This post started out to be a quick case study on the effectiveness of getting your business listed in Local Search Engines – and quickly turned into what not to do if you decide to upgrade or remodel your Web site. The reason for the change was noting that a site that had 543 listing in Google the last time I checked had dropped to only 234.
The reason for the drop was that their “friends” are “helping them out” by remodeling their site. The first thing they did was remove all existing pages and replace the home page with “We are currently remodeling”.
Any professionals reading this already know where I’m going so you may want to check out the categories and sub-categories in the right sidebar as this blog is intended for reference and I update older posts regularly with new links and current information.
If you don’t already know why you should NEVER remove an existing site without knowing what you’re doing please read on. One of the reasons I don’t personally work with clients any more is that I feel so badly for them when they do something so unfortunate as this to themselves.
BEFORE you replace a single existing page the URL for that page should be redirected to the new equivalent page. At a minimum redirect all “missing” pages to your home page. Don’t just cause them to disappear. When you do this you lose all the incoming visitors and every search engine listing for those pages.
- Do you really want to eliminate all your existing incoming links in one fell swoop?
- Do not delete pages without redirecting them.
- Do not rename pages without redirecting them.
- Do not replace real content with “we’re remodeling”. How effective is THAT kind of non-content for retaining existing clients much less generating new business?
If you don’t know how to redirect pages find someone that does. Don’t let anyone touch your site until you know they know what they’re doing!
[NOTE: If you already have a site or blog with a free hosting company that doesn't provide for you to do redirects use creative 404 pages instead.]
And while we’re talking about redesigning and upgrading, if you’re serious about being online, existing sites should be created as WordPress blogs and made interactive. Unless you’re already famous, having a site that “lectures” visitors instead of one that allows them to interact with you is going to be a bust.
Figure out how to create a community and make your visitors feel welcome. Find out what they want and give it to them. The number one complaint – offline and on – is unresponsive customer service. It doesn’t work for corporations any longer – they’re being dragged into responding – and it won’t work for any small businesses – or even bloggers – either.
MORE WEB DESIGN TIPS:
PAINFUL REDESIGNS:
- Published on ProBlogger (guest post): Luck is a Curse: How NOT TO Relaunch and Rebrand Your Blog. There May Be Tears
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Great points for anyone reworking their site. This is one of the reasons we always recommend WordPress – so you can update / redesign your site without touching your structure.
I also hate the “under construction” or “coming soon”.. Anything is better than this!
Andy Brudtkuhl’s last blog post..6 WordPress Plugins to Increase Reader Engagement
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Andy Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I was appalled but not particularly surprised as I’ve seen this so many times.
Would you believe I actually set up a free WordPress blog for them and moved some of their content and created exceptional NEW content for them so they could see the benefits of moving to an interactive site.
Apparently that was almost a complete waste of time as even with a live site plus information on how much more a hosted, upgraded WP blog would benefit them than this free site and how much better even the free WP site was over their existing site I would be willing to bet that the “new” site is just another static site.
This is another reminder that I must focus my efforts on sharing what I’ve learned and very rarely ever do hands-on work to assist others. It reminds me of that book title “He’s Just Not That Into You” – it appears that most are “Just Not That Into Excellence”.
Please note that it is extremely important to use a 301 header redirect, and not a meta refresh, 302 redirect or any other method of redirecting. Otherwise the search engines will not pick up the redirecting as supposed!
Theo’s last blog post..Checklist ‘Mijn Website Is Stuk’
Nice post, this is a good idea for most people that are planning on changing their site. There are some great tips there on what not to do. thanks
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Theo Thank you so much for the tip that 301 header redirects are the appropriate method to use when redirecting. While I am far more familiar with SEO than many, it is not my area of expertise.
@Matt Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment. I know that most Web site owners don’t have the background that many bloggers we read do. I take the time to share information that many already know for the benefit of those who don’t.
Oh wow. I would think this stuff would be obvious but i guess not. Great advice certainly – these are huge mistakes deleting content etc.
Le Creuset’s last blog post..La Creuset Cookware Product Line
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Le Creuset Things become obvious once we learn them. Many people don’t think to ask as many questions as I do. Since they don’t understand how search engines work or how their visitors find them they make these mistakes.
We have a mix of readers from those with exceptional talents and experience to those just learning to set up their own blogs or improve their online stores. Since there is no way to know what each person already knows it is good to cover even the basics at times.
