Timeline for 301 Redirects to Take Full Effect in SEO Rankings?

[Stew222]

Hey,

I am working on transitioning a website and all of my current URL's will be slightly changed (moving to dynamic pages).  I understand that I will need to 301 redirect all the old pages to their new counterparts but I would like to know how long it will take for the 301 redirects to take full effect in the search rankings.

I ask because my site is an e-commerce site that receives 90% of it's business in January and the transition would take place December 15th.  If my search rankings are not back up to par by January 1st then I will take a drastic hit to revenue.

Please help this SEO noob out!

[Host1]

Depends on how often your site is crawled by Google/Bing/Whatever. Normally it should be visible within the next crawl. (Minutes/Hours/A day or two.)

[Stew222]

Thanks Host1.  Is there a worst case scenario?  I've done 301 re-directs from #1 ranking pages and not seen the redirected page in the top 10 search results for weeks.

[Host1]

The best answer i can give you is the following links (I assume that google is your main priority.):

https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/93633?hl=en

https://support.google.com/webmasters/topic/6029673?hl=en&ref_topic=6001951

With the change of address tool you shouldn't experience any problems as far as i know. Unfortunately i did not have the time to localize similar tools (if they exist) from other search providers:

https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/83106?hl=en&ref_topic=6029673

[Justian]

As Host1 already said it "Depends on how often your site is crawled"

But also how frequently the keyword/phrase is updated in the serp as-well. Some keyword phrases are updated daily and others might take a while longer. Ive seen serp updates within minuttes but also some updates in serp that takes months since there isn't a hole lot of new data in that area.

[Chris.Menke]

Stew, I certainly wouldn't recommend transitioning to your new site two weeks before your high season begins. I'd recommend do it right now or after the season has ended.  Besides the 301's (which could be the least of your issues), there are numerous other issues that may need to be worked out before traffic is back to normal and even if you're fully prepared, siht happens.  Give yourself as much time as you possibly can prior to your high season.

[Stew222]

Thank you everyone!  I've come to the conclusion that I'll be waiting to make the transition until after the busy season.

I appreciate all the help!