Glossary

What is a website migration?

A website migration is any project that moves a website to a new platform, domain, URL structure or hosting setup in a way that changes how search engines find and index its pages.

Also called site migration, platform migration

Types of migration

  • Platform: for example WordPress to Webflow, Webflow to Framer, or Framer to Next.js
  • Domain: a new company name or a move from a country domain to .com
  • URL structure: renaming sections, removing dates from blog URLs, merging subdomains
  • Protocol or hosting: HTTP to HTTPS, or a new host or CDN

Why it matters for B2B websites

A B2B site’s search traffic and backlinks are built over years. A migration can lose them in a day if old URLs stop working. Google notes that rankings can fluctuate for a while after a site move even when it is done well; a poorly planned one can cause lasting drops.

Migrations also break things that are easy to miss: form integrations with the CRM, tracking tags, cookie consent, PDF links in sales decks and email signatures.

The core checklist

  • Collect every old URL from the sitemap, Search Console, analytics and backlink tools
  • Map each one to the closest new page and set 301 redirects
  • Carry over titles, descriptions, headings, canonical tags and schema
  • Reconnect forms, analytics, tag manager and consent
  • Submit the new sitemap and, for a domain change, use Search Console’s Change of Address tool
  • Watch 404 errors and rankings for several weeks after launch

Example

When we moved pentaclay.com from Framer to an Astro build in November 2026, we listed every old URL from the live sitemap, Search Console and known links, kept every URL we could, and gave the rest a 301 redirect to the closest new page before switching the domain.

How we handle it

Our website migration service follows that checklist for every move, and we have guides for specific routes, such as WordPress to Webflow. Content, design and SEO settings move together, so the new site launches complete.

Last updated 15 November 2026

Related terms

Terms that go with website migrations

All glossary terms

Questions about website migrations

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Will I lose rankings when I migrate my website?

Some movement is normal for a few weeks while search engines process the change. Lasting losses usually come from missing redirects, removed content or broken internal links, which a migration plan prevents.

Can I redesign and migrate at the same time?

Yes, and many companies do. It adds risk because more changes at once, so keep URLs where you can and track results closely after launch.

How long should I keep the old site?

Keep an archive or export until the new site is stable and the redirects are confirmed. Keep the redirects themselves for the long term.

Do I need to tell Google about a migration?

Submit the new sitemap in Search Console. If the domain changes, also verify the new domain and use the Change of Address tool.

Your business grew up. Your website should too

If customers need a demo just to understand what you sell, your website isn’t doing its job.

  • We sign an NDA on request.
  • You own the site, the code and every account once it’s paid.
  • Your first call is with Erfan, the founder.

Kazi Mohammed ErfanFounder

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Pentaclay, in short

Pentaclay is a B2B website design agency for AI companies that sell to enterprises. We write, design and build marketing websites in Framer, Webflow and Next.js, and stay to help after launch. Pentaclay LLC is registered in New Mexico, USA; our team works from Dhaka, Bangladesh, with calls until 12:30pm US Eastern. Founded in 2023 by Kazi Mohammed Erfan, who brings 12 years of design experience.