Export indexable URLs and performance data early, decide the closest useful destination for each route and preserve valuable content.
Implement direct redirects, verify canonicals and metadata, submit the new sitemap and monitor crawl errors after launch.
Content and platform references reviewed on .
Inventory URLs before the old platform disappears
Collect current page URLs, sitemaps and available traffic or backlink information while the source site is still accessible. Group pages by purpose and identify content worth preserving. Include images and downloads where they are important entry points rather than treating the migration as a product-import task only.
Map to the closest useful destination
Decide whether each page remains, merges into a relevant equivalent or is genuinely retired. Preserve the customer question as well as the slug where possible. Sending unrelated old pages to the homepage hides useful context and is not an acceptable substitute for a considered URL map.
Test the final paths and signals
Verify redirects reach the intended live destination without unnecessary chains. Check internal links, canonical tags, sitemap entries and indexability after the domain and content are in place. A staging test is useful, but it does not prove that the final production host has the same routing and access settings.
Monitor the move as search engines process it
Watch important entry pages, crawl errors, indexing reports and traffic patterns after release. Separate expected recrawling from a technical fault such as accidental blocking. Google notes that site moves can cause temporary ranking fluctuations; careful preparation reduces avoidable mistakes but cannot guarantee unchanged search traffic.
Checks for this implementation
- Retain a reviewed old-to-new URL map with responsible owners.
- Check direct redirects and relevant destinations after launch.
- Monitor important landing pages beyond the first production day.
Common mistake to avoid
Sending every retired URL to the homepage wastes context and can weaken both user experience and organic value.
A controlled migration gives search engines consistent signals while customers continue reaching relevant destinations.
Platform references
Continue with Migration planning checklist, or discuss the requirements for your store.
