When redesigning a website or adjusting content, checking old links is a necessary step. However, many corporate website operators encounter issues: old links are numerous, scattered across different columns, and prone to being missed or processed repeatedly during checks. If the column data itself is not well organized, the checking process becomes even more chaotic. This article shares a practical method to help you organize column data neatly when checking old links.
1. Export a Complete List of Old Links First
The first step is to obtain a complete list of old links. If your website has a backend or CMS, try exporting all URLs from the database or backend. If no ready-made tool is available, you can use online crawler tools or manually compile the list, but manual methods are only suitable for scenarios with a small number of links. The exported list should include the URL, the column it belongs to (if identifiable), and the last modification time.
2. Categorize Links by Column
After obtaining the list, group the links by column. If the website structure is clear, URLs often contain the column path, such as /yunying/xxx.html, so you can categorize them directly by path prefix. If URLs lack obvious patterns, determine the column based on page titles or content keywords. After categorization, the number of links under each column becomes clear at a glance, making it easier to assign checking tasks later.
3. Mark Processing Status for Each Link
During the checking process, mark the processing status for each link, such as "Keep," "Delete," "Redirect," or "Merge." It is recommended to use a spreadsheet tool (like Excel or an online sheet) to record details, with columns including: URL, column, current status (whether valid), suggested action, responsible person, and check date. This allows you to filter out unprocessed links at any time during the check, avoiding omissions.
4. Focus on Link Validity During Checks
When checking old links, open each link one by one to confirm whether it returns a 404, redirects to another page, or has updated content. For broken links, decide whether to delete them directly or set up a 301 redirect to a relevant page. Redirects help preserve link equity, but ensure the redirect target is relevant to the old content.
5. Regularly Review and Update Column Data
Organizing old links is not a one-time task. During the redesign process, column structures may change, and link statuses may evolve. It is recommended to periodically review the list, update column data and link statuses, and ensure information remains accurate. After the redesign is complete, keep this list as a historical record for future reference.
When checking old links, the clarity of column data directly impacts work efficiency. By exporting the list, categorizing by column, marking statuses, checking each link, and reviewing regularly, you can make the entire process more organized and reduce omissions and duplicate work. We hope these methods help you better manage old link checks during website redesigns.
