was agreed on.
Maybe the client adds five new pages, changes the logo twice, or asks for extra features that weren’t part of the deal.
A project plan helps stop that.
It clearly states what’s included in the redesign… the number of pages, the features, the timeline, and the cost.
That way, if something new comes up, you can discuss it properly and decide if it’s worth adding (and charging for).
It also helps the team stay focused on deadlines. Instead of guessing what comes next, everyone knows the timeline:
- Discovery week
- Design week
- Development week
- Testing and launch week
No one has to ask, “What’s next?” or “When are we delivering this?” because it’s all written out.
3. It improves collaboration among design, dev, and content teams
In most agencies, redesign projects involve multiple people… website designers, developers, writers, SEO specialists, and project managers.
Without a shared plan, things can fall apart fast.
The designer might finish mockups, but the developer isn’t ready. The content writer might not know when to deliver copy. The SEO expert might be left out until it’s too late.
A website redesign project plan keeps everyone aligned. It shows who is responsible for what and when.
For example:
- The designer knows to submit wireframes by day 5.
- The content team knows to upload final copy by day 10.
- The developer knows to start coding after design approval.
This simple structure saves time, reduces back-and-forth, and helps the whole team move in one direction.
Everyone stays in sync, and the project runs smoothly from start to finish.
4. It keeps SEO and UX goals in check during redesign
A redesign is more than just giving a website a new look.
It’s about improving performance… how fast it loads, how easy it is to use, and how well it ranks on Google.
Without a plan, these goals can get lost in the excitement of design. The team might focus on visuals and forget about things like keywords, redirects, or user experience testing.
A project plan helps you remember both sides… design and performance.
It makes sure:
- The new website keeps the SEO ranking the old one had.
- The user journey is smoother and easier to follow.
- The design supports conversions, not just looks good.
In short, it keeps the redesign from becoming “just a pretty website.” It ensures the new version actually performs better and helps the client reach their goals.
5. It makes reporting and approvals easier
Every redesign project involves reviews and approvals… from internal check-ins to client sign-offs.
Without a plan, these steps can feel random. You send designs, wait for feedback, make changes, and hope you’re moving in the right direction.
A website redesign project plan sets a clear approval process. It tells everyone when to expect updates, when feedback is due, and when each milestone is completed.
For example:
- Week 1: Present wireframes → client feedback due in 2 days
- Week 2: Present homepage design → client approval required before development starts
- Week 3: Share test link → final feedback before launch
This structure keeps the project moving. You’re not stuck waiting weeks for client responses because they already know the timeline.
It also helps with reporting.
If your agency tracks progress, timelines, or budgets, the plan acts as a record of what’s been done and what’s next.
When the client asks for a project update, you don’t have to scramble… everything’s right there.
Website redesign project plan template for agencies
Use this as your agency’s step-by-step project plan.
You can copy or adapt it for your next client website redesign project.
Project Overview
| Details Description |
| Client Name: |
| Project Start Date: |
| Project Deadline: |
| Main Goals (e.g, boost conversions) |
Discovery Phase
| Tasks | Details | Responsible Team Member | Due Date |
| Audit existing website | Review design, structure, and performance of the current website | ||
| Identify user pain points | Gather client feedback, run surveys, analyze user behavior | ||
| Review SEO performance and analytics | Check keyword rankings, traffic, and site speed | ||
| Competitor analysis | Study competitor websites to spot opportunities and best practices | ||
| Define redesign objectives | Outline measurable goals (e.g., reduce bounce rate, increase sign-ups) |
Strategy & Planning
| Tasks | Details | Responsible Team Member | Due Date |
| Define project scope and deliverables | Clarify what’s included in the redesign (pages, features, integrations) | ||
| Create sitemap and user flow | Map the structure and navigation of the new site | ||
| Develop project timeline | Set clear milestones and review checkpoints | ||
| Assign team roles and responsibilities | Assign roles for design, development, content, and SEO | ||
| Set content plan | Identify what content will be reused, updated, or newly created |
Design & Development
| Tasks | Details | Responsible Team Member | Due Date |
| Design wireframes and prototypes | Create visual layouts and page mockups | ||
| Get client approvals | Share designs with client and collect feedback | ||
| Begin front-end development | Convert approved designs into responsive code | ||
| Back-end integration | Connect CMS, databases, and functionalities | ||
| Implement SEO basics | Optimize meta tags, structure, and page loading speed | ||
| Content upload | Add text, images, and media to the new site |
Testing & Launching
| Tasks | Details | Responsible Team Member | Due Date |
| Conduct usability testing | Test navigation, mobile responsiveness, and user flow | ||
| Perform browser and device checks | Ensure site works well on all browsers and screen sizes | ||
| Optimize website speed | Use tools like GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights | ||
| Final SEO checks | Redirects, meta data, XML sitemap, and analytics setup | ||
| Get client final approval | Confirm readiness for launch | ||
| Launch redesigned website | Move site to live server and verify deployment |
Post-Launch & Reporting
| Tasks | Details | Responsible Team Member | Due Date |
| Monitor website performance | Track site analytics, speed, and user behavior | ||
| Fix bugs and minor issues | Resolve any post-launch technical errors | ||
| Collect client feedback | Get feedback on design, usability, and performance | ||
| Prepare final report | Summarize key results and improvements | ||
| Document lessons learned | Note what worked well and what can be improved next time |
Tips for agencies to manage website redesign projects smoothly
When your agency is handling a website redesign project, things can get messy fast.
