SEO is vital when migrating or redesigning your website. Here's how to maintain your search rankings during the transition:

Before Migration:

• Document your current URL structure in a spreadsheet
• Map old URLs to new ones for redirection planning
• Keep your existing domain name if possible
• Consider domain mapping if keeping your current provider

Key Steps for Successful Migration:

1. URL Structure Management

• Match URL slugs where possible (e.g., keep /about as /about)
• Maintain consistent URL patterns for content types
• Document all URL changes for tracking

2. Implement 301 Redirects

• Set up redirects from old URLs to new ones
• Ensure all inbound links remain functional
• Preserve link equity from external sources

3. Technical Considerations

• Create a custom 404 error page
• Set up URL mapping for content alignment
• Request site reindexing via Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools

Best Practices:

• Keep domain consistency for better user and search engine recognition
• Document all URL changes systematically
• Monitor search performance after migration
• Fix any indexing issues promptly
• Maintain consistent content structure

Post-Migration:

• Monitor search rankings regularly
• Check for broken links and redirect errors
• Update external backlinks where possible
• Submit new sitemaps to search engines
• Track search console reports for issues

By following these steps, you can minimize ranking drops and maintain SEO value during your site migration or redesign. Remember to be patient, as it may take a few weeks for search engines to fully process the changes.

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