Build a comprehensive old-to-new URL redirect map.
- Build a comprehensive old-to-new URL redirect map2 cited sources1 category
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Why this matters
Ensures all existing URLs properly redirect to new URLs to preserve SEO equity and prevent traffic loss during migration.
Hypothetical standard operating procedure
Adapt this example to your site, access, tools, and change process. It is our suggested procedure, informed by the sources below.
- Extract full list of current URLs using a crawling tool.
- Map each old URL to a new URL or retirement decision explicitly.
- Prioritize mapping top traffic, linked, and converting pages first.
- Validate redirect rules with test cases for URL variants and protocols.
- Document redirect map with owners and test results for approval.
Watch for
Incomplete or incorrect redirects lead to ranking drops and link equity loss.
Definition of done
Redirect map covers all priority URLs with correct 301 redirects and destinations verified.
Sources & attribution
Original checklist wording and example SOP by Best SEO Checklist, using source-grounded AI assistance. Editorial contact: Ted Kubaitis, @tedkubaitis on Teams. Check current source guidance before implementation.