What belongs in a dealership website migration checklist?
A dealership website migration should inventory existing URLs, content, metadata, media, structured data, feeds, forms, tracking and integrations; map redirects; validate the new experience; and monitor search, leads and revenue workflows after launch.
Create the source inventory
Export crawlable URLs, indexed pages, high-performing search pages, backlinks, content assets, conversion events and current integrations. Record pages that should be retained, consolidated or retired.
Build and test redirects
Use one-to-one redirects where an equivalent destination exists. Avoid routing unrelated retired content to the homepage. Test status codes, chains, parameters, canonicals and internal links.
Validate business operations
Test inventory freshness, lead delivery, service scheduling, calls, chat, digital retailing, accessibility, analytics, consent and search visibility before and after launch.
What to verify
URL and backlink inventory
Redirect map
Metadata and schema transfer
Conversion and integration testing
Post-launch crawl and monitoring
Continue the research
Dealership websites & CMS
Inventory-native websites, content management, landing pages and OEM programs.
Compare providers →SEO, local & AI-search visibility
Technical SEO, local search, content, listings and answer-engine visibility.
Compare providers →Data integration & middleware
APIs, normalized feeds, warehouses, identity and vendor-to-vendor data movement.
Compare providers →Related dealership technology questions
What software do car dealerships use?
Most dealerships use a DMS as the operating and financial backbone, plus a CRM, website/CMS, inventory tools, digital retailing, communications, marketing, analytics, F&I and fixed-operations systems. The right combination depends on franchise obligations, market, store count and operating model.
DMS versus CRMWhat is the difference between a DMS and a CRM?
A DMS is normally the operating and financial system of record for deals, accounting, parts and service. A CRM is normally the sales and customer-workflow system for leads, communications, appointments and follow-up. A suite may include both, but the data and workflow boundaries still need to be documented.
Vendor shortlist sizeHow many dealership software vendors should be evaluated?
A dealership should discover the broad market, apply objective eligibility gates, and conduct deep evaluations with the smallest set that still preserves a real choice—often two to four finalists. The correct number depends on the category and how many providers meet non-negotiable requirements.
Integration verificationHow do you verify a dealership software integration?
Verify both named products and versions, applicable dealerships, data objects, fields, direction, frequency, authentication, provider, fees, monitoring and support ownership. A partner logo or marketplace listing is only a discovery signal.