The website redesign SEO checklist.

Intro

A redesign should make your site better. Done carelessly, it makes it invisible. The most common way to wreck a business’s traffic is to relaunch a prettier site that quietly drops every page Google already trusted. The rankings you spent years earning vanish overnight, and nobody connects the new design to the missing leads until a quarter later.

It’s entirely avoidable. Here’s the checklist we work through on every build.

Have you audited what already ranks?

Before anyone touches a design, find out what’s working. Pull every page that earns organic traffic or ranks for terms that matter, and note the queries bringing people in. This list is the thing you’re protecting. A redesign is free to change how those pages look and read, but it cannot silently delete them or strip out the content that earned the position.

Skipping this step is how a “cleaner” new site ends up with half the pages and a fraction of the traffic.

Do you have a redirect map?

This is the single most important file in any redesign, and the one most often forgotten. If a URL changes, even slightly, you need a permanent (301) redirect from the old address to the new one. No redirect means the old page returns an error, the ranking it held evaporates, and any link pointing at it is wasted.

Map every old URL to its closest new equivalent before launch. Not after, when the traffic’s already gone. Build the map as a deliverable, check it, and have it ready to go live the moment the new site does.

Is the structure and schema in place?

A redesign is the perfect moment to fix structure, because you’re rebuilding anyway. Clean, semantic pages with one clear heading each. Logical internal linking so both readers and crawlers can find everything. Structured data (schema) on the pages where it helps, so search engines and AI answer engines understand what each page is.

Getting this right also sets you up for AI search, which leans on exactly this kind of structure. We cover why in SEO vs AI search.

Have you set a performance budget?

Speed is a ranking factor and a conversion factor, so decide up front how fast the site has to be and hold the build to it. A performance budget is simply a line you won’t cross: page weight, load time, the scores you’ll accept. Set it before design, not after, because retrofitting speed onto a heavy site is far harder than building light from the start. We aim for scores above 95, and we treat that as a requirement, not a nice-to-have.

What do you check on launch day?

The relaunch isn’t done when the site goes live. Run through the checks that catch the silent failures.

Confirm every redirect fires correctly, old URL to new, with a 301.

Make sure the new site is actually allowed to be indexed, the single most embarrassing launch bug is shipping with the “noindex” flag still on from staging.

Submit the new sitemap in Search Console and watch for crawl errors.

Spot-check that your best-ranking pages kept their content and their structured data.

Watch positions and traffic closely for the first few weeks, so if something did slip, you catch it in days rather than months.

The bottom line

A redesign done right loses nothing and improves everything: audit what ranks, map every redirect, fix the structure and schema, build to a performance budget, and run the launch checks before you celebrate. That’s the difference between a site that looks better and one that performs better. It’s how we approach every redesign, and if you’re planning one, talk to us before you change a single URL.

What our clients say.

5.0 14 reviews on Google
CH Cindy Hollis 1 review

Working with Red + White Agency has been a game-changer for our brand. Their strategic approach and creative insight have significantly boosted our brand awareness and elevated how we connect with our audience. From day one, they demonstrated a deep understanding of our goals and delivered solutions that not only resonated with our audience but also improved the overall user experience across our platforms. Their team is proactive, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with — always going the extra mile to ensure we're ahead of the curve. We've seen measurable improvements in engagement and customer satisfaction since partnering with them. If you're looking for a team that truly understands how to grow and refine your brand, Red + White Agency is the way to go. Highly recommended!

AB Adam Botha 3 reviews

I have worked with a few agencies before, but none come close to the great service, communication and results we have had while using Red+White! They have managed our Google Ads account, running P-Max, Search and Dynamic Search ads - and helped us achieve a great return on investment by reaching targets for our e-commerce store! Thank you Darren and Jean for your clear communication and undying dedication to detail while handling our account!

CN Chloe Nefdt 2 reviews · 3 photos

Wow guys! Thank you to Jean and his team for making it super easy and effective to get my website and website traffic to where it is now. With so much knowledge in the space, our SEO and Google tracking has proven itself monthly!! Can't recommend this enough for ALL business 👏 Many thanks from IVgo Cape Town!

AS Ariel Sharon Local Guide · 13 reviews

I recently had the pleasure of working with Red+White Marketing Agency, and I couldn't be more impressed with their services! From the outset, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and creativity. They took the time to understand my business needs and crafted a tailored marketing strategy that truly resonated with my target audience. The communication throughout the process was outstanding — they kept me informed at every stage and were always receptive to feedback. Their innovative approach to digital marketing helped elevate my brand's online presence significantly. I noticed an increase in engagement and leads almost immediately after implementing their strategies. What I appreciated most was their dedication to results. Red+White Marketing Agency not only delivered on their promises but exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a marketing agency that combines passion, expertise, and a personal touch, I highly recommend Red+White. They are a powerhouse in the marketing world, and I look forward to continuing our partnership!

MM Matt Martle 2 reviews

As a team of creatives, having RED & WHITE to pass our clients on to has been a massive help for our team. They offer the necessary advertising services that our team do not have the capabilities , or specialist understanding to offer. Transparent and trustworthy are the best way I could describe what to expect if you decide to work with their team. It also goes without saying they know what they are doing in the advertising space but you can ask them anything you like to bring your own peace of mind, as I mentioned earlier, they are very transparent with their capabilities and what you can expect from them.

MS mark simon 3 reviews

We couldn't be happier with the results our SEO agency Red + White have delivered! Their expertise, dedication, and strategic approach have significantly improved our website's rankings and online visibility. Thanks to their efforts, we've seen a noticeable increase in traffic and conversions. Highly recommend their services!

