Redesigning your website sounds exciting—new visuals, better user experience, maybe even a fresh brand identity. But ask anyone who’s been through it, and they’ll tell you: it’s rarely as simple as it seems.

At our creative agency, we’ve helped businesses of all sizes navigate the website redesign process. And while every project is unique, we’ve noticed some common challenges that can turn even the most promising redesign into a stressful, time-consuming endeavor.

Let’s break down the most common hurdles—and how to tackle them strategically.

1. Lack of Clear Goals

Redesigning a website just because it looks outdated isn’t enough. Without clear objectives, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of endless revisions and second-guessing.

QUICK TIP:
Start by asking the big questions:

• What do we want this new website to achieve?
• Who is it for, and what do they need from it?
• How will success be measured?

Whether it’s boosting conversions, improving SEO, or aligning better with your brand, defining goals early will guide every design and development decision.

2. Too Many Decision-Makers

Redesign by committee is a recipe for chaos. When too many voices are involved, you end up with a Frankenstein site that pleases no one.

QUICK TIP: Designate a small, trusted team to lead the project. Make sure they have both decision-making power and a clear understanding of the brand. Input is important—but so is efficiency.

3. Content Overload (or Drought)

Content is the backbone of your website, yet many redesigns treat it as an afterthought. Some businesses realize halfway through that their content is outdated, off-brand, or simply too much.

QUICK TIP: Audit your current content before the design begins. What’s staying? What’s going? What needs rewriting or rethinking? Consider hiring a copywriter to align your messaging with your visual direction.

4. Forgetting SEO and Performance

It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and forget the technical side. But slow load times, broken links, and poor SEO can undo all your hard design work.

QUICK TIP: Work with a team that understands both design and development. A beautiful website won’t help if no one can find it—or worse, if it doesn’t load on mobile.

5. Underestimating the Time & Resources Required

Website redesigns often take longer than expected, especially if your team is juggling other priorities. What starts as a “quick refresh” can drag out for months without a clear timeline.

QUICK TIP: Set realistic deadlines, build in buffer time, and make sure you have the internal resources to stay involved. Your agency should also help manage expectations and keep the project moving forward.

6. Not Thinking Long-Term

A successful website redesign isn’t just about launch day. It’s about ongoing performance, content updates, and future scalability.

QUICK TIP: Choose platforms and design systems that are flexible and easy to update. Make sure your team is trained on how to use the new CMS—or work with a partner who can provide ongoing support.

Final Thoughts

A website redesign can be transformative—but only when done with intention. By planning ahead, keeping communication clear, and working with the right creative partner, you can avoid the common pitfalls and end up with a site that works just as beautifully as it looks.

Thinking about a redesign? We’d love to chat. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to breathe new life into your current site, our team is here to help you make it happen—strategically, creatively, and with zero overwhelm.

James Faulkner is SodaPop Media’s Content Manager and Creative Director.