Different people are doing different tasks, clients are asking questions, deadlines are coming up… and before you know it, you’re overwhelmed.
That’s why managing a redesign smoothly is just as important as doing great design work.
It’s what keeps your team focused, your clients happy, and your projects delivered on time.
Let’s look at some simple tips that can help your agency handle website redesign projects like a pro… without the stress.
1. Use project management tools to assign tasks
Every redesign project has many moving parts… design, development, content writing, SEO, testing, and so on.
If you try to manage everything over chat or email, things will get lost.
That’s where project management tools come in. Tools like Asana, ClickUp, or Trello help you organize every task in one place.
Think of them like whiteboards.
You can create a board for the project, list all the tasks (like “create homepage mockup” or “optimize mobile speed”), assign each task to a team member, and set deadlines.
This way, everyone knows exactly what they need to do and when to do it. No confusion. No missed steps.
It also helps you track progress at a glance. You can see what’s done, what’s in progress, and what’s pending… all in one view.
When clients ask for updates, you won’t have to scramble. Just check the tool, and you’ll have everything ready.
2. Keep communication clear between teams and clients
Most website redesign problems come from poor communication.
Designers think one thing, developers do another, and the client expects something else.
To avoid this, make communication a habit… not an afterthought.
Start by setting up clear communication channels.
For example:
- Use Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal updates.
- Use email or a client portal for client communication.
- Keep all feedback and discussions documented in your project tool.
Don’t assume everyone knows what’s going on. Share updates regularly, even if it’s just a short message like, “We’re testing the homepage today; mobile version goes live tomorrow.”
Also, make sure clients feel heard.
When they share feedback, repeat what they said to confirm understanding.
For example:
“So, you’d like the call-to-action button to be more visible on mobile, right?”
This simple step prevents misunderstandings and builds trust.
Clear communication = fewer mistakes, happier clients, and smoother teamwork.
3. Schedule weekly progress updates
Redesign projects can last weeks or even months. Without regular updates, things can easily go off track.
That’s why weekly progress updates are a must.
You don’t need a long meeting… even a 15-minute check-in works. The goal is to review what’s been done, what’s coming next, and if there are any blockers.
Here’s a simple format your agency can use:
- What we completed this week
- What we’ll do next week
- Any feedback or approval needed from the client
These small updates help everyone stay aligned.
The team knows what to focus on, and the client knows the project is moving forward.
It also prevents last-minute surprises… like finding out two days before launch that something wasn’t done.
With consistent updates, you can spot issues early and fix them before they become big problems.
4. Always back up the old website before launch
This one’s a lifesaver.
Before launching the new redesign, always back up the old website… no exceptions. Why?
Because things can go wrong during launch. Maybe a plugin breaks, the server crashes, or a page doesn’t load properly. If you don’t have a backup, you risk losing valuable data, images, and content.
Backing up the old website gives you peace of mind.
If something goes wrong, you can quickly restore the previous version while fixing the issue in the background.
You can use backup tools like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or your hosting provider’s built-in backup option.
It only takes a few minutes but can save you hours (or even days) of headache.
Think of it like insurance… you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful to have it if things go south.
5. Track post-launch metrics to show results
Once the new website is live, your job isn’t over yet.
A smart agency doesn’t just hand over the new website and disappear… it tracks performance to show the client real results.
Use tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or Hotjar to monitor key metrics. Some things to check include:
- Website traffic (are more people visiting?)
- Bounce rate (are visitors staying longer?)
- Conversions (are more people signing up or buying?)
- Page speed (is the new website faster?)
Share these results with your client after a few weeks. It shows that your redesign isn’t just pretty… it’s actually working.
This builds credibility and often leads to more projects or referrals.
Clients love agencies that can prove results with data.
Wrapping up
A website redesign doesn’t have to feel confusing or stressful.
With a clear project plan, your agency can stay organized, meet deadlines, and deliver results your clients will love. The best part?
You don’t have to do it all alone.
At Block Agency, we partner with agencies as a white-label design team… helping you handle client website projects smoothly from start to finish.
Whether it’s design, development, or launch, we work behind the scenes so your agency shines.
Ready to make your next redesign project easier and faster?
Let’s build something great together. Reach out to us here: hey@blockagency.co
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be on a website redesign checklist?
Your checklist should include: reviewing the old website, setting goals, creating a sitemap, updating content, designing new pages, testing on all devices, checking SEO, and backing up the old website before launch. This helps you stay organized and avoid missing important steps.
What are common website redesign mistakes?
Common mistakes include skipping research, ignoring SEO, not testing on mobile, launching without a backup, and forgetting to track results after launch. Many agencies also rush the process or skip client feedback, which can lead to poor design and unhappy clients.
