SEO For Replacement Site

[atstickel]

I have a client with a website that has gotten a bit outdated. We've already built his new website and optimized it, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to replace the site while doing the least amount of damage to his current Google rankings. He's ranking #1 for some very competitive keywords that are responsible for the bulk of his revenue, so we want to jeopardize that.

We've already built a new site and written all new content, although the homepage page title, h1 header and meta descriptions will all remain what they currently are. I'm also trying to keep the keyword density as close to the current site as possible. I am aware of transferring all existing site URLS using 301 redirects.

Can anyone provide any tips that I should use when replacing the site? Should I expect a slight rankings drop or am I worrying about nothing?

[DennisSeymour]

We've done this before and usually, we get dips for some keywords, most will stay the same.

We prepare ourselves mentally each time we have to do this LOL. As long as the redirects/content are in-place and you provide a better user experience without affecting load speed, then we are confident enough to just go on and do it.

The rewards for the "risk" is always greater.