I came across one blog seo-scoop.com and found some very useful information about website redesign. Just I shared it with you all.
Quick Checklist for redesign the website,
- 301 redirects. This must be done if you are changing your URLs in any way. This involves pointing the old URLs to the new ones.
- Reinstall your analytics tracking code. If you use Google Analytics, install the new Asynchronous Tracking code.
- Create a robots.txt file.
- Create a HTML sitemap.
- If you’re a local business, ensure you have all your citations up-to-date. This local citations list from GetListed.org is a great place to start.
- Redirect the non-www version of your site to the www version (or vice versa). This is referred to as canonicalization.
- Go through a website usability checklist to ensure your site follows best practices.
- Put some effort into creating a solid site architecture. Properly organize, prioritize and label your content.
- If you’re a local SMB, include your address in the footer.
- If you have a high-traffic site and decide to change the layout, make sure popular features are still easy to find.
- Freshen up your keyword research. Natural keyword integration into your content is key.
- Create unique meta descriptions and page titles for every single page. Consider each page to be a new keyword opportunity and avoid duplication.
- Order is important: Don’t forget semantic structure. Until HTML 5 is in full effect, ensure your headers are listed in order e.g. H1, H2, H3, etc…
- Logically create search engine friendly URLs with your keywords.
- Use Flash sparingly. Web savvy visitors prefer practicality. (And yes there are always exceptions to every rule.)
- Ensure there is a good call to action on every page if you want to convert visitors in some way.
- Place alt tags on your images.
- Create a custom 404 page.
- Plan out a logical internal linking structure. Use good anchor text to link to your other pages.
- And last, but definitely not least, remember the 5 second rule on your homepage. If your visitor can not find what they need in 5 seconds or less they will leave.
( Courtesy : SEO Scoop )
- 301 redirects. This must be done if you are changing your URLs in any way. This involves pointing the old URLs to the new ones.
- Reinstall your analytics tracking code. If you use Google Analytics, install the new Asynchronous Tracking code.
- Create a robots.txt file.
- Create a HTML sitemap.
- If you’re a local business, ensure you have all your citations up-to-date. This local citations list from GetListed.org is a great place to start.
- Redirect the non-www version of your site to the www version (or vice versa). This is referred to as canonicalization.
- Go through a website usability checklist to ensure your site follows best practices.
- Put some effort into creating a solid site architecture. Properly organize, prioritize and label your content.
- If you’re a local SMB, include your address in the footer.
- If you have a high-traffic site and decide to change the layout, make sure popular features are still easy to find. (Think Facebook.)
- Freshen up your keyword research. Natural keyword integration into your content is key.
- Create unique meta descriptions and page titles for every single page. Consider each page to be a new keyword opportunity and avoid duplication.
- Order is important: Don’t forget semantic structure. Until HTML 5 is in full effect, ensure your headers are listed in order e.g. H1, H2, H3, etc…
- Logically create search engine friendly URLs with your keywords.
- Use Flash sparingly. Web savvy visitors prefer practicality. (And yes there are always exceptions to every rule.)
- Ensure there is a good call to action on every page if you want to convert visitors in some way.
- Place alt tags on your images.
- Create a custom 404 page.
- Plan out a logical internal linking structure. Use good anchor text to link to your other pages.
- And last, but definitely not least, remember the 5 second rule on your homepage. If your visitor can not find what they need in 5 seconds or less they will leave.