Content migration involves transferring content from one application to another. Oftentimes, managers underestimate the complexity and importance of accurate content migration during the development process. While there are many challenges, one common issue is migrating content completely but breaking the parameters that allow for effective Smartphone or Tablet access. Solutions usually involve a combination of technical processes (like writing code) and manual processes (like re-writing content), and always need to have a quality assurance process.
Why should you invest in a content migration solution? Migrating content from a legacy system to new applications is required when your users need access from more devices or want better features. If your content is indexed, a content migration plan also helps retain organic search rankings earned over time. Not having a content migration plan can cost far more than extra bug-fixing and development time.
The good news is that creating a well-planned and comprehensive migration plan streamlines the content transfer process and minimizes errors. Content migration can be a challenging and complex process to execute. Here are four crucial components to optimize the migration process.
1. Content Evaluation
As a first step, you need to perform a quantitative and qualitative content audit. While software tools can run quantitative assessments, a content expert can provide expert guidance on key decisions regarding relevance and quality standards. Furthermore, providing detailed guidelines help make labor-intensive jobs, such as editing text-heavy pages, easier to handle.
2. Metadata Mapping
Mapping metadata involves deciding where you can fit the old content on the new platform. During this process, you also begin to track and identify redundant content. A good way to map metadata is to create spreadsheets that help track relationships between tags, links, webpages and documents.
3. Proofing and Uploading
You begin the actual migration by using automated or manual processes – or a combination of both. The manual process would involve editing, proofreading, writing page titles and metadata, and then uploading content.
4. Content Review and Testing
Experts, editors and strategists should consider reviewing the content so that it blends into the overall website layout. It may also be a good idea to migrate small portions of content so that it’s easier to identify problems. Lastly, test the content on different platforms such as mobile and tablet formats to ensure that it displays correctly.
Strategic Planning Drives Successful Content Migration Projects
It’s important to note that content migration is not restricted to just text and images. The process involves transferring links, pages, tags, metadata and permissions. Failure to catalogue content may result in a loss of valuable data. Migrating content with a poor plan – or lack of one – often results in poor content and a nightmarish end user experience. An effective content migration plan results from efficient collaboration between IT, content and management departments. Detailed knowledge regarding quantity, quality, metrics, analytics and patterns helps set the foundation for successful content migration management.
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