How to save links from an old website when building a new website even if the site map changes?
-
I have a client that needs a new website with better navigation, etc. The site has been up for a number of years and has backlinks that I would like to keep when building the new site in WordPress.
-
I've used this Redirection plugin a couple times on smaller sites, makes it about as easy as possible.
-
Great answer Ryan. One more important note, If you also going to change the domain name it is important to let google know about it in google webmasters tools.
-
If its possible to fix the site without altering the directory and URL structure, that's going to be your best option.
However, I'm guessing you're going to be fixing URLs as well, and if that's the case you'll want to use 301 redirects to tell search engines where the content has gone. See http://www.tamingthebeast.net/articles3/spiders-301-redirect.htm
Finally, wherever possible try to get the owners of the sites with backlinks to update their links to you.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Uk link building
Hello mozzers, I have a UK website that I have slowly been building high quality links to from highly trusted websites, traffic is slowly but steadily rising. So far all the links i've built are on UK websites. I've discovered there are many opportunities to get links from loosely related US websites. Would links from highly trusted US domains help my UK rankings? Would they help, but not as much as UK links? I'd be very grateful to hear anyones thoughts on this. Thank you so much!
Link Building | | lucyN0 -
Link building
I keep sending personal emails to website asking for a link form them but every one says no how do other website get so many links to there website whats the best software to use
Link Building | | homesandindustrial0 -
Safe to link to another site you own?
Hi mozzers, I have some external links on a resource page on my established site. I have a new site in the same niche with content that if linked to, would improve the resource page. If I linked to it using branded anchor text, would it be safe? My thoughts are yes...as long as it adds value and isnt keyword anchored. The sites are on different C class IPs Would welcome some thoughts Peter
Link Building | | PeterM220 -
Links from Related Sites with Low PR or semi-related sites with High PR?
Is it better to get a link from a site with lower PR but related content or higher PR but semi-related or unrelated content? For example, if I sell shoes, would a link from a PR1 or PR2 shoe or apparel site be better or a link from PR4 website that sells books be better? I'm not talking about sites with completely unrelated content, but how relevant is PR in obtaining relevant links if I am trying to raise the PR and rankings of my own site?
Link Building | | applesofgold0 -
What are your favorite link building tools?
I know there are a bunch out there, but I'd love to hear your guys thoughts. The more tools you post, and the more unknown they are (i.e. everyone knows OSE, Raven Tools, Buzzstream, Ontolo, etc.), the more I'd love the answer. Also, it doesn't have to be a comprehensive tool. Even if it's a bookmarklet, or something that solves one specific tedious task, I'd love to hear about it! 🙂
Link Building | | pointblankseo0 -
Link Building Strategy Advice
Hi, I was wondering what everyone's general strategy is for link building. We're doing it all ourselves manually (i.e. not paying $5 for 100,000 links) and are using the Site Explorer tool to find links to competitors and related websites. The majority of sites are blogs and directories which ask for payment ($50 per month for example). We're obviously looking for free links as well but we're finding that pretty much every site wants something in return (cash or reciprocal link) - unless the content is amazing, why would anyone link to another site without an incentive? We're focussing heavily on content and writing articles, blogs, press releases every week but the subject matter isn't always exciting enough for someone to really want to link to it naturally. Thoughts?
Link Building | | AndyMediaLounge0 -
Good link building companies
I'm wondering if anyone has had good experiences with any of the link building companies out there. I'm really looking to hear about those companies who go beyond the mundane forum links, blog commenting, bulk directory submission, article directories etc. It's all been done to death. I've used webuildpages.com, they are pricey, but are good at getting high quailty links.
Link Building | | PeterM220 -
Where to start on building links for a news website? Should I focus on promoting individual articles or create linkbait and create friends with influencial bloggers/editors/ and news websites in the same niche?
Where to start on building links for a news website? Should I focus on promoting individual articles or create linkbait and create friends with influential blogger/editors/ and news websites in the same niche?
Link Building | | purch0