Old content weighing down your website? 

February 3, 2025

Let’s be real—redesigning your website can feel like tackling a beast. There’s excitement, yes, but also that daunting question: “Where do I even start?” Well, I’ve got a simple tip that makes your life so much easier when it’s time to give your site a refresh.

This is the kind of task that makes my left brain so happy: content organization.

Okay, I know… it doesn’t sound thrilling. Maybe it’s giving you flashbacks to spring cleaning or Marie Kondo-ing your closet. But trust me, it’s worth it—and your future self will thank you.

The Problem: Content Dust

If your current website has been around a while, chances are it’s gathered what I like to call “content dust.” These are those forgotten pages, outdated images, and irrelevant text that have slowly accumulated over time. When you’re preparing for a redesign, the last thing you want to do is bring over all that clutter.

An important part of any successful website refresh is figuring out what content deserves to carry over and what needs to be cut. Think of it this way: Would you pack up boxes of junk to move into a brand-new home? Of course not! The same rule applies to your website.

Why Organizing Content Now Saves You Time Later

If you wait until your website project kicks off to sift through content, it’ll feel overwhelming. I’ve seen it happen countless times. Not only will it make you want to scream into the void, but it could also delay your project timeline (which can incur unexpected costs).

Instead, give yourself a head start. I recommend creating a content inventory—a straightforward but powerful exercise that gets you organized.

Here’s how to get started:

  • Create a spreadsheet with four columns:
    • URL
    • Keep
    • Scrap
    • Revise
  • List every page URL from your current website in the first column.
    • Pro Tip: Not sure how to gather all your URLs? Try one of these options:
      • Download the free tool, Screaming Frog, to crawl your website and export a list of URLs.
      • Check your website’s sitemap by typing your URL followed by /sitemap.xml (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml). This often gives you a full list of pages.
  • For each page, ask yourself:
    • Does this page still serve a purpose?
    • Is the information relevant and accurate?
    • Is it worth keeping as-is, or should it be revised?
    • Should this page be scrapped entirely?
  • Put an X in the appropriate column based on your answers.
    • Add a fifth “Notes” column if you want to provide extra context.

Here’s an example to visualize how it might look:

By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a crystal-clear view of your website’s current state. Pages that aren’t accurate, on-brand, or necessary will either be scrapped or flagged for revision. Service pages, program details, team bios—everything gets a thorough assessment.

The Benefits: Why You’ll Love This Process

Organizing your content ahead of time gives you several advantages:

  • Shorter project timelines: Your designer or developer won’t have to wait for you to dig through your content during the project.
  • Reduced stress: Knowing exactly what stays and what goes keeps you in control and prevents last-minute panic.
  • A better user experience: Your audience gets a cleaner, more streamlined site without irrelevant clutter.

Final Step: Take Action Today

Ready to take the first step? Download Screaming Frog, check your sitemap, or open up a blank spreadsheet and get started. Trust me, your future website (and your designer) will thank you.

If this process still feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. At Drio, we specialize in helping businesses like yours get organized and ready for a successful website redesign. Reach out to us—we’re happy to guide you through the content inventory process or handle the heavy lifting for you.

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About the Author: Rachel McFadden

She’s helped build roads in Baltimore, Maryland. Now this civil engineer turned WordPress wizard and graphic designer creates websites and marketing collateral that build bridges between you and your ideal customers. In a nutshell, she makes sure that when a potential client finds you online, there’s a clear, connected, on-brand digital path that leads them straight to your inbox, smartphone, or checkout page.

Ready to strike your perfect balance between head turning and revenue generating?

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