Redesign without disappearing from Google

01

List what you have before you change anything

Before the redesign starts, make a list of every page on the current site, and note which ones get the most search traffic and enquiries. Google Search Console and Analytics show this. Those pages are your most valuable assets. The redesign must keep their content, or improve it, and keep them reachable.

Note which pages other websites link to as well, since those links carry value.

02

Keep URLs where you can

The simplest way to avoid problems is to keep page addresses the same. If /services/logo-design/ ranks well today, keep that address on the new site. Changing platform, for example from Wix to WordPress, often changes URL structure by default, so plan the new structure deliberately rather than accepting whatever the new system does.

03

Redirect every old URL that changes

When an address must change, set up a 301 redirect from the old address to the most relevant new page. A 301 tells browsers and Google that the page has moved permanently, and passes most of its search value to the new address. Redirect each old page to its true equivalent, not everything to the home page.

Make a simple two-column list: old URL, new URL. Every important old page should appear on it.

Do not forget old URLs linked from Google Business Profile, social bios, printed QR codes and directory listings.

04

Do not throw away content that ranks

Redesigns often cut text to make pages look cleaner. If a service page ranks because it explains the service well, answers questions and mentions your area, removing most of that text can remove the reason it ranks. Improve the layout and keep the substance. Rewrite where needed, but do not reduce useful pages to a headline and a button.

05

Keep titles, headings and internal links sensible

Page titles and meta descriptions often reset on a new platform. Carry over the ones that work, or write better ones. Keep a clear heading structure. Make sure important pages are still linked from the menu or home page; a page that is hard to reach from within the site can lose visibility.

06

Launch checks

After launch, check that the site is not blocking search engines, a common mistake when a staging site's "discourage search engines" setting is left on. Submit the new sitemap in Search Console. Test the redirect list: every old URL should land on the right new page. Check that analytics is installed. Test forms and WhatsApp buttons.

07

Watch for a few weeks

In the weeks after launch, watch Search Console for pages not found and indexing errors, and fix missing redirects as they appear. Compare search clicks and enquiries with the same period before launch. A small dip that recovers within a few weeks is common. A large drop that persists usually points to missing redirects, lost content or a technical block.

Plan SEO at the start, not after launch

Most redesign traffic losses come from decisions made early: new URL structures, deleted pages and trimmed content. Fixing them after launch is possible but slower. Planning them into the project from day one costs almost nothing.

Every old page should either still exist or redirect somewhere sensible.

If your web designer does not mention redirects or URL planning when quoting a redesign, ask about it directly.

Will a website redesign affect my Google rankings?

It can, especially if URLs change without redirects or content that ranked is removed. With URLs kept or redirected and content preserved, rankings usually carry over with only short-term fluctuation.

What is a 301 redirect?

A permanent redirect from an old web address to a new one. It sends visitors and search engines to the new page and passes most of the old page's search value.

Why did my traffic drop after a new website?

Common causes are missing redirects, removed content, pages blocked from search engines, or changed titles. Search Console's indexing reports usually point to the problem.