The importance of drawing up specifications for a website redesign

Find out why it's essential to draw up specifications for your website redesign. Define your objectives and optimize your project!

Optimize your project with clear, detailed documentation

Redesigning a website is a ambitious project which requires a careful preparation. To avoid delays, unforeseen costs and strategic errors, it 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 understandable by all stakeholders? Find out in this article the essential steps to successfully complete your redesign with a optimized specifications.

1️⃣ What is a specification and why is it 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 facilitates the communication between stakeholders (agency, developers, designers).
✅ He avoids misunderstandings and costly changes along the way.
✅ It allows you to control the budget and deadlines.

A project without specifications risks being chaotic, unpredictable and more expensive than expected.

2️⃣ Present the company and the context of the project

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

Essential information to include:

✔️ Company presentation (activity, 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 personalized solution and effective.

3️⃣ Analyze the existing situation 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).
• What features should be kept or removed?

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

4️⃣ Clearly define the objectives of the redesign

Setting specific objectives helps guide technical and strategic choices.

Examples of objectives:
✔️ Improve user experience (UX) → simplify navigation.
✔️ Optimize natural referencing (SEO) → structure pages and tags.
✔️ Modernize the visual identity → redesign of design and colors.
✔️ Increase conversions → optimization of the purchasing tunnel.

A well-defined objective must be measurable. For example: “Reduce the bounce rate of 30%” or “Double the number of contact requests via the site”.

5️⃣ List the features to add or improve

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

Essential features to include:

Tip : Consider third-party integrations (CRM, email tools, payment solutions, etc.).

6️⃣ Design optimal ergonomics and navigation

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

UX best practices :

✔️ Intuitive navigation with a clear and structured menu.
✔️ A clean and modern design for a pleasant read.
✔️ Fast loading times to improve the user experience.

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

7️⃣ Optimize content and SEO

A good content improves the SEO and better engage visitors.

Content optimization :

✅ Update texts and images so that they are current and relevant.
✅ Create blog posts to attract organic traffic.
✅ Optimize title, meta and Hn tags.
✅ Working with internal networking for easy navigation.

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

8️⃣ Set a realistic schedule and budget

A structured planning and a precise budget allow for better project management.

Example of estimated schedule:

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

Conclusion: specifications for a successful project

A well-written specifications guarantees efficient and 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 support for redesigning your website? Call on DualMedia, web agency specialized in creating and redesigning high-performance, SEO-optimized sites!