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SEO is a major consideration when relaunching a website. Relaunching your site can have a major impact on your site’s organic rankings. Going into the relaunch with a plan will set you up for success. When we relaunch a site for a client, we always consider the following:
- Keyword Research and Content Strategy
- Perform thorough keyword research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that align with your business goals. Understand what your target audience is searching for.
- Create a content strategy: Develop high-quality, keyword-rich content that satisfies user intent. Ensure that your new pages address these keywords effectively.
- Technical SEO Optimization
- Site Architecture and Hierarchy: Review your site’s structure. Optimize it for crawlability and user experience. Ensure logical navigation and a clear hierarchy.
- Metadata and On-Page Elements: Add descriptive metadata (title tags, meta descriptions) to each page. Optimize headings, images, and internal links.
- Page Speed: Optimize images, minimize code, and leverage browser caching. A faster site improves user experience and search rankings.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly. Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing.
- 301 Redirects and Broken Links
- Redirect Old URLs: Map old URLs to new ones using 301 redirects. Preserve link equity and prevent broken links.
- Audit and Fix Broken Links: Identify broken links during migration. Fix or redirect them to relevant pages.
- Backlink Preservation and Outreach
- Backlink Audit: Analyze existing backlinks. Prioritize high-quality links and ensure they remain intact after the relaunch.
- Outreach Strategy: Inform relevant websites about your relaunch. Request updated backlinks to the new pages.
- Monitoring and Post-Launch Optimization
- Monitor Rankings and Traffic: Track keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user behavior post-launch. Address any fluctuations promptly.
- Google Search Console and Analytics: Set up these tools to monitor performance. Check for crawl errors, indexation issues, and other anomalies.
- User Experience (UX): Continuously improve UX. Optimize site speed, enhance navigation, and address user feedback.
Remember, a successful website relaunch involves meticulous planning, execution, and ongoing optimization. By addressing these SEO considerations, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth transition and improved organic visibility.