Updating your website layout can improve performance, user experience, and business outcomes – but only if done carefully. Poorly planned updates can lead to broken navigation, slow load times, and frustrated users. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure a safe and effective layout update:
- Backup Your Site: Regular and real-time backups protect against data loss.
- Use a Test Environment: Test changes on a staging site before going live.
- Track Metrics: Measure current performance, user behavior, and SEO to compare results after the update.
- Set Clear Goals: Define specific targets like faster load times or improved accessibility.
- Design Thoughtfully: Create mobile-friendly, accessible layouts with clear navigation.
- Test Thoroughly: Check compatibility across devices, browsers, and screen sizes.
- Optimize Performance: Compress images, minify code, and use caching to maintain speed.
- Monitor Post-Launch: Track speed, user feedback, and errors to fix issues quickly.
Following these steps ensures your website stays functional, user-friendly, and aligned with your goals. Ready to dive into the details? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide.
Complete Web Design Checklist – Start To Finish
Pre-Update Planning and Backup
Proper planning minimizes risks like data loss and downtime.
Create Website Backups
Backing up your website is essential to safeguard against data loss. Ensure all key components are backed up regularly:
| Backup Component | Frequency | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Full Site Files | Every 12 hours | 1 year |
| Database | Real-time | 1 year |
| Configuration Files | Every 12 hours | 1 year |
| Media Assets | Every 12 hours | 1 year |
Use multiple storage locations for added security. For example, OneNine’s system provides real-time backups for precise restoration, alongside full site backups every 12 hours with offsite storage retained for a year.
Set Up Test Environment
A staging site, or test environment, is crucial for safely experimenting with changes. This separate space ensures updates can be tested without disrupting the live site.
Many hosting platforms simplify this process. OneNine, for instance, includes a free staging environment with every hosted domain. This feature allows you to:
- Build staging sites from backups
- Test updates in isolation
- Push verified changes live
- Track changes with version control
Review Current Website Metrics
Documenting your site’s current metrics helps you measure the impact of updates. Key metrics to track include:
| Metric Category | Key Measurements |
|---|---|
| Performance | Page load time, server response time |
| User Behavior | Bounce rate, time on page, conversion rate |
| Technical | Mobile responsiveness, browser compatibility |
| SEO | Search rankings, organic traffic, backlinks |
Set Layout Update Goals
Define clear, measurable goals for your layout updates that align with your business objectives. Examples include:
| Goal Type | Example Metrics |
|---|---|
| Performance | Reduce page load time to under 2 seconds |
| Engagement | Boost average session duration by 25% |
| Conversion | Increase form completion rates by 15% |
| Accessibility | Meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards |
Once your planning is complete, you’re ready to move on to layout design planning.
Layout Design Planning
Create a layout that enhances user experience while aligning with business objectives. Break the process into manageable steps for clarity and efficiency.
Build Layout Mockups
Use design tools to create mockups that include wireframes, visual design elements, interactive features, and a component library:
| Design Phase | Key Components | Tools/Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Wireframes | Navigation, content blocks, CTAs | Figma, Adobe XD |
| Visual Design | Typography, color schemes, imagery | Photoshop, Sketch |
| Interactive Elements | Forms, buttons, menus | InVision, Principle |
| Component Library | Reusable elements, style guide | Storybook, Zeplin |
Check Mobile and Accessibility Standards
Make sure the layout is mobile-friendly and meets accessibility guidelines. Focus on these key areas:
| Standard Type | Requirements | Testing Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Design | Viewport meta tags, fluid grids | Chrome DevTools, BrowserStack |
| Touch Targets | Minimum 44x44px size, proper spacing | Mobile simulators |
| Screen Readers | ARIA labels, semantic HTML | NVDA, VoiceOver |
| Color Contrast | WCAG 2.1 AA compliance (4.5:1 ratio) | WebAIM Contrast Checker |
After designing, prepare and optimize your content to align seamlessly with the new layout.
Organize Content Transfer
Ensure smooth content migration to maintain site functionality and integrity:
1. Content Inventory
Document all existing content in a spreadsheet, including URLs, metadata, and dependencies. This helps track progress and identify potential issues.
2. Content Mapping
Plan how existing content will fit into the new structure. Use a clear mapping system:
| Content Type | Original Location | New Location | Migration Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Pages | Homepage, About | Primary navigation | High |
| Blog Posts | /blog/* | /articles/* | Medium |
| Media Files | /uploads/* | /media/* | High |
| Forms | /contact/* | /connect/* | Medium |
3. Content Optimization
Adapt content to meet the new layout’s needs:
- Resize images to match updated dimensions
- Adjust text blocks for better readability
- Update internal links to reflect the new structure
- Revise meta descriptions and titles to align with the new design
OneNine’s content management system includes tools for tracking changes and maintaining version control, ensuring a smooth transition without losing any content.
Testing and Development
Set up and test the new layout in a staging environment to ensure everything works smoothly before going live.
