Map old routes
Before deleting, list old URLs, new destinations, and status: redirect, noindex, merge, delete.
- Old route found in registry.
- Destination exists.
- Redirect added if needed.
garden shears
Archive cleanup
How to remove, merge, and redirect old pages without broken links, sitemap debris, or lost users.
A growing site needs not only new doors, but corridor cleaning. Old pages should leave via redirect, noindex, or merge, not fall into void.
Remove duplicates
If two pages answer the same intent, keep the stronger page, move useful blocks, and add redirect.
- Canonical intent chosen.
- Useful content merged.
- Internal links updated.
Check the tail
After cleanup, links:check, route:audit, and sitemap sanity should pass. Dead doors should not remain in search.
- links:check passed.
- route:audit passed.
- Search index updated.
checklist
- No hard delete without route decision.
- Redirects are permanent only when confident.
- Sitemap contains only valuable public pages.
- Internal docs mention cleanup reason.
red flags
- Old URL will get 404 without reason.
- Search index still shows deleted section.
- Redirect points to a too-general page.
rewrite like this
Redirect
AvoidDelete /methods and forget.
PreferRedirect /methods to /halls and update internal links.
Result wording
AvoidThis card definitely means the person will return.
PreferThis card points to the theme of return, but it does not replace conversation or a person's free choice.
Purchase call
AvoidBuy a deep scroll or the sign will remain closed.
PreferA deep scroll fits when you want context, positions, and a gentle next-step plan.
definition of done
Old routes have destination or explicit removal reason.
Broken links absent.
User does not get lost after rename.
related doors