When redesigning a large website, one of the biggest challenges we face is managing content inventory and migration. It’s not just about refreshing the design — it’s about preserving the structure, integrity, and purpose of the content we’ve built over time. At FilAm Software, we’ve seen how content can easily become overwhelming if it’s not handled with care. So how do we manage it effectively? Let’s break down the challenge — and how we solve it.
Over time, websites accumulate a massive amount of content — from blog posts and landing pages to product descriptions and documentation. When it comes time for a redesign, simply copying everything over isn’t just inefficient — it’s risky.
Content that is duplicated or outdated can negatively impact SEO performance. Missing redirects from old pages can result in broken links and poor user experience. Pages that are irrelevant or underperforming can clutter the site structure, making it harder for users to find what they need. Without a clear content hierarchy, migrating to a new design becomes disorganized and error-prone.
This becomes even more complex with large websites, where every decision has a wide-reaching impact.
At FilAm Software, we’ve developed a streamlined, reliable process to manage content inventory and ensure a smooth migration experience.
We begin by generating a complete list of all existing URLs on the current site. We use tools like Screaming Frog, Google Analytics, and the site’s XML sitemap to gather page data, including titles, meta descriptions, traffic performance, and link structures. We organize this information into a spreadsheet and categorize each page based on whether it should be kept, updated, merged, or deleted.
With the audit complete, we use it to plan the new website’s content structure. We create a content map that defines the new page hierarchy, the names and slugs of each page, and how each section will be represented in the site navigation. During this phase, we also identify any missing content areas that need to be created based on user needs or business goals.
Before moving content into the new design, we review and refine it for accuracy, consistency, and performance. We update SEO metadata, revise outdated references, add alt text for images, and clean up internal linking. Pages that aren’t performing well are rewritten, consolidated with related content, or removed altogether to maintain a high-quality experience.
Once the new website structure and CMS are in place, we migrate the curated and optimized content to the new environment. We ensure that any changes in URLs are handled with 301 redirects to preserve search rankings and avoid broken links. We also migrate all media assets, embedded scripts, and widgets. Finally, we perform a comprehensive quality assurance review to confirm that every page is in place and functioning correctly.
At FilAm Software, we treat content inventory and migration as a critical part of any website redesign. A new look is only as good as the structure behind it — and the content that fills it. By taking a strategic approach, we help our clients move into their new site with confidence, clarity, and measurable improvements.
If you’re planning a redesign and want to make sure your content transition is seamless and SEO-safe, we’d love to help. Let’s make your website stronger — not just prettier.
Ready to take control of your content? Schedule a call today to start your redesign the smart way.