Table of Contents
- Pre-Migration Planning
- Checklist for Website Migration
- Content Audit
- Technical Review & Performance
- Steps to Migrate Your Website to WordPress
- Post-Migration Checks
- Challenges During Migration
- Final Review and Monitoring
- Ready to Start Migration?
- Need Help with Website Migration?
Website migration can be daunting for marketers, often leading to decreased conversions, performance issues, and fluctuating traffic. As a WordPress development agency, we’ve spent countless hours successfully migrating websites to WordPress. To streamline this process, we’ve developed an essential website migration checklist that ensures a smooth transition.
Pre-Migration Planning
1. Set Clear Objectives for Migration
- Define specific goals for your migration. Are you moving to an existing WordPress site or starting anew?
- Evaluate your server needs based on anticipated traffic—choose between VPS or dedicated servers.
- Clarify your primary motivations—scalability, security, or another factor.
2. Identify Stakeholders & Roles
Engage all affected departments, including marketing, sales, and management. Communicate potential disruptions and the migration’s benefits for a smoother transition.
3. Backup Current Website Data
Ensure a complete backup of all data to safeguard against any issues during migration. A reliable backup allows for data restoration if needed.
4. Audit Current Website Performance & Traffic
Conduct a thorough website audit to document performance metrics, indexing rates, and search rankings before migration. This will help you measure improvements post-migration.
5. Establish a Detailed Timeline
Create a realistic migration timeline that includes ample time for testing and troubleshooting.
Checklist for Website Migration
1. Website Layout
Opt for a custom theme during migration to maintain user experience. Engage a custom theme development agency if necessary.
2. SEO Considerations
- URL Mapping: Ensure all old URLs redirect to the new site.
- Canonical Tags: Update these to avoid duplicate content issues.
- 301 Redirects: Implement redirects to maintain traffic flow.
- Metadata Transfer: Accurately transfer metadata to retain SEO value.
Content Audit
- Content Backup: Maintain the same structure for easier migration.
- Redirection Strategy: Develop a strategy to preserve SEO value.
- Content Review: Update outdated information during migration.
Technical Review & Performance
- Technical Crawl Errors: Identify and resolve any crawl errors.
- Responsiveness: Ensure the site is mobile-friendly.
- SSL Certification: Set up SSL correctly on the new server.
Steps to Migrate Your Website to WordPress
Step 1: Set Up WordPress Hosting Environment
- Select a reliable hosting provider and install WordPress.
- Configure server settings, including SSL and caching.
Step 2: Import and Configure WordPress Themes and Plugins
- Import existing content to maintain continuity.
- Set up the theme and add essential plugins for SEO and security.
Step 3: DNS Change and Domain Pointing
Update DNS records to point to the new server, allowing for smooth domain transitions.
Step 4: Ensure All Links, Images, and Media Are Mapped Correctly
- Verify that all links and media assets are functioning and correctly mapped to prevent broken links.
Post-Migration Checks
Conduct post-migration checks to confirm everything is functioning correctly.
1. Full Site Crawl to Check for Errors or Broken Links
Run a comprehensive site crawl to identify any errors or broken links that need attention.
2. Verify Google Analytics, Search Console, and Tracking Codes
Ensure all tracking codes are correctly implemented on the new site.
3. Test Contact Forms, E-commerce Functionality, and CTAs
Check all forms and eCommerce functions to ensure they work correctly.
4. Review WordPress Security Settings and Backup Solutions
- Verify that your backup solution is functioning and security settings are up-to-date.
Challenges During Migration
1. Handling WordPress Plugin Conflicts
Update plugins to ensure compatibility with the new installation.
2. Managing Complex URL Structures
Manually verify and rewrite complex URLs as needed.
3. Retaining SEO Rankings and Traffic During Transition
Test high-ranking pages to ensure they perform as expected.
4. Ensuring E-commerce or Form Functionality
Verify all forms and eCommerce functions are working after migration.
Final Review and Monitoring
1. Benchmark Post-Migration Performance Against Pre-Migration
Use performance tools to compare the new site with the old one.
2. Set Up Ongoing Monitoring for Traffic, SEO, and Website Health
Monitor traffic and technical issues regularly after migration.
Ready to Start Migration?
Now you have a complete website migration checklist! Use this guide to ensure a smooth transition to WordPress.
Need Help with Website Migration?
If you need assistance with your website migration, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our experienced team is here to help.
