Church Website Content Migration Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for migrating church website content. Avoid data loss and downtime when moving to a new site or platform.
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By Mason Turner · Reviewed by ChurchPress Editorial
Key takeaways
- +A checklist prevents content loss during migration.
- +Plan, test, and review content before launching the new site.
- +Involve staff to ensure all critical information is transferred.
01
Why Content Migration Matters
Migrating content is a critical step when launching a new church website or switching platforms. Without a plan, important pages, images, or documents can be lost or overlooked.
A structured checklist ensures a smooth transition, minimizes downtime, and preserves your ministry’s digital history.
02
Pre-Migration Preparation
Start by auditing your current website. List all pages, media files, forms, and downloadable resources. Identify what to keep, update, or archive.
Communicate with ministry leaders to confirm which content is still relevant. Set a migration timeline and assign responsibilities.
- Inventory all website pages and assets.
- Decide what to keep, update, or remove.
- Notify staff and volunteers of the migration plan.
03
Migration Steps and Testing
Transfer content to the new platform, preserving URLs and formatting where possible. Migrate media files, documents, and forms, testing each for proper display and functionality.
Check for missing images, broken links, and layout issues. Test forms, event calendars, and online giving to ensure everything works as expected.
- Copy and format content in the new system.
- Upload and link all media and documents.
- Test navigation, links, and interactive features.
04
Post-Migration Review and Launch
Before going live, review the new site with staff and volunteers. Use a checklist to confirm all content is present and accurate.
After launch, monitor site performance and address any issues quickly. Solicit feedback from users to catch anything missed during migration.
- Review site with a checklist before launch.
- Monitor for issues after launch.
- Gather feedback to improve the new site.
Put it into practice
Your action plan
- 1A checklist prevents content loss during migration.
- 2Plan, test, and review content before launching the new site.
- 3Involve staff to ensure all critical information is transferred.
- 4Inventory all website pages and assets.
- 5Decide what to keep, update, or remove.
How to know it worked
A first-time visitor can complete the page's main task on a phone without help, and the responsible owner can keep the information current.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
How long does content migration take?
Timing depends on your site’s size and complexity. Simple sites may take days; larger sites may require weeks.
Can we migrate content ourselves or should we hire help?
Small migrations can be done in-house; complex sites may benefit from professional assistance.
What if we lose content during migration?
Keep backups of your old site and files. Restore lost content from these backups if needed.
1 · Use the resource
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