HL Hitech Lawns 3 reviews

We are incredibly grateful to Jean and the team for elevating Royal Paving's, landscaping services. Thanks to their support, we've experienced significant growth in our business. Highly recommend their expertise!

ND Nicolas Drury Jordi 2 reviews

Strategic, attention to detail, hands on expertise. Great service! Highly recommend Red+White.

JD Jonathan Deane 2 reviews

We moved over to red and white and experienced immediate increases in leads. They are a pleasure to deal with.

TT Tylor Titus 2 reviews

Fantastic service! Highly recommend red+white Agency for any digital marketing needs!

PD Paulina de Souza 4 reviews

Knowledgeable and efficient 👌 We trust Red + White with all our collaborations!

ED Etienne du Plessis 1 review

Excellent service!! Great creativity and brilliant communication. Thanks Jean & team!!

KH Kevin hitge 6 reviews

Awesome service

KO Karin Orzol 3 reviews

I had the pleasure of working with RED MARKETING, and I can confidently say they are an outstanding agency. Their efficiency and creativity are truly impressive, and they maintain a remarkably high standard of attention and insight for their clients. What sets them apart is their commitment to treating each client as a unique individual, ensuring that every strategy is tailored to specific needs. They pride themselves on being at the top of their game, and it shows in their results. If you're looking to elevate your brand, I highly recommend RED MARKETING!

CH Cindy Hollis 1 review

Working with Red + White Agency has been a game-changer for our brand. Their strategic approach and creative insight have significantly boosted our brand awareness and elevated how we connect with our audience. From day one, they demonstrated a deep understanding of our goals and delivered solutions that not only resonated with our audience but also improved the overall user experience across our platforms. Their team is proactive, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with — always going the extra mile to ensure we're ahead of the curve. We've seen measurable improvements in engagement and customer satisfaction since partnering with them. If you're looking for a team that truly understands how to grow and refine your brand, Red + White Agency is the way to go. Highly recommended!

AB Adam Botha 3 reviews

I have worked with a few agencies before, but none come close to the great service, communication and results we have had while using Red+White! They have managed our Google Ads account, running P-Max, Search and Dynamic Search ads - and helped us achieve a great return on investment by reaching targets for our e-commerce store! Thank you Darren and Jean for your clear communication and undying dedication to detail while handling our account!

CN Chloe Nefdt 2 reviews · 3 photos

Wow guys! Thank you to Jean and his team for making it super easy and effective to get my website and website traffic to where it is now. With so much knowledge in the space, our SEO and Google tracking has proven itself monthly!! Can't recommend this enough for ALL business 👏 Many thanks from IVgo Cape Town!

AS Ariel Sharon Local Guide · 13 reviews

I recently had the pleasure of working with Red+White Marketing Agency, and I couldn't be more impressed with their services! From the outset, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and creativity. They took the time to understand my business needs and crafted a tailored marketing strategy that truly resonated with my target audience. The communication throughout the process was outstanding — they kept me informed at every stage and were always receptive to feedback. Their innovative approach to digital marketing helped elevate my brand's online presence significantly. I noticed an increase in engagement and leads almost immediately after implementing their strategies. What I appreciated most was their dedication to results. Red+White Marketing Agency not only delivered on their promises but exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a marketing agency that combines passion, expertise, and a personal touch, I highly recommend Red+White. They are a powerhouse in the marketing world, and I look forward to continuing our partnership!

MM Matt Martle 2 reviews

As a team of creatives, having RED & WHITE to pass our clients on to has been a massive help for our team. They offer the necessary advertising services that our team do not have the capabilities , or specialist understanding to offer. Transparent and trustworthy are the best way I could describe what to expect if you decide to work with their team. It also goes without saying they know what they are doing in the advertising space but you can ask them anything you like to bring your own peace of mind, as I mentioned earlier, they are very transparent with their capabilities and what you can expect from them.

MS mark simon 3 reviews

We couldn't be happier with the results our SEO agency Red + White have delivered! Their expertise, dedication, and strategic approach have significantly improved our website's rankings and online visibility. Thanks to their efforts, we've seen a noticeable increase in traffic and conversions. Highly recommend their services!

HL Hitech Lawns 3 reviews

We are incredibly grateful to Jean and the team for elevating Royal Paving's, landscaping services. Thanks to their support, we've experienced significant growth in our business. Highly recommend their expertise!

ND Nicolas Drury Jordi 2 reviews

Strategic, attention to detail, hands on expertise. Great service! Highly recommend Red+White.

JD Jonathan Deane 2 reviews

We moved over to red and white and experienced immediate increases in leads. They are a pleasure to deal with.

TT Tylor Titus 2 reviews

Fantastic service! Highly recommend red+white Agency for any digital marketing needs!

PD Paulina de Souza 4 reviews

Knowledgeable and efficient 👌 We trust Red + White with all our collaborations!

ED Etienne du Plessis 1 review

Excellent service!! Great creativity and brilliant communication. Thanks Jean & team!!

KH Kevin hitge 6 reviews

Awesome service

KO Karin Orzol 3 reviews

I had the pleasure of working with RED MARKETING, and I can confidently say they are an outstanding agency. Their efficiency and creativity are truly impressive, and they maintain a remarkably high standard of attention and insight for their clients. What sets them apart is their commitment to treating each client as a unique individual, ensuring that every strategy is tailored to specific needs. They pride themselves on being at the top of their game, and it shows in their results. If you're looking to elevate your brand, I highly recommend RED MARKETING!