A website relaunch is generally always an optimization of the existing website. As a rule, the website gets a new, fresh and modern outfit. Depending on the industry, new functions are also used, because technology has not stood still. The needs of users have also changed, which can certainly be addressed in a redesign. In terms of content, the texts are revised and certainly a large part is rewritten during a relaunch. During a relaunch, the new website is also created slightly differently, taking into account the loading times. Another point is often the navigation which is simply too confusing for the users. This happens when new subpages have been added over the years, at some point it becomes confusing. This will be remedied with a relaunch by giving the menu navigation a structure.
It all adds up to a significant improvement in user experience, reach, and higher search engine rankings.
Develop a clear concept of what needs to be changed on the new website. Here is meant not only the design or the functions, but also the goals. Has your target group changed in recent years? What does the customer journey look like so far?
The next step would be to perform a content audit so you don’t lose valuable content. It is essential to check links, because an invalid link will have an unfavorable effect on your search engine ranking.
If the concept of your relaunch is set, then it makes sense to announce it in advance. You can do this easily on the home page. Thus, your readers and Google will be full of joyful anticipation.
It makes sense to first create the relaunch on a test environment. In this way, the redirects can then also be prepared in parallel. This is a very crucial important point for the success of the relaunch without ranking loss. Google must be informed where to find old, already indexed content.
After the onpage optimization has been done and also tested, the new website can go online. Here it is recommended to create a new sitemap and upload it as well. Another step to inform Google where to find which content.
For existing links such as social media, Google Ads, etc., the links must now also be adjusted.
In the first days and weeks it is recommended to monitor the ranking of your new website. This can be done through Google Analytics, Google Search Console or other tools at your disposal.
Such a relaunch involves costs, but it is worth it. Because it is not without reason that you have decided to take this step. There is a lot of work behind a relaunch. The technology must be optimized, new and above all valuable content must be created, the SEO of the relaunch, the creation of relaunch, the creation and review of the sitemap. The creation of the redirects, all this costs time and therefore resources.