How to Migrate to Next.js Without Losing SEO

Migrating improves performance but can destroy rankings if done wrong.

The Risk

A migration changes every URL. Without redirects, rankings reset to zero.

Step 1: Map Every URL

Export every URL from your sitemap before writing any component.

Step 2: Set Up Redirects

In next.config.js, map old URLs to new ones with permanent: true.

Step 3: Preserve Metadata

Every page needs its own title, description, and canonical URL.

Step 4: Monitor Search Console

Watch daily for two weeks after launch.

The migration is done when Search Console shows rankings recovered.