Twitter: @DennisEdell
Very timely, thanks! I’ll be redesigning and maybe restructuring all 3 blogs a bit soon.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..New Comment Policy – You Want To Read This
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Dennis: The great thing about using WordPress is that you may not have to change your links to remodel. Restructuring might be different, but WP handles some of that internally too. I’m off to read your new comment policy.
InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
It may seem obvious to exerienced web-designers etc, but it has taught me a few things. Thanks! Having just redesigned, changed hosting etc, I didn’t do any of the suggestions, but fortunately my traffic was so low before, that I don’t think I’ve lost out on anything. But I’ll bear your points in mind, as I will no doubt be tinkering in the near future.
Rob’s last blog post..Hints and Tips
Remodeling our web site is very hard to do…i hate it
I think for remodeling our site is waste the time also..
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Rob Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment. I am glad you picked up some ideas here and hope you’ll be back. I’ll go check out your Hints and Tips as soon as I send this.
If you’re using WordPress you can “tinker” regularly without affecting your incoming links. I highly recommend it. I’ll be doing more posts on using and improving WP Themes in the hopefully near future.
InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
This article is particularly handy for beginners who aren’t aware of “redirection” prior to deleting any urls. Of course, with WordPress, everything is easily taken care of. Nice tip on what “not” to do.
Yan
Yan’s last blog post..Arizona Culinary Schools
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Yan Thanks for commenting Yan. Yes, often knowing what “not” to do is just as important as knowing what “to” do.
InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
often knowing what “not” to do is just as important as knowing what “to” do.
Absolutely, couldn’t have said better myself…
Yan
Yan’s last blog post..Arizona Culinary Schools
I usually redirect using .htaccess (301 permanent) because it is easy and quick to do it across the board. Any idea what the effect on SEO is vs doing it using something like meta/header redirect on the individual page(s) themselves?
Some nice information. I think this is one of the things that almost everyone will run into at some point especially if you have several websites. I have had quite a few problems with 301 redirects and learned some harsh lessons along the way. Haha.
owain’s last blog post..John Cena Workout Routine
this tips are helpful for me. I plan to move my hosting but I have no idea how to move my exist website. Could you have any suggestion?
Jamaica website’s last blog post..www wamucards com
Twitter: @GrowMap
@B.Durant We’d need to consult an SEO expert for an accurate answer. Although I am aware of the basics I am not an SEO nor do I manage the technical aspects of sites myself.
I suspect the answers may change over time so the best time to research is when you’re planning a major change.
You’re into pet snakes? Are you a herpetologist?
@owain Thanks for commenting. One of the reasons I posted this information is that many site owners don’t even know they’ve made these mistakes even after they have!
I see your blog is about fitness and exercise. I’m glad to see you’re visiting blogs outside your own niche – specifically those on how to increase the popularity of your blog.
I always find it amusing when people with Twitter profiles indicating they’re into blogging or social networking unfollow when you post information specifically on those topics.
InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
Yea, I have problems before. I upgraded my Wordpress installation. It wents error everytime I upgraded my sites. Afer do WP official’s sugestion to upgrade, it works well.
Your content really help me. I deleted my pages. After a couple days, my page rank went down. And from Google Analytics, it also showing minus. Well, I still wondering what may be wrong. I think you just right.
I have deleted pages without any action to redirect it. Thanks, for this information. It helps me much.
I agree with B Durant…go with the 301 redirect
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Amri Unless there is a REALLY good reason no Web site should delete pages without at least redirecting them first. For most blogs and stores deleting any content IS going to have a negative impact so why do it?
In an online store if you discontinue a product use that page to offer related products or at least let the visitor know that you don’t carry that item any longer – and why (manufacturer discontinued, temporarily out of stock, etc.)
I can only imagine how many sales from both new and existing customers stores have lost through deleting old products (or removing the Add to Cart button) instead of communicating with their customers using the page that brought them to your site.
@Terry @D. Burant Thank you both for sharing that 301 redirects are still the appropriate way to preserve existing traffic.
InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
Quite true. I never really understood why some sites just put up a we’re remodeling or under construction page. When I see something like that, it makes me think that the persons behind the change didn’t really think through what it was they wanted to do.
Erik’s last blog post..West End Fabric Shower Curtain
“under construction” and “we are down for maintenance” pages are terrible – and they sometimes get indexed even if it is for just a few hours. Much better to leave the content up, but disable bookings or other functionality that is being updated.
