Migrating a website can be a complex and time-consuming process, with many different factors to consider.
This checklist can help ensure that the migration goes smoothly and that all important tasks are completed. It provides a clear and organised plan for executing the migration, helping to minimise the risk of errors or omissions.
By following the steps on this checklist, you can be confident that the migration process will be thorough and effective, and that the new website will be set up for success.
Plan the migration: The first step in any website migration is to identify the scope of the migration and set a timeline for the project. This includes determining what content will be migrated, what changes will be made to the website, and how long the migration is expected to take. It's also important to assemble a team of people who will be responsible for executing the migration. This may include web developers, content creators, and IT professionals.
Inventory the current website: Before the migration begins, it's important to create a list of all pages, images, and other assets on the current website. This will help you keep track of what needs to be migrated and ensure that nothing is left behind.
Analyse website traffic: Using tools like Google Analytics, it's important to understand how users are currently accessing the website and how they interact with it. This will help you identify any potential issues that may arise during the migration process, such as a sudden drop in traffic or a decline in conversions.
Identify any technical issues: Before the migration begins, it's important to check for broken links, 404 errors, and other technical issues that need to be addressed. These issues can cause problems for users and search engines, and should be fixed before the migration takes place.
Create a backup of the current website: It's always a good idea to create a backup of the entire website before starting the migration process. This will allow you to restore the website if something goes wrong during the migration, or if you need to roll back the changes for any reason.
Set up the new hosting environment: Once the migration plan is in place, it's time to set up the new hosting environment. This includes configuring the domain name, DNS, and web server. It's important to get this step right, as it will ensure that the new website is accessible to users and search engines.
Migrate the website content: The next step is to transfer all pages, images, and other assets from the current website to the new hosting environment. This may involve manually copying and pasting content, or using a tool to automate the process.
Test the migrated website: Once the website content has been migrated, it's important to thoroughly test the new website to ensure that all pages, links, and features are working properly. This may involve testing the website on different devices and browsers, as well as checking for any broken links or other issues.
Update any necessary redirects: If the website's URL structure has changed during the migration, it's important to set up redirects from the old URLs to the new ones. This will ensure that users and search engines can find the correct pages and will help preserve the website's search engine rankings.
Launch the new website: Once all testing is complete and any necessary redirects have been set up, it's time to launch the new website and make it live for users. This may involve updating DNS records and taking the old website offline.
Monitor the migrated website: It's important to keep an eye on the new website after it has been launched to ensure that everything is running smoothly. This may involve monitoring traffic and conversion metrics, as well as addressing any issues that may arise. It's also a good idea to continue testing the website on an ongoing basis to ensure that it remains stable and functional.
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