Carry your search foundations into the next website.
Plan redirects, content mapping and release checks before a domain, platform or website redesign changes your important URLs.
Build the inventory before the redesign
Collect important URLs from the site, sitemap and available search data. Record their content purpose, links and role in the customer journey. Keep a copy of current metadata and key content for comparison.
Map destinations by intent
For each changing URL, choose the closest relevant destination. Avoid redirecting every retired page to the home page. Identify pages that should be retained, combined or removed and have the business approve those choices.
Define the launch checklist
Use a staging review to check templates and planned redirects before release. A launch owner should know who can resolve issues and which conditions require pausing the release.
- Important content and internal links preserved
- Canonical URLs and indexing directives checked
- Redirects tested for loops and chains
- Forms, navigation and analytics verified
- XML sitemap updated for final URLs
Monitor the new site
After launch, check response codes, crawl access and important landing pages. Review Search Console coverage and performance over an appropriate period and compare affected page groups. Keep the old-to-new URL mapping available for troubleshooting.
Before you decide
When should SEO join a redesign?
Before finalizing the new architecture and URL structure. Reviewing a nearly finished site can reveal issues that are more expensive to change.
Can you guarantee no traffic loss?
No. A careful migration can reduce preventable errors, but search systems and customer behavior can still change.
Let’s talk about the work your business actually needs.
Share your website, service area and goals. We’ll discuss fit and a sensible scope.