Inventory the current digital estate
Record pages, files, forms, domains, analytics, email, integrations and administrator accounts. Use traffic and stakeholder input to identify content that is valuable even when its current presentation is poor.
Map content and redirects
Assign every useful old URL a destination in the new structure and redirect it after launch. Consolidate duplication, preserve verified history and avoid carrying stale registration or contact information into the replacement.
Test ownership before cutover
Verify domains, certificates, forms, data feeds, analytics and publishing access using real scenarios. Keep a rollback and communication plan so the committee knows how issues will be handled during the transition.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Should every old page be migrated?
No. Preserve useful or historically valuable content, consolidate duplication and retire material with no continuing purpose.
Why are redirects important?
They guide people and search engines from valuable old URLs to the relevant new destination.
When should the old site close?
After the new site, redirects, forms, integrations, ownership and critical journeys have been verified.