Compile complete baseline of old site URLs with metadata before migration.
- Compile complete baseline of old site URLs with metadata before migration1 cited source1 category
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Why this matters
A thorough baseline enables accurate comparison and identification of lost URLs post-launch.
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.
- Combine CMS inventory, sitemaps, analytics, Search Console, and server logs.
- Record each important URL with page purpose, current HTTP status, title, main heading, and canonical tag.
- Include images, downloads and other assets with addresses that will change.
- Keep private enquiry data excluded from shared documents.
- Confirm business-owned access to hosting, domain, CMS, analytics, and Search Console.
Watch for
Relying only on sitemaps can miss important landing pages and assets.
Definition of done
Baseline inventory includes URLs, purpose, status, titles, headings, canonicals, and assets.
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.