Creating a new website design is an opportunity to refresh your brand, enhance your user interface, and tap more into the Calgary market. However, there is a risk as well. Unless you do it carefully, you might lose your Google rankings that you have worked so hard to achieve. As rankings decline, so do clicks, leads, and sales.

Having the proper strategy enables you to give your site a new, clean look without compromising your search engine visibility. Here’s how.

Start with an SEO audit

You must be aware of your position before you touch the design. Conduct an SEO audit to learn which pages are achieving the highest traffic and which keywords you are ranking for in Calgary-based searches. An audit is a way to ensure that you have secured the existing working content and structure.

Keep URLs consistent

Changing URLs with no redirects is one of the most common business mistakes made in the process of redesign. When your top page, e.g., Calgary-web-design, suddenly vanishes or gets renamed to /services, Google will be left without a clue where to refer people, and your rankings will suffer.

The fix? Use the same URLs where possible. Should you need to replace them, then you need to put up 301 redirects so that Google and visitors know where to go.

Do not forget about mobile and speed

Google understands Calgary customers are busy and on the move. This is why fast load times and a mobile-friendly design are significant ranking factors.

When redesigning, ensure that your site is visually appealing on phones and tablets. It should:

• Load faster
• Shrink images
• Have a simple design.

Secureyour content

You might be tempted to simplify things by removing text. But your content is what makes Google know what your business is about. In case you remove or reduce pages too far, you will lose rankings.

Rather, customize your content for Calgary. Save keyword-rich headings and provide local references. Write in such a way that appeals directly to your customers, yet allows Google to connect the dots.

Employ experts knowledgeable in SEO

Website redesigning is not only about appearance, but also performance, rankings, and conversions. In case you lack the internal expertise, you may delegate to a Calgary web design firm with knowledge in the field of SEO.

The professionals have the capability of steering the process, establishing appropriate redirects, and ensuring that your new site is perceptually appealing and searchable. Obtaining the right help can save time, money, and a lot of stress sometimes.

Test before you launch

Test links, redirects, and page layouts on a staging site. Run it on Google Search Console to identify errors before your customers do.This additional measure can help you avoid unpleasant post-launch surprises.

Final thoughts

A redesign that is done correctly can not only save your rankings in the Calgary competitive market, but it can also enhance them. Just strike a balance between a slick new design and an intelligent approach in SEO. Do it and your business will appear better, load faster, and be displayed exactly where your customers are searching.