Keep useful website links working when pages move

A useful starting point

Before renaming website pages, create an old-to-new URL map. An assistant can propose likely matches, but someone familiar with your services should approve them. A redirect to an unrelated page is a poor substitute for the information a visitor expected.

A worked example

For an illustrative service rename, record the old URL, replacement URL, reason for moving and pages linking to it. Update those internal links and check the destination before launch. Keep genuinely removed content separate from pages with an equivalent replacement.

Implementation and review

Google recommends accurate mapping and direct redirects during URL changes. Have your developer test status codes, canonicals and sitemap entries. Check a bookmarked old link and a link from the main navigation. Avoid redirect chains that send visitors through multiple intermediate pages.

Google documents URL mapping, redirects and updating internal links when pages move. Google: changing website URLs

Measure the improvement

Measure broken internal links, failed visits and time spent correcting them after a change. Search rankings can fluctuate and are not guaranteed by redirect work. Include the review, implementation and monitoring cost; a small mapping checklist may cover an occasional change.

Discuss an implementation

This guide applies across Canada. We provide remote AI consulting for businesses in Calgary; it does not describe a local client or a staffed office.

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