Moving a website can feel like moving house: you have packed everything carefully, but still worry that something important has been left behind. For a mum running a blog, online shop or family-focused business, a new website can bring a welcome refresh. Yet changes to domains, page addresses or platforms can also disrupt the links other websites have been sending your way. Knowing how to recover backlinks after a website migration can help protect the visibility you have worked hard to build.
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. Search engines may treat relevant, trustworthy links as one sign that a page is useful. If a page moves and the old address stops working, those links can lead visitors to an error page instead. The good news is that a careful audit and a few practical fixes can often restore the route.
Start by working out what changed
Before you contact anyone or edit the new site, make a simple list of what was changed during the move. Did you switch domains, change your content management system, reorganise categories, or update the format of page URLs? A migration can involve several of these at once, and knowing which changes were made makes it easier to find the source of broken links.
Gather any records you have from before the move, such as a site map, analytics reports, a list of important pages or a backlink report. If you do not have a saved list, an SEO tool can help identify pages that other sites link to. Prioritise pages with valuable or relevant links rather than trying to fix every old URL at once. A recipe that is still popular, a useful parenting guide or a product page may deserve attention before an outdated announcement.
Check for broken routes and missing redirects
Test the old URLs that have backlinks and see where they lead. If an address returns an error, or takes visitors to an unrelated page, it needs attention. The usual fix is a permanent redirect from the old URL to the closest equivalent on the new site. For example, an old guide about toddler sleep should point to its updated version, not simply to the homepage.
Redirects help visitors and search engines find the new location, but they need to be mapped carefully. Avoid chains where one old address redirects to another old address before reaching the new page. Also check that internal links on your own site point directly to the current URLs. This keeps the experience tidy for readers and reduces unnecessary detours.
Reconnect with the websites linking to you
Some links cannot be repaired with a redirect alone. The page may have been removed, the link may contain a typo, or a publisher may be willing to update it to the new address. Make a shortlist of the most relevant linking websites and send a brief, friendly note. Explain that you have moved the page and share the correct URL. Keep the request specific and make it easy for the editor to act on; a long sales pitch is rarely helpful.
For a step-by-step look at finding lost links and deciding which ones to prioritise, this guide to reclaiming lost backlinks can help you organise the recovery work.
Make sure the new site is ready to be found
Once redirects and key pages are in place, check the basics on the new site. Confirm that important pages can be accessed without signing in, that they are not accidentally marked as unavailable to search engines, and that the site map reflects the current URLs. Review page titles and content too: a migration is a useful opportunity to update a page, but keep its central purpose clear if you want it to remain a suitable destination for existing links.
It is also worth checking mobile usability and page speed. Many readers arrive while waiting at school pickup or scrolling one-handed during a nap, so a page that loads and works well on a phone matters for people as well as search visibility. Ask a few trusted readers to test key pages and report anything confusing.
Plan the next migration before it happens
Keep a record of old and new URLs whenever you make major changes. Save a copy of your redirects, note the date of the move, and check high-value pages in the weeks afterwards. This simple habit can make the next redesign far less stressful, especially when family life and business tasks are already competing for your attention.
If the rebuild involves technical decisions, you do not have to make every choice alone. Osdire is a freelance marketplace with programming and tech services among its categories, and its FastAPI framework guide is one example of a resource for comparing development options. The right platform depends on the project, so get clear on your needs before committing to a rebuild or hiring help.
A steady recovery beats a rushed fix
Lost backlinks can look alarming after a migration, but a drop in traffic does not automatically mean all your hard work has disappeared. Find the affected pages, restore relevant routes, contact the most useful linking sites and keep an eye on results. A calm, organised approach gives returning visitors a better experience and helps your website settle into its new home.
