The Website Redesign Checklist You Actually Need (Before You Inquire With a Designer)

Thinking of rebranding or refreshing your website? Dude, we’re so freaking stoked for you—and we want to hand you the ultimate website redesign checklist so you feel empowered, not overwhelmed, from the start.

Because we all know that feeling when you’ve finally decided to hire a web designer for your website or rebrand. There’s the excitement. The nerves. The Pinterest deep-dives at 1AM.

But here’s the thing: sometimes when you finally feel “ready,” there’s still a whole lot that needs sorting out behind the scenes. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t inquire (you’ll make my whole day if you do!!), but the more clarity you have and the more prep you bring into the process, the smoother, stronger, and more strategic your project will be from day one. (Which is exactly the experience we’re all about at Lenya.)

The Website Redesign Checklist to Make Your Project Inspiring (Not Draining)

1. Know the Process (and Ask About the Timeline)

The very first thing you should do before signing any contracts or proposals: Ask your designer about their process. Every designer is different, and trust me—timelines matter. Even if you want to book a design-in-a-week sprint, there’s gonna be some prep work required before we start. And vice versa: if you book a custom project, those can range anywhere from two to six months. 

At Lenya, we book out months in advance because we only take on a limited number of custom projects at a time. And that’s not to gatekeep—it’s to make sure your project gets the full Lenya treatment it deserves. 

Q’s to Ask On Your Designer Disco Calls:

• How far in advance should I book?
• What does the timeline look like from contract to launch?
• When will deliverables be due from both sides?

🦁 JUICY BITE-SIZED TIP: Booking earlier = longer, more flexible payment plans. This means you won’t feel like you’re paying your retainer with your next payment right on its heels. (This is the case for Lenya, but every designer/studio is different.)

2. Gather Content Ahead of Time (So You Aren’t Scrambling Frantically Last Minute)

Designers don’t just need your logo files and fave colors. We need your vision. Your vibe. Your visuals. And if you show up to the party with nothing but good intentions, you’ll only delay the launch of your dream site.

Here’s what designers typically ask for:

• Brand photos / headshots (have your gallery ready before web design starts)
• Mood board or visual direction. IE: Pinterest is your BFF & don’t overthink it! The more inspo, the better, I promise. We’ll help you make sense of it all and pull out the common threads. (We will make it make sense 😉)
• Website copy—you’ll need copy written before we start designing your website. Which means you either will need to DIY it or work with a designer that offers copywriting in their web design packages. At Lenya Creative, copywriting is included in our custom design packages. (So you never have to experience that last-minute writing panic!)
• Blog content & images (which includes blog copy if you haven’t added that to your package)
• Lead magnet content (think engagement session outfit guides, location guides, etc.)
• Intake forms, brand questionnaires, onboarding docs (don’t worry, we walk you through all of this at Lenya, but we never want our clients to feel blind-sided by it)

3. Don’t Skip The Copywriting (But Don’t Worry, We Got You, Dude)

If there’s one item on a website redesign checklist that people underestimate, it’s this one. Copywriting isn’t a bonus—it’s the blueprint. Before we can design a single page, we need to know what your website needs to say. Every web designer you work with will either send you to a copywriter or require you to write the words yourself (and unless you love writing, it can feel like A LOT.) In fact, unfinished copy is one of the number one causes of project delays—so the sooner it’s done, the smoother everything else will flow.

That’s why we offer copywriting in-house as part of our custom brand and web design packages (or as an add-on for sprint projects, but be aware that does add on an extra week to your project) — because your words and visuals need to work together like a damn dream team. We’ll help you dig deep into your voice, your messaging, and your goals so your site isn’t just pretty… it leaves a mark.

No need to go hunting for a separate copywriter or try DIY-ing under pressure. We’ve got you covered, start to finish.

4. Consider This A Full Refresh: Rebranding Your Pricing & Welcome Guides

Your website doesn’t live in a vacuum. While we’re building out your dreamy new online presence, it’s the perfect time to upgrade:

• Your pricing guide
• Your welcome or client onboarding guide

These pieces help ensure your entire brand experience—online and offline—is aligned, seamless, and hella powerful.

The best part? We don’t just hand you your new brand and wish you luck. At Lenya, we love helping our clients take that new visual identity and carry it through the rest of their business. Whether it’s redesigning your PDF guides, setting up branded email templates, or leveling up your client journey—we’re here for the full transformation.

Because once you’ve got that powerhouse brand in place, everything else deserves to rise to that same level.

Your Website Redesign PSA: Don’t Wait Til The Last Minute To Book!

(Designers everywhere: We really, really want you to book early!)

Following a solid website redesign checklist and booking your designer early is the move if you want to save time, money, and mental energy down the line.

Especially because good designers book months out.

In the wedding industry especially, fall = designer busy season (holiday projects, wedding vendors getting ready for the new year, etc.)

Instead of scrambling mid-busy-season, book ahead and:

• Get a longer payment plan timeline
• Reserve your dream designer before they’re booked solid
• Give yourself space to do this right—not rushed

At Lenya, we only take on a handful of custom projects at a time so we can give each one the extra AF attention it deserves. And yes — we book out months in advance, especially leading into fall when everyone’s trying to revamp for the new year.

Even if you’re thinking about a rebrand, it’s worth reaching out to start the convo. You can always be penciled in for later, but at least the wheels are in motion.

Want to Know If You’re Even Ready to Rebrand?

Because let’s be honest—it’s one thing to be prepped with photos and another thing to know your business is ready to evolve.

Before you even tackle this checklist, check out our post:

TL;DR – Here’s Your No-BS Website Redesign Checklist Recap:

Because semi-custom and custom rebranding isn’t a surface-level glow-up at Lenya Creative. It’s a deep, soul-digging process that transforms how your business shows up—and how you show up within your business (you deserve to show up like the freaking badass you are).

So don’t wait. Let’s build you a brand you (and your dream people) drool over.