Redesigning a client’s website can feel like a big project, but with the right approach, you can make the process smooth, effective, and even enjoyable for both of you. The best way to coach clients through a website redesign is to guide them step-by-step by setting clear expectations, keeping communication open, and focusing on their business goals throughout. Here’s a simple, clear plan to help you coach your clients successfully through a website redesign.
1. Start With Clear Discovery and Goal Setting
You can’t create a great website without understanding what your client really needs. Begin by having an open conversation to discover their business goals, target audience, and what they want the new website to achieve. Ask questions like:
- What do you want your website to do? (Attract leads, sell services, educate visitors?)
- Who is your ideal visitor or client?
- What do you like or dislike about your current website?
- Are there websites you admire and why?
- What specific features or content must be included?
Write down these goals clearly, so you both have a shared vision. This will keep the project on track and focused on what truly matters. By starting this way, you avoid unnecessary design changes and confusion later.
2. Educate on the Website Redesign Process and Timeline
Many clients don’t understand how complex website redesigns can be. It helps to explain the process in simple terms, so they know what to expect and when. Break the redesign into phases like:
- Research and discovery
- Sitemap and wireframe creation
- Design mockups
- Development and testing
- Launch and post-launch support
Share a realistic timeline with milestones. Make sure they understand that good websites take time, and rushing can hurt results. Let them know there will be review points where they provide feedback. This keeps them involved, so they feel ownership but also know when decisions need to be final.
3. Focus on User Experience and Clear Messaging
Remind your client the website isn’t just about looking pretty – it needs to work for their visitors. Coaching them on creating clear, simple, and compelling content is key. Help them:
- Define a strong, clear headline on each page that tells visitors what’s in it for them
- Use easy-to-read language, avoiding jargon
- Break content into small sections with subheadings for quick reading
- Use calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide visitors on what to do next (book a session, join a newsletter, contact you)
- Include testimonials or success stories that build trust
Also, explain the importance of usability: fast loading, mobile-friendly, and easy navigation. A confused visitor won’t stick around, so prioritizing user experience will lead to better results.
4. Keep Communication Simple and Frequent
Clients appreciate knowing what’s happening, so check in often with updates and gentle reminders for feedback. Use straightforward language — no tech jargon. Ask questions that make it easy for them to respond. For example:
- “Do you prefer this photo or that one?”
- “Is this headline clear to you?”
- “What do you feel when you visit this page?”
Encourage honesty and reassure them that honest feedback helps make the site better. Avoid overwhelm by sharing small chunks of work rather than everything at once.
5. Prepare Them for Content Creation
New websites need updated content, and many clients get stuck here. Help your client by giving clear instructions and deadlines for providing text, images, and any other materials. Offer content outlines or templates to make their job easier. You can even suggest simple tools or hire a copywriter in advance.
Explain that quality content is a key to their website’s success and won’t improve overnight. Encourage them to think about the questions their clients ask regularly and include answers on the website.
6. Teach the Importance of Testing and Feedback Before Launch
Before the new website goes live, it’s important to test everything on different devices and browsers. Invite your client to explore the site and check if all links work, forms submit properly, and the design looks good on phones and tablets.
Explain how bugs or issues are normal, and fixing them before launch improves user trust and performance. Their feedback during this phase is crucial for final adjustments.
7. Plan for Launch and Beyond
The website launch is just the beginning. Coach your client on post-launch activities like:
- Monitoring website traffic and visitor behavior with tools like Google Analytics
- Keeping the site updated with fresh content such as blog posts, videos, or newsletters
- Regularly reviewing SEO basics: page speed, meta descriptions, keywords
Remind them that websites are living tools that evolve with their business, so ongoing maintenance and updates are needed to keep growing their audience.
Final Tips for Coaching Clients Through a Website Redesign
- Stay patient and positive: Website redesigns can be stressful for clients. Your calm guidance matters.
- Use visuals: Show examples, wireframes, or mood boards to help them visualize ideas.
- Set boundaries: Clarify how many revisions are included and what counts as new work.
- Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge progress to keep motivation high.
- Provide resources: Share helpful guides or video tutorials for content creation or managing their new site.
By following these steps, you help your client feel supported and confident throughout the redesign. You turn an often complex project into a clear, manageable process that leads to a website they love and that truly serves their business goals.