6 Steps for a Highly Effective SEO-Optimised Website Migration

3.1 Domain change

Moving your website to a new domain, such as from “oldwebsite.com” to “newwebsite.com.”

3.2 HTTP to HTTPS

Transitioning from an unsecured HTTP site to a secure HTTPS site.

3.3 Platform or CMS change

Switching your content management system (e.g., WordPress to Drupal).

3.4 Redesign or Restructuring

Giving your website a makeover, which often includes changes in URL structure and content organisation.

3.5 Subdomain to Subdirectory

Shifting content from a subdomain (e.g., blog.example.com) to a subdirectory (e.g., example.com/blog).

Why it matters: Recognising the type of migration you’re undertaking is crucial, as each comes with its unique set of challenges and considerations.

4.1 Thorough Planning

Start by creating a detailed migration plan, outlining every step from start to finish.

4.2 Backup your data

Never proceed without a backup of your website’s data and content.

4.3 301 Redirects

Implement 301 redirects for old URLs to the corresponding new ones. This is vital for preserving SEO equity.

4.4 Update Internal Links

Ensure all internal links point to the new URLs

4.5 XML Sitemap and Robots.txt

Update these files to reflect the changes and submit them to search engines.

4.6 Check Page Speed

Optimise images and code to maintain or improve page loading times.

4.7 Check Page Speed

Optimise images and code to maintain or improve page loading times.

4.8 Mobile-Friendly Design

Make sure your new site is responsive and mobile-friendly.

4.9 SSL Certificate

If migrating to HTTPS, ensure your SSL certificate is correctly installed.

4.10 Monitor Crawl Errors

Keep an eye on Google Search Console for any crawl errors.

Why it Matters: Failing to check off any of these items on your SEO website migration checklist can have a detrimental impact on your SEO rankings and user experience.

4.11 Content Audit & Migration

Establish a content migration plan to maintain consistency in page titles and meta descriptions, preventing the risk of losing your search rankings when making changes.

Contact our team to explore our SEO Agency services, designed to enhance your website’s search engine rankings.

5.1 User Testing

Before and after migration, conduct thorough user testing to identify and fix any usability issues.

5.2 Communicate Changes

Inform your audience about the migration and any temporary disruptions in services. Transparency builds trust.

5.3 Monitor Bounce Rate

A significant increase in bounces may indicate problems. So keep an eye on the bounce rate after migration

Why it matters: A positive user experience is essential for retaining your audience and converting visitors into customers.

6.1 SEO Auditing

Regularly audit your website to identify and rectify any SEO issues that may arise post-migration.

6.2 Monitor Rankings and Traffic

 Keep an eye on your search engine rankings and website traffic to ensure they’re on track.

6.3 301 Redirect Cleanup

As old URLs get deindexed, consider cleaning up unnecessary 301 redirects on the new website

6.4 CRO

Improve your new website’s conversions and user experience by implementing CRO strategies. Reach out to our team to learn more about our CRO Agency services, which can assist you in boosting website conversions.

7.1 Server Performance

If you’re changing servers, ensure your new hosting provider can handle your website’s traffic. Monitor server performance closely after migration to catch any issues.

7.2 URL Changes

When altering URL structures, be prepared for potential 404 errors. Implement a custom 404 page and monitor for broken links.

7.3 Database Errors

 If your website relies on a database, ensure a smooth transition. Test database connections thoroughly to avoid data loss.

7.4 Content Duplication

Prevent content duplication issues by setting canonical tags and handling duplicate content effectively.

7.5 Monitoring Tools

Use SEO monitoring tools to keep track of your website’s health post-migration. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console are your best friends.

7.6 Get support from right experts

Reach out to the Digitxl team to get the right support for your migration. We have certified developers, analytics and consultants who know what they are doing and have helped 100s of other businesses with similar migrations. Alternatively you can explore more experts on sites like DesignRush.

Remember that website migration is not a one-size-fits-all process! While you may identify additional steps to enhance the migration process beyond the list above, these steps provide a solid foundation to begin with.