Consolidating two separate domains and redirecting towards a new replatformed domain

[RocketWeb]

A client has two different sites selling the same products with the same content, they would like to replatform onto Magento while redirecting those 2 sites to the new URL. The question is, besides monitoring the 301 redirects is there anything else to take into consideration when consolidating two sites into one new site?

[MonicaOConnor]

I would create a new webmaster property instead of trying to change the address of two sites. Are you setting the new site up as HTTPS? What are you doing with the old domains? I would make sure you keep the registration active on them so that no one else can buy them.

Aside from refreshing content and HTML data, creating a new Webmaster property, monitoring performance and verifying that the dynamic 301s are working I can't think of anything else really.

[RocketWeb]

Thanks for your response, besides content is there anything technical that should be done other than the 301s. I agree with creating unique content, certainly want to avoid a duplication penalty.

[MonicaOConnor]

I have never done this with Magento. I like BigCommerce for this kind of thing.

That being said, I always look at how my content performs after the migration. I'm usually writing new content when I consolidate because I want a completely new site. I don't think you will see better keyword performance without writing some original content.

I look for an increase in bounce rate and a decrease in pages per visit. If the structure in the new site is going to be drastically different you might lose some of your current market. Audiences like some structural consistency.

I watch for messages in GWT for an increase in 404 errors or a suspicious increase in links to the site. If the migration is not done properly you can inadvertently create thousands of backlinks.