What to Know:
– Migrations can be time-consuming and stressful, especially without company-wide collaboration and alignment.
– Drops in rankings are a common concern during migrations.
– Freelance SEO and analytics consultant, Arnout Hellemans, shares myth-busting migration tips.
– Arnout has seen many migrations go wrong and shares case studies on what not to do for better success.
The Full Story:
In a recent podcast episode, freelance SEO and analytics consultant Arnout Hellemans shared his insights and tips on site migrations. With his experience in helping clients navigate migrations, Arnout discussed common pitfalls to avoid and provided valuable advice for a successful migration.
One of the main challenges during a migration is ensuring company-wide collaboration and alignment. Arnout emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders, including developers, content creators, and marketing teams, from the beginning of the migration process. This collaboration helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Another concern during migrations is the potential drop in rankings. Arnout explained that it is common for rankings to fluctuate during a migration, but it is important to monitor and analyze the data to understand the impact. He advised against making knee-jerk reactions to temporary drops in rankings and instead recommended focusing on the long-term goals of the migration.
Arnout also shared some myth-busting tips for site migrations. One common myth is that changing URLs will result in a loss of rankings. However, Arnout explained that as long as proper redirects are in place and the new URLs are optimized, there should not be a significant impact on rankings. He emphasized the importance of thorough planning and testing to ensure a smooth transition.
Another myth Arnout addressed is the belief that migrating to a new domain will automatically result in a loss of rankings. While there may be some initial fluctuations, Arnout explained that with proper planning and implementation, a migration to a new domain can actually improve rankings in the long run. He advised conducting a thorough analysis of the new domain’s authority and relevance before making the decision to migrate.
Arnout also shared some case studies of migrations gone wrong and highlighted the lessons learned from these experiences. One case study involved a client who migrated their site without proper redirects, resulting in a significant drop in rankings. Arnout emphasized the importance of setting up redirects correctly and testing them thoroughly before launching the migration.
In another case study, a client migrated their site to a new domain without considering the impact on their backlink profile. This resulted in a loss of valuable backlinks and a drop in rankings. Arnout stressed the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of the backlink profile and implementing a strategy to preserve and transfer valuable backlinks during a migration.
Overall, Arnout’s insights and tips provide valuable guidance for anyone planning a site migration. By involving all stakeholders, monitoring and analyzing data, and debunking common myths, businesses can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful migration.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/seo-site-migrations-common-pitfalls-to-avoid-podcast/497644/