When to switch the URLs

I've been on the fence a long time about VBSEO but think that perhaps it's worth doing on VB just so I don't have to deal with the PITA of doing all this stuff manually. I don't know what extra benefits words in the urls are over the straight numbers but it is what it is... the switch will be made... but when?

I've got some press releases going out shortly but not sure whether it's better to switch before or after the press release. If it's before the release, there will be a lot of redirects. Not sure if this is good or bad or not making any difference. I'd certainly like Google to reindex my site more quickly and this sure will help. What worries me is losing all my positioning... I've heard mixed results.

Anyways, you got the gist. Would love to hear comments about what you guys have done prior to going live, strategies about when is best to make the switch and links to any other SEO hacks I might want to do that go beyond vBSEO, like specific template and php file edits. Thanks to all.

The best time was yesterday. The more old links you put out there, the more 301s will be in place and have to be re-indexed. You want the PR's to be your permanent 200 link.

Thanks Brian. I'll take the time to redo all the forums tonight so that the proper forum numbers following your "option 2" will be in place for when we go live on Wednesday. This way we'll have at least 2 full days to start generating those new links before a series of press releases, one later this week and then another every 10 days or so. Much looking forward to seeing how much better vbseo will help the forum perform.

Second - would you have a list of items to do to SEO vB forums that go beyond just a vBseo install? I remember changing the title in my templates to have a different order, e.g. post name first, forum name second, etc.

An extensive list doesn't exist. There's a bunch of tips and tricks throughout the forum. The honest best way to enhance the little things on your site is to come here and participate daily in the active threads. that's where you'll lean the most and be able to apply it back to your own adventures.