How important is URL structure in a website migration?

During a website migration, URL structure is one of the most important elements to consider. In this article, we discuss why URL structure is so important during migration and how it can affect user experience, SEO performance and retention of your organic search traffic. In this article, we provide some tips and tools around URL structure during a website migration.

What is a url structure?

A URL structure is a list that refers to the way web addresses, URLs, of a website are built and structured. URLs involve a hierarchy and arrangement that represent different pages and their content. A good URL structure is important so that the user experience is improved. It also helps search engines understand the content and organise the website. Via this way, logical paths will appear on the website. If a clear URL structure is present, it can contribute to the findability and indexing of the website. Paying attention to the URL structure is therefore important and necessary.

The difference between menu structure and URL structure

The main difference between the URL structure and menu structure is the purpose of the structure. The URL structure refers to a list of web addresses belonging to pages of a website. The URL structure list will need to be logical and organised, reflecting the hierarchy of content. On the contrary, the menu structure refers to how to navigate the website. Consisting of main categories and subcategories that help users navigate the website.

Why is URL structure important in a website migration?

URL structure is important for several reasons in a website migration. URL structure plays a role in user experience as it helps in navigating and understanding the website. In addition, a URL structure helps in improving the website's findability in search engines because it can contain keywords and other relevant information. Finally, a URL structure can help maintain link value and avoid dead links.

Drawing out the right structure

Outlining the right structure is very important during a SEO migration. It can help search engines better understand and index your website. This is done by using relevant keywords in the URLs and creating a logical and readable structure this way. This improves visibility and ranking in search results.

Redirecting the urls with 301 redirects

In a website migration, redirecting URLs with 301 redirects is very important. 301-redirects ensure that visitors are automatically sent to the correct page, this is even if the URL structure has changed. 301 redirects are important for search engines and user experience, as it helps search engines understand that content has been permanently moved. Implementing a redirect file, can simplify this process. A redirect file is a listing of old and new URLs being redirected.

Can a lot go wrong with URLs when migrating?

At a website migration a lot can go wrong with regard to URLs. Especially in maintaining the correct URL structure, resolving redirects, avoiding broken links and maintaining references to internal and external sources. Small errors in URL structure can already have major consequences for the website.

By paying enough attention to this onder the migration, by checking carefully, any problems can be fixed. Checking internal links and setting up proper redirects also play a role.

So by paying enough time and attention to the URLs during a migration, users can easily visit the desired pages. Hereonder also watch our video on SEO migrations, in which Martijn Hoving talks about his biggest SEO mistakes.

Need help with a SEO migration?

When it comes to a SEO migration, we at Onder are here to help. Our team of experienced SEO specialists can guide and onder support you every step of the migration process. From planning to technical SEO challenges. Take contact with us and find out how we can help you onder supports successful SEO migration.