Why traffic drops after a redesign
Changed URLs without redirects, removed ranking copy, lost meta tags, a different heading structure or a slower new site.
Step 1. Audit the current site
Export pages that bring traffic and their queries from Search Console. Save all URLs, titles, descriptions and H1s.
Step 2. URL map and 301 redirects
Every old page that changes address needs a permanent 301 redirect to the closest new page. Never redirect everything to the homepage.
Step 3. Content, speed and launch
Carry over and improve ranking copy, keep or optimise meta data, make the site faster, submit the new sitemap and monitor coverage for 4–8 weeks.