Whether due to business restructuring, acquisitions, or the desire to consolidate similar content under one domain, merging websites requires careful planning and execution. This article explores whether you can merge two websites, the reasons for doing so, provides examples, and offers a step-by-step guide on how to successfully integrate two websites into one.
Can Two Websites Be Merged Together?
Yes, merging two websites is entirely feasible and often beneficial for many businesses.
This process involves redirecting one domain to another and consolidating the content, design elements, and functionality of both sites into a single, cohesive website.
It’s a complex process that needs to be approached methodically to retain SEO equity and ensure a seamless user experience.
Reasons to Merge Websites
Here are some common reasons to merge websites together:
SEO Benefits
Consolidating websites can strengthen your SEO strategy by combining the SEO value of both sites, which may lead to better rankings and increased organic traffic.
Simplified Maintenance
Managing one website rather than two can reduce operational complexity, hosting fees, and maintenance efforts.
Brand Presence
For businesses that operate multiple sites with overlapping content or audiences, merging can help establish a consistent brand voice and a more robust online presence.
Enhanced User Experience
A single website offers a more straightforward navigation path for users, potentially increasing engagement and conversion rates.
Examples of Merging Websites
Companies often merge websites after acquisitions to unify brands under a single umbrella.
For example, when Expedia acquired Orbitz, it merged content and functionality to reduce redundancy and provide a cohesive customer experience.
Similarly, large corporations with separate websites for different product lines might merge them to streamline the user journey and consolidate their web presence.
How to Merge Two Websites Into One
Here’s how two websites can be merged together into one:
- Plan Your Merge: Assess the architecture, content, and SEO strengths of both websites. Decide which domain will be the primary and map out how the content will be integrated.
- Set Up Redirects: Implement redirects from the old domain to the new domain. This step is critical for preserving SEO value and ensuring that any links pointing to the old site continue to contribute to your digital footprint.
- Consolidate Content: Review content on both sites and integrate it in a way that avoids duplication. Optimize the content during consolidation to improve SEO and user engagement.
- Test Functionality: Before going live, thoroughly test the new site for any broken links, compatibility issues, and ensure that all forms and functionalities work as intended.
- Update SEO Settings: Consolidate and optimize meta tags, update your sitemap, and make necessary adjustments in Google Search Console and other SEO tools to reflect the changes.
- Announce the Merge: Notify your users about the merge. Use blog posts, emails, and social media to explain the changes and the benefits they bring.
- Monitor Performance: Post-launch, monitor the website’s performance closely. Pay attention to traffic fluctuations, user behavior, and ranking changes. Adjust your SEO and marketing strategies based on these insights.
Summary
Merging two websites into one is a strategic endeavor that, when done correctly, can significantly benefit your business by enhancing the user experience, simplifying content management, and boosting SEO performance.
With careful planning and execution, the merge can lead to a stronger, more focused online presence.
