Moving Your Website to a New Company: A Checklist of Essential Questions to Ask

As a small business owner, I've worked with numerous clients who have had to move their website to a new company, and I've seen firsthand the challenges that come with it. One of the most critical aspects of this process is knowing what to ask for from the new company. In my experience, many business owners are unsure about what to expect and what to request, which can lead to misunderstandings and delays. In this post, I'll share my expertise on what to ask for when moving your website to a new company, based on my work with small businesses across the United States.

Understanding Your Website's Current State

Before you start asking questions, it's essential to understand your website's current state. Take some time to review your website's analytics, such as Google Analytics, to see how your website is performing. Look at metrics like page views, bounce rate, and conversion rate to get an idea of how your website is doing. You should also make a list of any existing features, such as e-commerce functionality, contact forms, or blog sections, that you want to retain in the new website. This will help you communicate your needs more effectively to the new company.

What to Ask About Website Migration

When moving your website to a new company, you'll want to ask about the migration process. Find out if they will be using a website migration tool, such as Duplicator or All-In-One WP Migration, or if they will be doing a manual migration. You should also ask about the timeline for the migration, including how long it will take and what the milestones are. Additionally, ask about any potential downtime or disruptions to your website during the migration process. As a general rule, a website migration can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the website.

It's also crucial to ask about the new company's experience with website migrations. Ask for examples of previous migrations they have done, and what the outcomes were. You can also ask for references from previous clients who have gone through a website migration with them. This will give you an idea of their level of expertise and how well they can handle any potential issues that may arise during the migration process. Based on my experience, a well-executed website migration can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the website and the services required.

Content Management and Updates

Another critical aspect to ask about is content management and updates. Find out if the new company will be using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla, and if they will be providing training on how to use it. You should also ask about their process for updating content, such as blog posts or product descriptions, and how they will ensure that your website remains up-to-date and secure. As a small business owner, it's essential to have control over your website's content, and a good CMS can make it easier to manage and update your website. I recommend checking out my /services page to learn more about my content management services.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical aspect of any website, and you'll want to ask about the new company's approach to SEO. Find out if they will be conducting keyword research, optimizing meta tags and titles, and creating high-quality content to improve your website's search engine rankings. You should also ask about their experience with local SEO, if you're a local business, and how they will help you get found in search engine results. According to my experience, a well-optimized website can increase your search engine rankings by up to 50%, leading to more traffic and sales. You can use my /website-cost-calculator to get an estimate of the costs involved in optimizing your website for SEO.

It's also essential to ask about the new company's approach to technical SEO, such as website speed and mobile responsiveness. Find out if they will be using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to optimize your website's speed, and if they will be ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly. A fast and mobile-friendly website can improve your search engine rankings and provide a better user experience for your visitors. I offer a /free-website-audit that can help you identify areas for improvement in your website's SEO and performance.

Support and Maintenance

Finally, you'll want to ask about the new company's support and maintenance services. Find out if they will be providing ongoing support, such as updates, backups, and security scans, and if they will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You should also ask about their response time and how they will handle any issues that may arise. As a small business owner, it's essential to have a reliable support system in place to ensure that your website remains secure and up-to-date. I offer ongoing support and maintenance services to my clients, and you can learn more about them on my /services page.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Moving your website to a new company can be a complex process, but by asking the right questions, you can ensure a smooth transition and a better website. Remember to ask about the migration process, content management and updates, SEO, and support and maintenance. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find a reliable and experienced company to help you achieve your online goals. As a one-person web studio based in Georgia, I've worked with numerous small businesses across the United States, and I'm confident that I can help you with your website needs. Feel free to reach out to me to learn more about my services and how I can help you.