Moving a website without risk for SEO

Why is moving a site so scary?

A website is a complex and sensitive system. Changing or moving any of its components can significantly affect its structure and functioning. Even seemingly simple websites use various technologies such as content management systems, databases, and templates. Removing or adding any element may result in errors or crashes. Therefore, it is extremely important to carefully consider each stage of the site move.

Let's look at the key points that may arise during different types of site moves.

Transferring a site to another domain

You may need to change your domain for a variety of reasons:

• change of company name;
• the site owner's desire to make the domain name more authoritative or relevant;
• transition from HTTP to HTTPS and other reasons.

Changing a domain name is one of the simplest types of transfer. In this case, a 301 redirect is configured from each page of the old domain to the new one. However, if you plan to make more serious changes, such as changing your content management system (CMS) or changing your permalink structure, the process becomes more complex.

Changing the CMS (engine) of the site

When migrating a site to a new engine, it is important to create a redirect plan for each page. To do this, you need to determine which pages require redirection. To resolve this issue, consider the following points:

• Which pages attract the main traffic;
• On which pages do conversions occur?
• Which pages have external links;
• Which pages have the most user engagement.

To minimize the loss of positions and traffic, it is important to maintain the following parameters:

• URLs of important pages;
• Contents of headings Title;
• Text content of pages;
• Relinking;
• Attributes (if applicable, for example, nofollow, noindex) and other important elements.

Don't forget also about the old 301 redirects that were configured on the old CMS.

Mini-guide to moving a website

Each case of site relocation requires taking into account many details. Therefore, it is best to entrust the preparation of technical specifications to an SEO specialist. He will conduct the necessary analysis and prepare instructions for setting up 301 redirects.

If you're moving for the first time and aren't sure where to start, here are some tips:

• Discuss the move with your SEO specialist to minimize traffic loss;
• Do not direct all pages to one page of the new site - set up individual redirects;
• Before the full launch, test one part of the site to make sure the transfer is correct;
• Use only a 301 redirect, as a 302 redirect is temporary and may affect your rankings;
• When transferring to a new domain, try to maintain the site structure;
• Check all links and update old ones if possible;
• Maintain control of the old domain for at least 180 days and maintain 301 redirects;
• Check the 404 error page so that users can easily get to the desired page;
• Monitor both versions of the site in the webmaster panel to quickly eliminate errors.

The website migration process is a complex task that requires attention to detail. The more changes you make, the more likely problems will arise. To minimize risks, be sure to create a detailed plan and consult with an experienced SEO specialist.

If you have any questions, you can contact the SEO studio "SEO COMPUTER" at info@seo.computer.

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