Why SEO Should Be Part of Your Website Redesign (and How to Do It Right)

Don’t Just Redesign for Looks — Redesign for Visibility

When most business owners plan a website redesign, they focus on colors, layouts, and aesthetics.

But here’s the truth:A beautiful website doesn’t mean a visible website.

You can invest thousands into a redesign, but if your site isn’t optimized for search engines, your dream clients may never even know it exists.

That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in, and if you’re planning a redesign, SEO shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be part of the foundation.

What Is SEO (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is how you make your website easy for search engines like Google to find, understand, and rank.

When someone searches for “women-owned web design agency” or “website audit for small businesses,” Google uses algorithms to decide which sites appear first.

SEO helps your site tell Google:

• What your business does

• Who you serve

• Why your site deserves to show up

In short, SEO makes your website findable.

Why SEO Matters for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

If your clients find you online, SEO is non-negotiable.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Visibility = Opportunity. SEO helps you show up where your dream clients are already searching.

2. Credibility = Trust. People trust what ranks. A top Google spot signals authority and professionalism.

3. Longevity = Growth. Paid ads stop working when the budget stops. SEO keeps working long after you publish.

With the right SEO strategy, your website becomes your silent salesperson, attracting leads, building credibility, and driving growth 24/7.

Why SEO Should Be Part of Your Website Redesign

SEO isn’t something you tack on after launch. It’s the blueprint that supports your entire redesign.

When you integrate SEO from the start, you ensure your new design:

• Is structured so Google can crawl it easily

• Has clear, keyword-rich content that users and algorithms understand

• Loads quickly, looks great on mobile, and functions flawlessly

• Converts better because it aligns with how real people search

If your designer isn’t talking about SEO, you’re only getting half the strategy.

How to Do SEO Right During a Redesign

1. Research Your Keywords First

Before writing a single word, identify the exact terms people use to find businesses like yours.

Think like your client, not a marketer.

If you’re a business coach, your audience might search for “how to grow my business online” rather than “executive strategy optimization.”

Pro tip: Google your competitors.See what shows up on page one, read their titles and descriptions, and take note of the language they use.

Tools to try:

• Google Keyword Planner

• Ubersuggest

• SEMrush / Ahrefs

2. Incorporate Keywords Naturally

Once you’ve identified your target keywords, weave them naturally throughout your:

• Homepage headline and intro paragraph

• Service and About pages

• Blog titles and content

• Page headers (H1s, H2s, H3s)

Avoid keyword stuffing. Google is smart enough to recognize when it’s forced.

Write for humans first, optimize for search second.

3. Optimize Your Meta Descriptions and Page Titles

Your meta description is the short summary that appears under your website link in search results.

This is your first impression.Make it clear, compelling, and keyword-friendly (under 160 characters).

Example:

“The Wright UX designs and maintains websites for ambitious women entrepreneurs, combining clarity, structure, and trust for peace of mind online.”

4. Use Descriptive URLs and File Names

SEO-friendly URLs are clean, simple, and descriptive.

Good: www.thewrightux.com/services

Bad: www.thewrightux.com/page?id=12345

Same goes for images.

Rename files before uploading.teamlink-website-redesign.jpg is better than IMG_00345.jpg.

Google notices the difference.

5. Make Sure Google Can Crawl Your Site

When we say “Google crawls your site,” it means bots are scanning your content, links, and layout to understand what you do.

If your site is slow, cluttered, or full of broken links, those bots can’t read it properly and your rankings drop.

During your redesign, check:

• Broken links

• Page load speed

• Mobile responsiveness

• Updated sitemap

A healthy structure means a healthy ranking.

6. Review and Update Regularly

SEO isn’t “set it and forget it.”

Search trends evolve. Competitors shift. Google changes its algorithms.

That’s why I recommend a quarterly SEO review to refresh your keywords, update content, and make sure your site is aligned with how your ideal clients search right now.

Why Working With a Fractional Digital Partner Matters

This level of strategy is exactly what you get when you have a Fractional Digital Partner.

As your ongoing web partner, I don’t just design your site.

I help it grow with you.

That means:

• Reviewing your SEO quarterly

• Tracking performance and keywords

• Making updates before they become problems

• Ensuring your digital presence stays aligned with your goals

You get clarity, structure, and peace of mind — all built into one partnership.

Ready to Redesign the Right Way?

Your website should be more than beautiful. It should be discoverable.

Let’s make sure your dream clients can actually find you.

👉🏾 Schedule a consultation to learn how The Wright UX can help you redesign with strategy and SEO built in.