The importance of drawing up specifications for a website redesign

Find out why specifications are essential for the redesign of your website. Define your objectives and optimize your project!

Optimize your project with clear, detailed documentation

Redesigning a website is a ambitious project which requires careful preparation. To avoid delays, unforeseen costs and strategic errorsit is essential to establish a detailed specifications. This document serves as common thread throughout the project, by precisely defining the objectives, constraints and expectations.

But what elements should be included in a specification? How to ensure that it is efficient and easy to understand by all stakeholders? Find out in this article the essential steps for a successful redesign optimized specifications.

1️⃣ What are specifications and why are they crucial?

A specifications is a strategic document that defines needs, expectations and constraints of a web project.

Why is it essential?

✅ It serves as guide throughout the project.
✅ It makes communication between stakeholders (agency, developers, designers).
✅ It avoids misunderstandings and costly changes along the way.
✅ It allows you to control budget and deadlines.

A project without specifications is likely to be chaotic, unpredictable and more costly than expected.

2️⃣ Present the company and the project context

Before starting the redesign, it's crucial to explain the context of your company.

Essential information to include:

✔️ Company presentation (business, market, values).
✔️ Redesign objectives (improve UX, boost SEO, modernize design).
✔️ Competitor analysis (benchmark of competing sites).
✔️ Technical and budgetary constraints.

Why is this important?
A good understanding of the project by the service provider guarantees a customized solution and effective.

3️⃣ Analyze existing systems for a successful redesign

Before redesigning a website, you need to analyze strengths and weaknesses.

Analysis of the current site :

• What are the high-performance elements? (SEO, conversions, engagement).
• What are the major problems? (loading time, complex navigation).
• Which features should be retained or removed?

Board : Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to collect accurate data on current site performance.

4️⃣ Clearly define redesign objectives

Setting precise objectives helps guide technical and strategic choices.

Examples of objectives:
✔️ Improve user experience (UX) → simplify navigation.
✔️ Search engine optimization (SEO) → structuring pages and tags.
✔️ Modernize visual identity → redesign and color scheme.
✔️ Increase conversions → optimizing the purchasing tunnel.

A well-defined objective must be measurable. For example: "Reducing bounce rate de 30% " or "Double the number of contact requests via the website"..

5️⃣ List features to be added or improved

A high-performance website relies on features tailored to user needs.

Essential features to include :

Tip Think about third-party integrations (CRM, emailing tools, payment solutions, etc.).

6️⃣ Designing optimal ergonomics and navigation

A good UX/UI design improves the user experience and reduces bounce rate.

UX best practices :

✔️ Intuitive navigation with a clear, structured menu.
✔️ Clean, modern design for pleasant reading.
✔️ Fast loading times to enhance the user experience.

Board : Use tools such as Hotjar to analyze visitor behavior on your site.

7️⃣ Optimizing content and search engine optimization (SEO)

A good content improves SEO and better engage visitors.

Content optimization :

✅ Update text and images to keep them current and relevant.
✅ Creating blog posts to attract organic traffic.
✅ Optimizing title, meta and Hn tags.
✅ Working with internal networking for easy navigation.

Tip : Identify strategic keywords and analyze SEO competitors to maximize visibility.

8️⃣ Define a realistic schedule and budget

A structured planning and a accurate budget to better manage the project.

Example of an estimated schedule :

Estimated budget :
A redesign project can cost between 5,000 and €50,000 depending on complexity. Allow a margin of 10 to 20% for unforeseen events.

Conclusion: specifications for a successful project

A well-written specifications guarantees efficient, controlled redesign.

To remember:
✔️ A structured document to avoid misunderstandings.
✔️ Clear, measurable objectives to monitor performance.
✔️ Optimized design and ergonomics for a better user experience.
✔️ An integrated SEO strategy to maximize visibility.
✔️ A well-defined budget and schedule to meet deadlines.

Need help redesigning your site? Call on DualMedia, web agency specialized in creating and redesigning high-performance, SEO-optimized websites!