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Must Follow Website Migration Checklist in 2024

What Is Website Migration?

Website migration refers to the process of moving a website from one domain or hosting environment to another. It can involve changing the site’s domain name, moving to a new web hosting provider, adopting a new content management system (CMS), or even redesigning the website. Website migration can be a complex and delicate procedure, as it has the potential to impact a site’s search engine rankings, user experience, and overall functionality. It is always preferred to consult an web development expert before migrating your website.

Does Website Migration Affect SEO?

Yes, website migration can significantly affect SEO (Search Engine Optimization). When you migrate a website, you make substantial changes to its technology, structure, design, or location. These changes can impact your SEO in several ways: 

  • Indexing and Ranking Changes : Google and other search engines need to re-index your new website. This can lead to temporary changes in your search engine rankings. Initially, you might experience a dip in organic traffic. However, if the migration is done correctly, you can recover and potentially improve your rankings in the long term.
  • Technical SEO Issues : A professional website enhances your credibility and trustworthiness. It showcases your expertise and experience in the real estate industry.During migration, technical issues can emerge, such as broken links, missing metadata, or slow page load times. These issues can negatively affect your SEO. Therefore, it's crucial to perform technical SEO checks before and after the migration to ensure everything is in order.
  • Content Updates : If you change your website's structure, some URLs might change, leading to potential content duplication issues. You need to set up proper redirects and update internal links to prevent these issues.
  • Mobile Optimization : If you're introducing a mobile version during migration, it's vital for mobile optimization. Google now prioritizes mobile-first indexing, so having a mobile-friendly site is essential for SEO.

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Website Migration checklist to follow in terms of SEO

We have broken down the website migration checklist into three different phases to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining your SEO. 

Before the Migration:

  • Benchmark Your Current Site : Record your current SEO metrics (rankings, traffic, etc.) for future comparison. Gather data from analytics tools and create a baseline for your website's performance.
  • Backup Your Website : Make a complete backup of your website, including databases, content, and any configuration files.
  • Crawl Your Existing Site : Use SEO tools to crawl your site and identify any existing issues that need to be addressed.

During the Migration:

  • Set Up the New Site : Develop and set up your new website. Ensure its SEO-friendly and mobile-responsive.
  • Test in a Staging Environment : Make a complete backup of your website, including databases, content, and any configuration files. Perform testing on a staging server to ensure everything works smoothly before the actual migration. Check for any technical issues or broken links.
  • 301 Redirects : Implement 301 redirects from old URLs to their new counterparts. This helps preserve SEO value and user experience..
  • Update Internal Links : Ensure internal links on the new site point to the correct new URLs.
  • Canonical Tags : Check and update canonical tags on the new site to avoid duplicate content issues.
  • XML Sitemaps : Generate new XML sitemaps for the new site and submit them to Google Search Console.
  • Robots.txt and Meta Robots Tags : Make sure you update the robots.txt file and meta robots' tags to instruct search engines accordingly.
  • HTTPS Implementation : If migrating to HTTPS, set up SSL certificates and update your internal links to the secure version.
  • Performance Optimization : Check site speed and server response times. Ensure your site loads quickly for better SEO.

After the Migration:

  • Crawl the New Site : Run a new SEO crawl on your new site to identify any post-migration issues. Monitor to ensure that the new site is being crawled and indexed correctly.
  • Check for Broken Links : Scan your site for broken links and fix them promptly. Continuously monitor your traffic and rankings to identify any significant changes post-migration.
  • Review Backlinks : Check backlinks and update links pointing to your old URLs.
  • Update Google Analytics : Transfer your old Google Analytics & GTM tracking code to the new site.
  • Request Reindexing : Submit your new XML sitemaps to Google to expedite reindexing.

To summarize, even when consistently following the website migration checklist, it’s essential to be patient and realistic about the SEO impact. The process of fully restoring your previous SEO rankings and traffic may take up to 3 months or even longer.

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a website migration is a complex yet essential process that can significantly impact your online presence. Whether you’re updating your design, changing your domain, or adopting a new CMS, a well-executed migration is crucial for maintaining your SEO rankings, user experience, and overall digital success. By following a comprehensive website migration checklist and taking a phased approach, you can minimize disruptions, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a seamless transition.
Remember that each migration is unique, so adapt this checklist to your specific needs, and consider seeking professional assistance if you’re uncertain about any step in the process. With careful planning and execution, your website can emerge from the migration stronger and better positioned for the future.

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