6 Steps to a Successful Web Site Redesign — How PBS Did It

In a session at last week’s Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, Andrea Downing, PBS’s vice president of home entertainment and partnerships, disclosed the company’s six-step process to its successful Web site redesign.

1. Take the time to plan. Noting that it took PBS nearly 18 months to complete its redesign, Downing advised attendees to define their goals and visions for the future. For PBS, Downing noted, that included improved navigation and search functionality on its site, enhancing the look and the feel of the site, and incorporating an “editorial” voice. It’s also necessary to examine your customers’ behavior, both online and offline. PBS employed a survey to help it accomplish this, Downing said.