Web Migration: Web Migration – What You Need to Know About It
Migrating your website can be challenging for SEO, but with a good plan and the right experts, it can also provide a stronger foundation. Using tools like sitemaps and content inventories can help identify important pages that need to be redirected during the migration process.
Setting objectives during SEO during web migration can be helpful as well. For example, retaining traffic might be the goal of switching to HTTPS, while growth could be the objective when changing a CMS or ecommerce platform.
What is a website migration?
A website migration is any significant change to a business’s website that could impact SEO. It could be as simple as moving a site from HTTP to HTTPS or as complicated as conducting a complete redesign. Whatever the reason for a website migration, it should be done correctly to avoid losing valuable search engine visibility.
The most common reason for migrating a website is to switch platforms. It may be due to a desire for better functionality, new ecommerce capabilities, or even just the ability to add a more modern design. When done correctly, a platform migration can be a great way to revitalize a website and drive more traffic.
It is important to plan all website migrations carefully, including identifying dependencies and assigning ownership for each task. A thorough project plan will help to reduce the risk of technical issues arising during the migration, and it will also help to manage expectations. A quality SEO during web migration strategy will be a crucial element of any site migration, and it is a good idea to engage with an experienced SEO consultant throughout the process to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
What is a CMS or ecommerce platform migration?
A CMS migration is a process of transferring your website content from one CMS platform to another. It can be due to a variety of reasons. For example, you might want to upgrade your CMS software to a new version that offers better functionality or a more attractive design. Or you may have outgrown your current CMS and need a more advanced platform that can support your ecommerce store.
What is a domain name migration?
Domain name migration involves transferring your website’s files and database from one server to another. You may have multiple reasons for this change, including rebranding or purchasing a more appealing domain name. It is a major project that affects many aspects of your site, so you should always seek expert help when carrying out a domain migration.
A domain migration typically involves a change in protocol, which means that your old http URLs will be redirected to their new https equivalents. It is important to make sure that all your pages are redirected correctly in order to avoid any loss of link equity and preserve rankings. It is a good time to conduct a full content inventory and assess your backlink profile to identify any that are pointing to legacy pages that will not be redirected.
Changing your hosting provider can also be a form of domain migration. It can be because of budget constraints, outgrowing your current host’s capabilities, or the need for a faster-loading site. It is also an ideal opportunity to upgrade to HTTPS if you haven’t already, as this will benefit SEO during web migration by reducing bounce rates and avoiding those scary “not secure” pop-ups that are so off-putting for visitors. Migrating a CMS or an ecommerce platform will also often involve a domain migration.
What is a platform migration?
Platform migration occurs when a business decides to change from one software solution (or vendor) to another. It can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s because the current platform is outdated and doesn’t support new functional requirements or lacks key features that are integral to your growth, changing platforms can be a way to improve user experience, business processes, and overall operational efficiency.