Some very good points, clearly made. Under construction and remodelling pages should be consigned to the bin. If a site is moving from one domain to another there are a whole host of additional things to consider – 301 redirects are enormously important in these circumstances.
Fred’s last blog post..Glasgow Airport Parking – Weekend stays – £8.99
What should I do if my web developer keeps putting up the under construction pages. He’s only half way done and I’ve already put in over 6k. I don’t want to just drop him. Is it really going to have that big of impact?
Wow, you just saved me a lot of frustration! I am about to start changing around a few pages and have a google rank of 12 for one of the words. If I had not of read this I would have probably lost a good amount of rank. Thanks for the heads up.
cool, Ive recently changed my website so these tips could come in handy
All good points, especially the part about redirecting onld or moved pages. A lot of webmasters don’t think about the SEO ramifications of a move like that.
Gold Appraisal’s last blog post..Tips On How To Sell Gold; Selling Your Old, Scrap Jewelry
This is a great post. I remodeled one of my website. I may have lost many links. I wouldn’t have done this if I read this post.
Shanavas’s last blog post..Paypal Expained
Twitter: @GrowMap
I’m down with the flu. As soon as I feel up to it I’ll reply to all comments.
InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
Yeah, strange that rather bigger sites refactor their pages this way. They might show “We are remodelling” page for only maybe 1 hour, when they do the real implementation (moving from dev boxes to production), but showing this longer is very unprofessional.
Kris’s last blog post..Samsung LN52A750 52-Inch 1080p DLNA LCD HDTV
Hello, I have acctually remodelled my website a few times and stuck to the rules properly and my website stayed the site. well it got better.
This is really good advice.
Essential points for every site remodeling. Remember to redirect all your old pages to new site with 301 redirect.
At first I don’t care if i delete a page when I change my site and don’t even mind to redirect it. Now I realize how important this is. Thanks!
This is great advice. I can’t believe that in 2009, I’m still running into “under construction” pages. That is SO 1999! Why don’t people work up their new site on a subdirectory and then transfer everything when they’re done? It’s so basic.
Jason’s last blog post..Fixed Gear Haters
Changing page locations without a 301 redirect is a rookie mistake! Talking about wasting link juice.
Jason’s last blog post..Titan LX-60 Paint Spray Gun
Twitter: @GrowMap
@offshore oil drilling As I’ve mentioned to others, you CAN remodel a site but you do have to recognize that any changes you make affect your search engine listings and incoming links. That is why it is best not to delete content without a VERY good reason.
I’ve also mentioned that using WP is a great way to allow you do preserve content and links while changing the look of your site. All sites should be built using WP as the CMS (Content Management System).
@Jamaica Most sites can be downloaded and then reloaded at a new host without affecting the content IF the person managing the move is familiar with both the existing host and the new one. I would not do it myself; I would have someone with experience handle the move.
Just as in creating a new site to replace an existing site, your existing site can stay where it is until it is fully functional and tested on a new host using another domain name or development site. THEN and ONLY THEN should you redirect your existing domain to the new site.
The site may be temporarily unavailable during the time that the DNS (domain name servers) across the Internet are updated to the new location.
@Erik I have to believe they put up remodeling and under construction pages because they don’t know any better. That is one of the reasons I wrote this post.
@Fred I totally agree. More people needed to be aware of redirects and hopefully between this post and the large number of comments that agree they’ll realize what to do.
@phil You probably can’t get your Web developer to stop. This is a more serious issue for existing sites that can lose the visitors and links they’ve already built than it is for new sites. Sites can be completed privately and then published when they’re done. It appears many developers and site owners don’t know that.
@Bryan I am glad you read this FIRST. You may have heard “content is king” so adding MORE content is better than eliminating content. Focus on creating new pages and leave those that are ranked well alone.
@Jake Glad you dropped by. I hope you’ll read some of the other information here to get even more ways to improve your site and grow your business.
@Gold Appraisal The reason many webmasters don’t “think” about SEO is that they don’t know much about it. I continually recommend collaborating because there is simply too much for any one person to learn and stay current on. Many consider themselves webmasters or designers who have little background in SEO, copywriting – specifically for the Web which is different – or persuasive selling – or usability.
@Shanavas We’re all always still learning. You’ll know for the next time. And do read other posts here about Local Listings and other ways to increase your incoming links.
@Kris I’ve noted that the size of a business is not always reflected in the sophistication of their staff. If I were a major business I would hire only the best – those who DO know every aspect of Web design to continually improve my business site.
