Migrating to WebUp: A Step-by-Step ChecklistMigrating your website to WebUp can speed up development, simplify management, and improve performance — but only if you plan and execute the move carefully. This step-by-step checklist walks you through preparation, migration, validation, and post-launch optimization so the transition is smooth and preserves SEO, functionality, and user experience.
Why migrate to WebUp?
Migrating to WebUp makes sense if you want:
- Faster deployment and hosting management
- Built-in performance and security features
- Simpler content workflows for editors and marketers
- Modern tooling and integrations for growth teams
Before you begin, confirm that WebUp supports all required features (CMS functions, e‑commerce, custom code, third‑party integrations) or identify acceptable workarounds.
Pre-migration planning
1. Audit your current site
- Inventory pages, templates, media, redirects, and dynamic content.
- Catalog integrations (analytics, CRM, payment gateways, marketing tools).
- Note custom code, server-side logic, and any third-party services.
- Record current traffic patterns and top-performing pages using analytics.
2. Define migration goals & success metrics
- Examples: zero broken links, % traffic loss, page load time <2s, all forms functional.
- Set timeline, stakeholders, and rollback plan.
3. Map content and architecture
- Create a content map linking old URLs to new URLs on WebUp.
- Decide on URL structure: keep existing URLs where possible to protect SEO, or set up precise redirects.
4. Prepare technical requirements
- Confirm DNS access and domain ownership.
- Ensure SSL certificates or WebUp’s managed TLS options.
- Gather API keys and credentials for integrations.
- Verify any server-side needs (cron jobs, webhooks) and plan equivalents within WebUp.
Migration steps
5. Set up a staging environment
- Create a WebUp staging site to import and test content without affecting the live site.
- Configure staging with the same structure, templates, and access controls.
6. Export and import content
- Export content from your current CMS (XML, CSV, JSON) or use WebUp migration tools if available.
- Import content into WebUp, mapping fields and templates.
- Move media: ensure filenames and paths are preserved or update references.
7. Rebuild templates and components
- Recreate page templates, navigation, and reusable components in WebUp.
- Implement responsive design and accessibility best practices.
- Recreate forms and interactive elements with WebUp’s tools or embedded scripts.
8. Reconnect integrations and tracking
- Add analytics, tag managers, CRM connectors, and advertising pixels.
- Verify event tracking and conversion goals are firing correctly in staging.
9. Implement redirects and SEO preservation
- Set up 301 redirects for all changed URLs.
- Transfer meta titles, descriptions, canonical tags, structured data, and hreflang tags.
- Generate and test an XML sitemap and robots.txt.
Testing and validation
10. Functional testing
- Test all forms, search, checkout flows, user authentication, and dynamic features.
- Verify third-party integrations (payments, APIs, CRM sync).
- Test on multiple browsers and devices.
11. Performance and security testing
- Run performance tests (Lighthouse, WebPageTest) and optimize assets (images, JS, CSS).
- Ensure HTTPS is enforced, security headers are set, and backups are configured.
12. SEO and link testing
- Use link crawlers to detect broken links and redirect chains.
- Compare indexed pages in Google Search Console for staging vs. live.
- Validate structured data with Rich Results Test.
Launch
13. Final pre-launch checklist
- Confirm DNS changes and TTL settings for minimal downtime.
- Disable staging robots.txt and ensure sitemap points to live URLs.
- Communicate the launch window to stakeholders and support teams.
- Prepare rollback steps in case of critical issues.
14. Go live
- Update DNS to point to WebUp hosting IPs or follow WebUp’s domain instructions.
- Monitor logs, uptime, and core business flows closely for the first 24–72 hours.
Post-launch tasks
15. Monitor performance & SEO
- Monitor traffic, rankings, and crawl errors in Google Search Console and analytics.
- Watch for 404s and fix unexpected broken links quickly.
16. Optimize and iterate
- Use A/B testing and user feedback to refine templates and content.
- Continue performance optimizations: lazy loading, code splitting, and image formats like AVIF/WebP.
17. Document the migration
- Create internal documentation covering architecture, deployment process, credentials, and maintenance routines.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Not preserving URLs and redirects — leads to SEO and traffic loss. Use a comprehensive redirect map.
- Missing or broken integrations — audit and test all connected services in staging.
- Overlooking performance optimizations — run tests early and fix heavy assets before launch.
- Inadequate stakeholder communication — notify marketing, support, and ops about the migration plan and timing.
Quick migration checklist (summary)
- Inventory site and integrations
- Map old URLs to new URLs
- Create WebUp staging site
- Export/import content and media
- Rebuild templates, forms, and components
- Reconnect analytics and integrations
- Implement 301 redirects and transfer SEO metadata
- Functional, performance, and SEO testing
- Update DNS and go live
- Monitor traffic and fix issues
- Document and optimize
Migrating to WebUp can be straightforward with careful planning, thorough testing, and clear rollback procedures. Follow this checklist to minimize downtime, protect SEO, and deliver a faster, more maintainable site.
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