Build Layout in Test Environment
Create a staging environment that closely resembles the production setup.
| Testing Phase | Key Actions | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Code Implementation | Turn mockups into code | Git, VS Code |
| Version Control | Track changes and backups | GitHub, GitLab |
| Content Integration | Import production content | Database migration tools |
| Feature Testing | Test new elements | Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools |
Test Across Browsers and Devices
Testing across multiple platforms ensures compatibility issues are addressed early. Focus on the browsers and devices your audience uses most.
| Platform Type | Testing Focus | Recommended Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Browsers | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | BrowserStack, LambdaTest |
| Mobile Devices | iOS, Android (various screen sizes) | Mobile Device Emulators |
| Tablets | iPad, Android tablets | Responsive Design Mode |
| Screen Orientations | Portrait and landscape modes | Physical devices |
Once compatibility is verified, move on to thorough speed and performance testing.
Speed and Performance Testing
Website speed plays a big role in user satisfaction and search rankings.
"After OneNine took over one of my client’s website portfolios, we’ve seen each site’s speed increase by over 700%. Load times are now around a second." – Ernest Chapman
Keep an eye on these performance metrics:
| Metric | Target Value | Testing Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Page Load Time | Under 3 seconds | GTmetrix |
| First Contentful Paint | Under 1.8 seconds | Lighthouse |
| Time to Interactive | Under 3.9 seconds | WebPageTest |
| Core Web Vitals | Pass all metrics | Google Search Console |
Run automated speed tests daily. If performance drops, address the issues immediately:
- Image Optimization: Compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.
- Code Minification: Shrink JavaScript and CSS files.
- Browser Caching: Enable caching for static resources to improve load times.
- CDN Usage: Use a content delivery network to distribute content globally.
Document all test results and track performance improvements over time. This helps identify trends and ensures consistent optimization efforts.
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Final Pre-Launch Checks
Before you launch, it’s essential to go through detailed pre-launch checks. Test accessibility using a mix of automated tools and hands-on methods. Use the checklists below to confirm your site is compliant and user-friendly.
Check Accessibility Compliance
Make sure your updated layout adheres to key accessibility standards:
| Accessibility Check | Tool/Method | Success Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Color Contrast | WAVE, aXe | WCAG 2.1 Level AA (4.5:1 ratio) |
| Screen Reader | NVDA, VoiceOver | Clear content hierarchy |
| Keyboard Navigation | Manual Testing | All functions accessible |
| Alt Text | SiteImprove | Included for all images |
| ARIA Labels | Chrome DevTools | Correctly implemented |
Test with User Groups
Run structured user testing sessions to uncover and fix usability issues before going live:
| Testing Group | Focus Area | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Users | Navigation Flow | 30 minutes |
| New Visitors | First Impressions | 15 minutes |
| Power Users | Advanced Features | 45 minutes |
| Accessibility Users | Screen Reader Experience | 60 minutes |
Capture feedback on navigation, content discoverability, form usability, mobile performance, and load speeds. Use this data to fine-tune the final product.
Launch and Follow-up Steps
Choose the Best Launch Time
Schedule your launch during periods of low website traffic to reduce the chances of disrupting visitors. For most websites, late at night or early in the morning works best since fewer users are active during these hours. This approach helps ensure updates are implemented smoothly and makes monitoring easier.
Monitor and Address Issues
Set up monitoring tools to catch and resolve any problems right after the launch. Some helpful tools include:
- Daily speed tests to check performance
- Screenshot monitoring to spot visual errors
- Real-time error tracking to identify bugs
- Uptime monitoring to ensure the site stays live
Make sure a support team is available to handle issues immediately. For instance, OneNine offers 24/7 support and quick backup restoration, reducing the impact of post-launch hiccups.
Gather and Act on User Feedback
Use tools like in-page surveys, session recordings, support tickets, and analytics to collect feedback. Compare post-launch data with pre-launch benchmarks to spot areas needing improvement. Automated alerts for major changes can help you address concerns quickly. These insights are crucial for maintaining strong performance after the launch.
Professional Website Management with OneNine
When it comes to website management, working with a professional service like OneNine can help reduce risks and make updates smoother. Their services cover everything from advanced security monitoring to performance improvements and expert technical support.
Their security features include strong protection for both the front-end and back-end, real-time backups with easy restoration options, and strategic DNS management to keep your site running smoothly during updates.
OneNine also provides tools and support to make website updates hassle-free. Their user-friendly markup tool simplifies layout changes, and their "Bucket of Hours" plan ensures you have access to ongoing design, development, and support services. Plus, their dedicated account managers typically respond to update requests in just 10 minutes.
"OneNine offers outstanding website management with a focus on efficiency and attention to detail. Their timely responses and precision lead to high-quality results, allowing us to concentrate on our key operations." – Carolyn Boubekeur
This all-in-one approach keeps your website running reliably while maintaining top-notch performance, making website management easier and more effective.
Conclusion: Website Layout Update Summary
Updating your website’s layout successfully takes careful planning, detailed testing, and ongoing monitoring. Metrics and user feedback show that focusing on clear, measurable goals is key to achieving meaningful results.
Thorough testing and real-world examples highlight how layout updates can improve both site speed and user experience. Keeping an eye on performance metrics ensures these improvements are maintained over time.
Regular monitoring is crucial. Automating daily speed tests, visual checks, and screenshot reviews helps catch issues early and keeps your site running smoothly.
The benefits of a well-planned layout update go beyond just looks – they can directly impact your business. As Genevieve Thompson shared:
"We’ve already seen an uptick in new leads since the site has launched!"
This highlights the importance of a structured, methodical approach.
To keep your website performing at its best:
- Check speed metrics daily
- Monitor user engagement
- Collect and analyze user feedback
- Compare data before and after updates
- Address any issues quickly
