How to Set Up a Redirect Strategy After a Website Redesign

When you redesign a website, one of the most critical steps is setting up a proper redirect strategy. Failing to implement redirects can result in 404 errors, damaged SEO, and frustrated visitors.

Start by creating a comprehensive inventory of all existing pages on your old site. Use tools like Google Search Console or a site crawler to list every URL that currently receives traffic or has backlinks.

Once you have this list, map each old URL to its most relevant counterpart on the new site. Avoid redirecting everything to the homepage unless absolutely necessary.

Instead, match content based on topic, structure, and user intent. If a service page has been restructured, point the old URL to the most contextually aligned new page.

If a page has been permanently removed and there is no direct replacement, consider redirecting to a closely related category page or a helpful resource that addresses the same user need. Send users to a blog post or guide that fulfills the same purpose.

Use 301 redirects for permanent changes, as they pass along most of the SEO value from the old page to the new one. These redirects signal to search engines that the content has moved permanently and should transfer authority.

Test your redirects thoroughly after deployment. Manually test high-value pages to confirm proper routing and avoid infinite loops.

Monitor your site’s performance in analytics and search console for any spikes in 404 errors or drops in traffic. Track bounce rate and session duration changes in Google Analytics.

Finally, keep your redirect map updated and review it periodically, especially if you make further changes to your site structure. Maintain a living document of all redirects for future reference.

A well planned redirect strategy preserves your SEO equity, maintains user trust, طراحی سایت اصفهان and ensures a smooth transition during and after your redesign. When executed correctly, redirects turn a site overhaul into an opportunity—not a liability.