Pre-migration prep
- Export content, redirects, and media from your current platform; inventory every live URL.
- Create a URL mapping sheet (old → new) and note status codes to keep.
- Freeze major content changes 48 hours before launch to avoid drift.
Rebuild
Replicate layouts using your new builder’s sections. Keep navigation identical and maintain internal linking.
Redirects
Create 301 redirects for every URL change; avoid broad catch-alls that hide missing pages.
Media & assets
Replace outdated PDFs/images, ensure alt text survives the move, and compress large hero assets.
Integrations
Reconnect analytics, pixels, forms, and email tools; test each conversion path before launch day.
Launch day checklist
- Lower DNS TTL 24 hours prior; switch A/CNAME records during low-traffic hours.
- Test critical paths (nav, forms, checkout) on live domain; verify SSL and canonical tags.
- Push your redirect map, remove noindex tags, and fetch pages in Search Console.
Post-launch monitoring
- Track 404s and fix gaps within 24 hours; update redirect map as needed.
- Compare analytics (sessions, conversions) to your pre-launch baseline after 72 hours.
- Resubmit sitemap, monitor index coverage, and review Core Web Vitals.