technical seo Checklist for Migrations: Risk-Proofing Your Launch
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, search engine optimization (SEO) has become an essential component of any successful online strategy. For businesses in Calgary and Alberta, a strong online presence is crucial for reaching local customers and driving revenue growth. However, when migrating your website or launching a new project, it’s easy to overlook critical technical SEO considerations that can impact your rankings, traffic, and conversions.
In fact, according to Google, 53% of online users will abandon a site if its mobile design is not user-friendly (Google, 2020). To avoid this fate and ensure a smooth transition, we’ve compiled a comprehensive technical SEO checklist for migrations. By following these aggressive strategies and specific tactics, you’ll be well on your way to dominating Calgary search results.
Risk-Proofing Your Launch: Avoid Common Pitfalls
Before diving into the checklist, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with neglecting technical SEO during a migration or launch. Some common pitfalls include:
* Losing existing rankings due to changes in site architecture or content
* Incurring penalties from Google for technical errors, such as duplicate content or broken links
* Failing to adapt to changes in user behavior and search engine algorithms
To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to conduct thorough keyword research, analyze your website’s performance, and implement a robust technical SEO strategy.
Technical SEO Checklist for Migrations
I. Website Architecture and Site Speed
1. Conduct a site audit: Evaluate your current website structure, identifying opportunities to improve navigation, information architecture, and content hierarchy.
2. Optimize images and media: Ensure all images are compressed, optimized, and correctly sized to enhance page load times and improve user experience.
3. Implement progressive web apps (PWAs): Take advantage of modern web technologies to deliver faster, more engaging experiences on mobile devices.
II. URL Structure and Canonicalization
1. Map old URLs to new ones: Implement a redirect strategy to preserve link equity and maintain existing rankings.
2. Use canonical tags correctly: Specify the preferred version of each page to avoid duplication and improve crawl efficiency.
3. Monitor redirects for errors: Set up alerts to detect any issues with URL mapping or canonicalization.
III. Content Migration and Repurposing
1. Conduct content gap analysis: Identify missing pages, outdated information, and areas where existing content can be improved.
2. Repurpose and update existing content: Enhance relevance, accuracy, and user experience by updating meta descriptions, titles, and headings.
3. Create high-quality new content: Develop fresh, engaging content that meets the needs of your target audience and addresses gaps in existing information.
IV. Mobile-Friendliness and Accessibility
1. Conduct mobile-friendliness testing: Ensure a seamless user experience on various devices and browsers.
2. Implement accessibility features: Make sure all pages meet web accessibility standards, including color contrast, font size, and navigation.
V. Technical SEO Tools and Software
1. Set up Google Search Console (GSC) and Google Analytics (GA): Monitor performance, crawl errors, and rankings in real-time.
2. Use a technical SEO tool: Leverage tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to identify areas for improvement and track progress.
VI. content marketing and local seo
1. Develop a content marketing strategy: Create engaging content that attracts links, shares, and mentions from local sources.
2. Optimize for local search: Ensure your business is listed accurately on Google My Business and other local directories.
3. Build high-quality backlinks: Foster relationships with local influencers, partners, or suppliers to gain authoritative links.
VII. Launch and Post-Launch Monitoring
1. Test thoroughly before launch: Ensure all technical SEO elements are in place and functioning correctly.
2. Monitor performance post-launch: Keep a close eye on rankings, traffic, and conversions, making adjustments as needed.
By following this comprehensive technical SEO checklist for migrations, you’ll be well-equipped to risk-proof your launch and dominate Calgary search results. Don’t wait – take the first step towards achieving digital marketing success in Alberta’s vibrant online landscape.
Dominate Calgary search results—book a strategy call with Eikeland SEO today!
References and Further Reading:
* Google. (2020). How People Search.
* Moz. (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide to Technical SEO.
* Ahrefs. (n.d.). Technical SEO Checklist.
Note: This content is optimized for search engines but not intended to promote any specific service or product.
References and Further Reading
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