@Dave You must have done the redirects correctly.
@Jim Good to know that you do 301 redirects. Have you ever considered offering that as a separate service?
@Felix The more pages your site has that are relevant to what your business does the more likely it is your potential clients will find you online. I hope you keep your content in the future.
@Jason from Fixed Gear Bikes Once we know something it becomes basic but there are always more who don’t know about it yet.
@Jason from Paint Sprayer Yes, it is a rookie mistake – and unfortunately for many who hire Web designers there are many who are rookies indefinitely.
I think sometimes the problem is for those of us who are learning or who are non-techie, it can be hard to figure out who actually knows website design, and who just fiddles with Dreamweaver a little bit. The problem is, the difference between the two is whether the website works or is just junk. Good post, and thanks for sharing.
Iowa Freelance Writer’s last blog post..Freelance Writing: Freelance Writing Movie Reviews Online
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Iowa freelance writer – It IS a major challenge to know who has advanced skills and who is really an amateur regardless of how long they’ve been at it. That is especially true when you don’t have the skills yourself.
It is obvious that most people don’t have a clear idea how complex excellent Web design is or any idea how comprehensive their own skills are. That isn’t easy to determine either.
I’ve been researching best WP Theme design for years and it is still a challenge to get collaborators. Starting with an exceptional theme, then knowing what plug-ins to add, and adding your own look from there is the answer I finally arrived at and Thesis is the Theme I recommend.
This has been a way helpful blog, many of the things that were said are helpful and I will have to bookmark this so that I can use these in the future. I have worked a little with web designs, and it is hard, so I am hoping that this ideas and suggestions will help.
Twitter: @SpotCoolStuff
I run a WordPress blog and find myself making small updates to my website all the time. There’s a great plugin I use that automatically makes all the redirects for me. Since I’ve used it I’ve had 0 missing page errors. On the hopes it helps the people here:
http://urbangiraffe.com/plugins/redirection/
spot’s last blog post..$350 Lightweight Laptop Showdown: Acer vs Asus
Thank you for this informative post. I have seen too many times how people redesign their sites and don’t realize the potential adverse affects. They focus on the visual appeal or user friendliness of the new design while forgetting to archive or redirect the old URLs. Then their PageRank plummets and they are confused as to why that happened after making a better looking website.
I also appreciate that you reply to your readers when they make comments. That is a good touch and most bloggers don’t bother to spend the time to do that. And I too am a fan of the WP platform for blogging, just thought I’d agree with you on that one.
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Juli I’m glad you’ve found this blog helpful. There is so much more to post. I hope you subscribed and will be back.
@spot Thank you for sharing the plugin you use. It appears that WordPress automatically makes some redirects even without it. That is one drawback to having someone else provide technical support; we don’t always know what is standard in WP and what is a plugin or widget.
@Jeff Good to have you here. Blogging is so much more complex than many who are already doing it realize. That is why I often post about what some would consider simple concepts. They’re only simple if you’ve already learned them.
Way too often my friends come to me and wonder why their site tanked in the SERPs when they made a site change. More often than not they simply renamed pages and the ones that were doing well in the rankings were no longer there.
Tracy’s last blog post..Valentines Day Special Karmin Titanium Only $75.00!
Twitter: @GrowMap
@Tracy Have you ever asked them WHY they decided to rename pages? That will definitely drop them out of the SERPs at least for a while – and maybe indefinitely. Most Search Engines favor age with older content getting better positions. Changing the name may affect the perceived age.
It would make a lot more sense to focus on adding more content and leave the existing content alone unless there is a VERY good reason to change it.
growmap’s last blog post..What NOT To Do With Your Existing Web Site When You Upgrade or Remodel
Twitter: @SpotCoolStuff
@Jeff That’s a good point. I’ve found that the plugin manages the redirection better than WordPress alone. Also, the plugin keeps a log of how many times the redirection is accessed and from where. I guess that’s not really interesting to everyone though; I’m kind of a geek in that way.
spot’s last blog post..It’s Inexpensive and Electric. But Will This Car Sell?
Twitter: @GrowMap
@spot Thanks for clarifying and yes, the plugin does sound like a good idea. Yet another thing to add to my to-do list.
you’ve exposed a great idea. thank you.I’ve used wordpress alone in my blog, now I’m tryping a new plugin. wamucards
wamucards’s last blog post..www wamucards com
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