Post Migration Audit: What to Check
A migration is not done at launch. Here is the audit that confirms it actually worked.
After a migration, confirm every old URL redirects to the correct new one in a single hop with none missed, then hunt for internal links still pointing at old addresses and update them to the new URLs. Keep auditing and monitoring for weeks, since problems from a migration often surface late as search engines recrawl.
Launch is the start, not the end
A migration goes live, and the temptation is to move on. But the effects surface over the following weeks as search engines recrawl, so the audit work is really just beginning at launch. Related: A Pre Launch Link Checklist
Keep reading: When to Run a Full Link Audit, How a Site Crawl Actually Works, Reading a Redirect Chain Map. See how DeadLinkr helps you on demand link and redirect audits for seo.
Confirm every redirect resolves
Check that each old URL redirects to the correct new one, in a single hop, and that none were missed. This is the backbone of preserving your value through a migration.
Hunt for internal links to old URLs
Even with redirects in place, internal links still pointing to old addresses create needless hops. A post migration crawl finds them so you can update them to point directly at the new URLs. Related: How Broken Links Waste Crawl Budget
Keep watching for weeks
Problems from a migration can appear late. Continuing to audit and monitor well past launch day is what turns a risky migration into one you can be confident about. Related: What is the best way to find staging and localhost URLs left behind on a live site?
- A migration's effects unfold over weeks
- Confirm every redirect resolves in one hop
- Update internal links still pointing to old URLs
- Keep auditing for weeks after launch
Julien Jimenez
Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a migration finished once the new site goes live?
No. The effects surface over the following weeks as search engines recrawl, so the audit work really just begins at launch. Continuing to check and monitor is what makes a migration reliable.
Why update internal links if redirects are already in place?
Internal links still pointing to old URLs create needless extra hops even when redirects work. A post migration crawl finds them so you can point them directly at the new URLs and preserve value.
A deep link audit whenever you need one
On demand link and redirect audits for SEO. DeadLinkr is built to help you put this into practice.
Run an auditMore from the DeadLinkr blog
When to Run a Full Link Audit
How a Site Crawl Actually Works
Reading a Redirect Chain Map
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