Why do websites lose rankings after a redesign?
Search engines rank individual URLs. When URLs change without redirects, those pages return 404 errors and their rankings and backlinks are lost. Other causes are removed content, blocked crawling (a leftover “noindex” from staging) and slower pages.
What should I do before the redesign?
- Crawl the current site and export every URL.
- Export top pages and queries from Search Console and Analytics.
- Export backlinks to see which pages other sites link to.
- Benchmark speed and Core Web Vitals.
How do I set up redirects correctly?
Map each old URL to the most relevant new URL and use one permanent 301 redirect — no chains. Redirect retired pages to the closest equivalent, not all to the home page. Test the full list with a redirect checker before and after launch.
What should I check on launch day?
- robots.txt allows crawling and no page has a stray noindex
- XML sitemap lists only live, canonical URLs and is submitted
- Titles, meta descriptions and H1s carried over or improved
- Structured data validates
- Analytics and conversion tracking fire
What should I monitor after launch?
Check Search Console daily for two weeks: coverage errors, 404s and impressions for your top queries. Small fluctuations are normal; sustained drops on specific pages usually point to a missing redirect or removed content.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do rankings take to recover after a migration?
With correct redirects, most sites stabilise within a few weeks. Without them, lost rankings may never fully return.
Should I change my domain at the same time?
Avoid changing domain and design at once if you can; it makes problems harder to diagnose.
How long does SEO take to work?
Technical fixes can help within weeks; new content usually takes three to six months to rank for competitive terms.
What is the most important SEO factor?
There is no single factor: helpful content that matches search intent, a technically sound site and trusted links work together.
Is SEO different in Arabic?
Yes. Arabic keywords and phrasing differ from English, so they need their own research and content.
What does an SEO agency in Dubai do?
It improves your website’s technical health, content and authority so you rank higher on Google for what UAE customers search, and reports the results monthly.
How much do SEO services cost in Dubai?
It depends on competition and scope. Ask for a written monthly plan and how results are measured rather than comparing headline prices.
What is local SEO?
Optimising for searches with local intent: Google Business Profile, consistent business details, location pages and genuine reviews.
Do you optimise for ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews?
Yes. Our GEO work makes your pages answer-first, adds structured data and keeps your business facts consistent so AI assistants can cite you.
Will you need access to my website?
Yes, plus Google Search Console and Analytics, so we can fix issues and measure results.
Keep reading
- SEO & marketingSEO in Dubai: a complete guide for UAE businessesHow SEO works in Dubai in 2026: keyword research, technical SEO, local SEO and Google Business Profile, Arabic SEO, AI search and how to choose an SEO agency.
- SEO & marketingWhat is GEO (generative engine optimisation)?GEO explained: how to get your business cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini and Google AI Overviews, and how it differs from traditional SEO.
- SEO & marketingHow to plan a digital marketing budget in the UAEHow to plan a digital marketing budget for a UAE business: channel mix, testing, tracking, agency fees and how to judge return on ad spend.