How to Switch Website Platforms Without Negatively Impacting Your Google Ranking
Embarking on a journey to switch web platforms is a significant undertaking, often prompted by the need for enhanced control or a shift in the business landscape. As we delve into the intricacies of website migration, especially the transition from Squarespace to Shopify, a crucial consideration emerges: “How can this move be executed without casting a shadow on your SEO?”
In this in-flight magazine article, we unravel the complexities of this process and provide invaluable insights to ensure a seamless migration that preserves, and even enhances, your website's search engine ranking.
It's crucial to recognize that the process of switching web platforms, especially if you're considering transitioning from Squarespace to Shopify, involves more than a simple copy-and-paste or importing/exporting of data. Unfortunately, it isn't quite that straightforward. Site migration is a meticulous manual process, one that we strongly advise against attempting without a well-thought-out plan, at the very least.
Website Migration Checklist
Before you begin
Write out a list of goals you’d like to achieve from switching web platforms.
Take note of any risks and opportunities you see to make sure switching web platforms is actually the right next step for you.
Jot down all of your existing website pages. You will later benefit from a list of page URL’s and what copy/images belong on each page — you could get photos of each page using a tool like ‘GoFullPage’ (a free chrome extension) and paste any copy into a Google Document, or similar.
Run a website audit on your current site and see if there are any issues that you’ll be able to fix in the site migration.
If your goal is to increase web traffic or SEO rankings by switching web platforms, take note of the current performance data (from at least the last 3 months) so that you’ll be able to measure the success of your site migration.
Before you relaunch*
Reconnect your domain
If you no longer need a page, or if the new web platform does not enable you to use the same URL pattern as your existing site, you’ll need to set up redirects from old URLs to the new ones.
You might also need to reconnect your new website to your Google Analytics account and any other integrations you may require (Facebook & Instagram are a common one, especially when moving to Shopify)
*Within this step is where the new website build, design and development will take place. But I’m not really covering this today, just the elements that people tend to forget about!
After relaunching
Re-submit your website sitemap to Google
Check that your professional email address is still working. You may need to update the MX records if you’ve moved the domain to a new host.
Congratulations on successfully navigating the complex process of migrating your website to a new platform! As you settle into your revamped online presence, remember that the work doesn't end at launch. Ongoing success hinges on monitoring and adaptation.
Regularly assess your website's performance, address any emerging issues promptly, and stay updated on the latest trends in web development. Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed, ensuring your digital journey remains smooth and optimized.
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