Migrating a website without losing traffic: a step-by-step checklist
公開日: 2026-01-16 22:00:30
Introduction
Migrating a website to a new domain, CMS, or hosting provider is a complex process that can negatively impact your SEO if not done properly. Google states that 301 redirects are the best way to preserve your rankings and traffic, but they don't always work perfectly. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition.
1. Plan your migration
Before starting, make a plan. Identify the reasons for the migration, choose a new domain if needed, and define the new URL structure. Research your keywords and check the competition. Analyze your backlinks and decide which ones to keep, remove, or redirect. Determine if you'll change your content management system (CMS).
2. Communicate with your partners
Inform your partners, clients, and subscribers about the migration, and ask them to update their links. Make a list of your most important partners and notify them about the new URLs. Send a mass email and announce it on social media.
3. Update your Google Search Console
Add the new site to your Search Console, verify it, and submit your sitemap. Choose your preferred domain, and submit a sitemap. Set your preferred domain (www or non-www).
4. Check your Google Analytics
Connect your new site to your GA account, and set up a new property. Use the Change of Address tool to tell Google about the move.
5. Redirect old URLs
Use a 301 redirect for each page, and avoid redirect chains. Create a list of all URLs, and redirect them to the new ones. Use a plugin or a .htaccess file.
6. Update internal links
Replace old URLs with new ones in your site's content and menus. Update your robots.txt and remove the old sitemap.
7. Update your XML sitemap
Create a new one, and submit it to Google and Bing. Add a rel="canonical" tag to avoid duplicate content.
8. Update your CMS
Choose a new theme and configure it for SEO. Install an SEO plugin. Set up a 404 error page.
9. Check your robots.txt
Remove old pages and robots.txt rules, and add a sitemap to it.
10. Verify your SSL certificate
Check your HTTPS configuration. Use HTTPS throughout your site.
11. Update your Google Analytics
Set up a new account, and add your new site. Create a new property, and import your old data.
12. Update your Google Tag Manager
Set up a new container and publish your tags. Update your triggers and variables.
Conclusion
Migrating a website requires a lot of work, but following these steps will minimize losses. Stay patient and keep monitoring your rankings. Test your site regularly and fix errors. Don't forget to update your disavow file and webmaster tools. Good luck!
Migrating a website to a new domain, CMS, or hosting provider is a complex process that can negatively impact your SEO if not done properly. Google states that 301 redirects are the best way to preserve your rankings and traffic, but they don't always work perfectly. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition.
1. Plan your migration
Before starting, make a plan. Identify the reasons for the migration, choose a new domain if needed, and define the new URL structure. Research your keywords and check the competition. Analyze your backlinks and decide which ones to keep, remove, or redirect. Determine if you'll change your content management system (CMS).
2. Communicate with your partners
Inform your partners, clients, and subscribers about the migration, and ask them to update their links. Make a list of your most important partners and notify them about the new URLs. Send a mass email and announce it on social media.
3. Update your Google Search Console
Add the new site to your Search Console, verify it, and submit your sitemap. Choose your preferred domain, and submit a sitemap. Set your preferred domain (www or non-www).
4. Check your Google Analytics
Connect your new site to your GA account, and set up a new property. Use the Change of Address tool to tell Google about the move.
5. Redirect old URLs
Use a 301 redirect for each page, and avoid redirect chains. Create a list of all URLs, and redirect them to the new ones. Use a plugin or a .htaccess file.
6. Update internal links
Replace old URLs with new ones in your site's content and menus. Update your robots.txt and remove the old sitemap.
7. Update your XML sitemap
Create a new one, and submit it to Google and Bing. Add a rel="canonical" tag to avoid duplicate content.
8. Update your CMS
Choose a new theme and configure it for SEO. Install an SEO plugin. Set up a 404 error page.
9. Check your robots.txt
Remove old pages and robots.txt rules, and add a sitemap to it.
10. Verify your SSL certificate
Check your HTTPS configuration. Use HTTPS throughout your site.
11. Update your Google Analytics
Set up a new account, and add your new site. Create a new property, and import your old data.
12. Update your Google Tag Manager
Set up a new container and publish your tags. Update your triggers and variables.
Conclusion
Migrating a website requires a lot of work, but following these steps will minimize losses. Stay patient and keep monitoring your rankings. Test your site regularly and fix errors. Don't forget to update your disavow file and webmaster tools. Good luck!
Поделиться:
Telegram
