CMS Migration SEO: Preserving Rankings During a Platform Switch

CMS migration is risky. URLs change, structure changes, content moves. Without a plan, you lose rankings. With one, you preserve — or improve.

Redirect Map

• Every URL — Old → new. No exceptions for indexed pages.
• 301 permanent — Tells search engines the move is permanent. Passes link equity.
• No chains — A → B → C. Redirect directly to final URL.
• Test — After launch, verify every redirect. Automated checks.

Content

• Don’t lose content — Migrate everything. Don’t “start fresh” unless you’re intentionally pruning.
• Consolidate — Merge thin pages into one. 301 the thin ones.
• Update internal links — All links go to new URLs. No broken internal links.

Technical

• Sitemap — New sitemap with new URLs. Submit to Search Console.
• Schema — Re-implement. Don’t assume it carries over.
• Canonicals — Ensure new site has correct canonicals. No duplicate issues.

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