Inventory before replacing

Save the current files and export known URLs, analytics landing pages and Search Console pages. Identify important campaign links and downloadable files. A new visual design should not silently remove the pages people already use.

Illustrative creative workbench with branding materials
Creative thinking. Practical execution.

Choose destinations before redirects

Keep a URL when it still serves the same purpose. Where a page changes, map the old address to the closest useful replacement. Do not redirect everything to the homepage; that discards context and can frustrate visitors.

Test real journeys

Use a phone to navigate, read, call and submit a test enquiry. Check the inbox as well as the success message. A server accepting an email does not prove it reached the final inbox, so the recipient should confirm delivery.

Launch with a recovery plan

Keep a known working backup, note DNS and hosting dependencies, and schedule the switch when someone can verify the result. After launch, test old URLs, review sitemap responses and monitor Search Console errors and real enquiry handling.

Your practical checklist

  • Back up the existing site
  • Map old URLs to relevant destinations
  • Test forms through to the inbox
  • Check mobile navigation and image loading
  • Submit the new sitemap and monitor errors
Bluemoon Creative Agency

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