How to Migrate a WordPress Site Without Losing SEO

Before You Migrate

• Full Backup First: Secure your files, database, and settings with reliable plugins like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault.

• SEO Audit: Track important SEO metrics in Google Search Console and Analytics before you migrate.

• URL & Meta Inventory: Use Screaming Frog to map all important URLs and metadata.

• Fast, Reliable Hosting: Make sure your new host is optimized for WordPress speed, SSL, and security.

How to Migrate

• Plugin Method: Ideal for simple sites. Use tools like Duplicator or Migrate Guru.

• Manual Migration: Best for large or complex websites. It takes more work but gives you full control.

Protect SEO with Redirects

• Keep URLs Same: Avoid changing URLs if possible.

• 301 Redirects: If you must change URLs, implement 301 redirects to pass SEO authority.

• Test Everything: Use online tools to confirm redirects are working with no errors or loops.

Fix Links & On-Page SEO

• Check Internal Links: Use Broken Link Checker to repair broken internal links.

• Optimize Meta Tags: Make sure all titles, descriptions, and headers are intact.

• Schema Check: Double-check that your structured data (schema) is still in place.

Post-Migration Cleanup

• Speed Up the Site: Optimize images and caching for faster load times.

• HTTPS Check: Confirm your SSL is installed and working.

• Mobile First: Test responsiveness on multiple screen sizes.

Tell Google You’ve Moved

• Resubmit Sitemap: Upload your sitemap to Google Search Console.

• Check Indexing: Use URL Inspection to confirm crawlability.

• Watch Analytics: Track traffic for any sudden drops and troubleshoot fast.

Avoid SEO Mistakes

• Skipping redirect tests.

• Forgetting to noindex your staging site.

• Missing canonical URL updates.

• Misconfiguring robots.txt.

Conclusion

Moving your website shouldn’t cost you your SEO. Follow these steps for a smooth, SEO-friendly migration. Want expert help with your next migration? Integriti Studio has you covered.

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