The Manufacturing Website Redesign Checklist
Everything you need to cover before, during, and after a manufacturing website redesign. 38 items across 7 sections, with the 10 most critical items flagged.
How to use this checklist
Work through each section in order. Items marked with an amber dot are the ones that have the highest impact on lead generation and should not be skipped. The other items matter, but if you are working under time or budget constraints, prioritize the flagged items first.
Strategy and goals
Define the primary goal of the new site: RFQ volume, search visibility, credibility, or some combination
CriticalIdentify your three most important buyer types and what they need to see to take action
Audit your competitors' websites and identify gaps you can fill
Document all certifications, capabilities, and differentiators you want the new site to communicate
CriticalEstablish success metrics before launch so you can measure actual improvement
Content and messaging
Write a clear homepage headline that states what you make and who you serve within the first sentence
CriticalCreate dedicated capability pages for each major service or product line with specs, tolerances, and certifications
Write buyer-focused copy, not company-focused copy. Buyers want to know what you can do for them, not how great you are
Add at least one detailed case study with a real client, real results, and a production context
List all relevant certifications (ISO, ITAR, AS9100, etc.) prominently and on appropriate pages
CriticalReplace any stock photos with real facility, equipment, and process photography
Lead capture and RFQ
Build a dedicated RFQ page with fields for project type, quantity, material, timeline, and file upload
CriticalPlace a visible contact or quote CTA in the navigation and above the fold on key pages
CriticalSet up automated email notification when a new inquiry is submitted so no lead sits unread
Create a clear response time expectation on the RFQ page to reduce hesitation
Test the RFQ form on mobile before launch to confirm it works correctly
SEO architecture
Research the specific search terms your buyers use and build pages around them
CriticalCreate capability-specific landing pages for your primary niches: industry, material, process, or geography
Set up 301 redirects from all old URLs to corresponding new URLs before launch
Write unique meta titles and descriptions for every page
Submit an XML sitemap to Google Search Console after launch
CriticalAdd structured schema markup for your business type, services, and FAQs
Technical performance
Confirm the new site loads in under 3 seconds on mobile
CriticalTest on at least three different mobile devices before launch
Enable HTTPS on the new site and confirm no mixed content warnings
Compress all images before upload without visible quality loss
Set up Google Analytics 4 and connect to Google Search Console
Configure a 404 page that directs users to relevant sections
Trust and credibility
Display certifications with logos or badge graphics, not just text mentions
Add client logos from recognizable companies if you have permission
Include a physical address and phone number in the header or footer
CriticalShow real team photos if your buyers value knowing who they are working with
Add testimonials from verifiable clients with their name, title, and company
Post-launch
Monitor Google Search Console for crawl errors in the first two weeks
Check that all redirects are working correctly using a redirect checker
Review analytics weekly for the first month to catch any unexpected drops
Test all contact forms and RFQ submissions from multiple devices
Update your Google Business Profile with the new site URL
Want us to handle the redesign for you?
We build manufacturing websites in 30 days, fixed price. Every item on this checklist is handled as part of the engagement.