What Are the Different Types of Site Migration?
Site migration is an umbrella term covering several kinds of change. Here are the main types, domain, platform and CMS, HTTP to HTTPS, URL restructure and subdomain, what each involves, and why each needs careful handling.
The main types of site migration are domain migrations, platform and CMS migrations, HTTP to HTTPS migrations, URL restructure migrations and subdomain to root domain migrations. A domain migration moves the site to a new domain name; a platform or CMS migration changes the system that builds it; an HTTP to HTTPS migration moves it to a secure connection; a URL restructure changes how URLs are organised; and a subdomain to root domain migration moves content onto the main domain. Each changes a different aspect of a site, but all need careful SEO handling with mapping and correct redirects.
The main types, and domain, platform and CMS migrations
The main types of site migration are domain migrations, platform and CMS migrations, HTTP to HTTPS migrations, URL restructure migrations and subdomain to root domain migrations, each changing a different aspect of a site but all needing careful SEO handling. Some change where a site lives, some change how it is built, and some change how its URLs are organised or secured; because each type affects search engines differently, knowing which one you are doing shapes how you plan and execute it. A domain migration is moving a website from one domain name to another, for example after a rebrand, which means every URL changes and search engines must be guided from the old addresses to the new ones with correct redirects. Because the whole address of the site changes, it is one of the more visible migrations and relies heavily on complete, accurate 301 redirects. A platform or CMS migration is moving a site to a different system that builds and manages it, such as from one content management system or ecommerce platform to another, which can change URLs, templates and technical setup. The content may stay similar while the underlying technology and URL structure change, so preserving content, metadata and redirects matters; because the way the site is built changes, careful handling of URLs and on-page elements protects its SEO.
Domain
New domain name, all URLs move.
Platform / CMS
New system builds the site.
HTTPS / URL / subdomain
Addresses change, redirects needed.
HTTP to HTTPS, URL restructure and subdomain migrations
An HTTP to HTTPS migration is moving a site to a secure connection, which changes every URL from http to https and so counts as a migration that needs redirects and careful setup even though the content stays the same. It is a common and worthwhile change for security and trust, but because the URLs technically change it still needs proper 301 redirects and updated internal links; because every address changes, an HTTPS move should be treated as a migration and handled carefully. A URL restructure migration changes how a site's URLs are organised, such as new folders or naming, while a subdomain to root domain migration moves content from a subdomain onto the main domain, and both change addresses that search engines have indexed. Each alters where pages live, so each needs URL mapping and correct redirects to preserve rankings; because the URLs change, both are true migrations that rely on careful planning and complete redirects. Whichever type you are facing, the safe path is the same: understand the change, map every URL, and implement correct 301 redirects, then plan and monitor carefully. To go deeper on the overall process, see how to plan a site migration.
Whatever type of migration,
we handle it carefully.
Domain, platform, CMS, HTTPS, URL restructure or subdomain, each type of migration changes something search engines rely on. We identify exactly what is changing, map every URL, set up correct redirects and monitor closely, so the move is handled properly and your rankings are protected.
Everything included in your plan:
One clear retainer. No setup fee.