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How do I redirect to a new domain without losing SEO progress?

Sep 26, 2017

Nowadays, a lot of website owners decide to move their web pages to the new content management systems due to the different reasons. Some of them would like to perform a complete site redesign and rebranding, while others would like to move to more SEO-friendly CMS to simplify optimization process. However, if you decide to change your domains, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the old website URL and shift all SEO qualities to the new domain. Today I will show you how to move your site to the new domain without losing your SEO progress and ranking positions.

redirect to a new domain

A guide for redirecting your site to the new domain

First of all, I would like to inform you that a process of domain switching can temporarily affect your website SEO and search traffic. However, there is no need for panic. You can nullify a negative impact on a site SEO by setting up a proper 301 redirect. Let us enumerate the stages of website redirection.

Site backup

Before you start your website moving, make sure you create a full backup of your original site. To create a backup automatically, you may implement such services as WordPress backup to Dropbox or BackupBuddy.

Move your site data

After creating a full website backup, you may start a process of website data migration to the new domain. First of all, you need to implement the WordPress Duplicator Plugin on your old site version. After that, you will see a Duplicator menu. Everything you need to create a copy is to click on the create button. This plugin will save all your website data in a WordPress zip package. This process may be time-consuming depending on the number of site pages you have. When the process is completed, you need to download the package on your PC. After that, you need to open FTP program and connect to your new site. The next step will be uploading the installer.php file to the new domain. After that, you just need to launch the installer.php in a web browser. This installer will install your database from the old site and put them to WordPress domain with all your plugins and themes. On the final stage, this plugin will show your an updated new web page.

new domain seo

Keep the same URL structure

When moving your site to the new domain, you need to make sure you keep the same URLs structure to notify search engines about your move. It is advisable to make any amendments with URLs in a month or two after the domain transfer.

301 redirect

To setup a 301 permanent redirect is essential to both search bots and average users. It tells search engines that your site has been permanently moved to another domain and direct your website visitors to the correct page, improving their experience. To set up a 301 redirect, you need to connect to your old site version using FTP and edit .htaccess file. After that, a 301 redirect will be added to all your old domain URLs, and you will be redirected to a new site version.

Emma Smith

Great article, Kate! Redirecting the old domain to the new one is crucial for maintaining SEO. I've done this before and it worked perfectly.

Daniel Johnson

Thanks for sharing, Kate. I have a question: Is there any risk of losing SEO rankings during the domain redirect process?

Kate Barmina

Hi Daniel! Good question. If done correctly, there should be minimal impact on SEO rankings. It's important to use proper 301 redirects and inform search engines about the change.

Anne Thompson

I've heard about redirects, but never knew how to do them properly. Can you provide some guidance on the steps involved, Kate?

Kate Barmina

Of course, Anne! Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Set up the new domain and ensure it is properly configured. 2. Create 301 redirects from the old URLs to the corresponding new URLs. 3. Update internal links on the website to point to the new domain. 4. Submit the new sitemap to search engines. 5. Monitor for any issues and make necessary adjustments. Let me know if you need more details.

Peter Adams

I'm concerned that the redirect might negatively impact the user experience. Can you elaborate on that, Kate?

Kate Barmina

Hi Peter! Redirects should not have a significant negative impact on user experience if implemented correctly. Users will be automatically taken to the new domain, and search engines will recognize the change. It's essential to test the redirects thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition.

Sophia Wilson

Great advice, Kate! I'll be implementing a domain redirect soon, so this article comes as a timely resource. Thanks!

David Clark

Kate, is it necessary to redirect every single page, or can I prioritize essential ones and let the rest be indexed by search engines separately?

Kate Barmina

Hi David! While it's ideal to redirect every single page to maintain SEO equity, if that's not possible, it's important to prioritize the most important pages and redirect them. The remaining pages can be allowed to be indexed separately, but keep in mind that they may lose some SEO value without proper redirection.

Robert Lee

What happens if I don't redirect the old domain? Will it have any negative consequences, Kate?

Emily Morris

Thanks for the valuable insights, Kate! I've bookmarked your article for future reference.

Michael Brown

Hi Kate! Are there any specific tools you recommend for managing domain redirects?

Kate Barmina

Hello, Michael! There are several tools available to help manage domain redirects, such as Yoast SEO plugin for WordPress, Redirect Manager for Joomla, and .htaccess file for Apache servers. Choose the one that suits your platform and requirements the best. These tools simplify the process and ensure that redirects are properly implemented.

Olivia Turner

Kate, what's the typical timeframe for search engines to update their indexes after the domain redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Olivia! The timeframe can vary, but search engines like Google generally update their indexes within a few weeks. However, it's essential to monitor and make necessary adjustments if any issues persist after the redirect.

Jack Harris

I've redirected my domain in the past, and it did affect my rankings temporarily. But they eventually recovered after a few weeks. So, it's important to be patient and monitor the results.

Isabella Green

Thanks for the helpful article, Kate! It's a relief to know that redirecting domains can be done without significant negative impacts on SEO.

Ethan Turner

Great topic, Kate! Domain redirects are crucial during website migrations or rebranding. Thanks for shedding light on this.

Claire Adams

Hi Kate! What should be done with backlinks pointing to the old domain? How does redirecting affect them?

Kate Barmina

Hi Claire! Backlinks pointing to the old domain will still retain value if you properly implement 301 redirects. The authority and link juice from those backlinks will be passed on to the new domain, helping maintain your SEO rankings. It's crucial to update any important external links to point directly to the new domain to ensure a seamless transition.

Liam Adams

Hi Kate! Can you suggest any best practices to test the redirects and avoid any issues?

Kate Barmina

Hello Liam! Testing the redirects is crucial to avoid any issues. Here are some best practices: 1. Test individual redirects to ensure they are working correctly. 2. Use tools like Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, or online redirect checkers to identify any potential problems. 3. Monitor server logs for any 404 errors or redirect loops. 4. Double-check internal links to ensure they are not broken after the redirects are implemented. By following these practices, you can minimize any issues and ensure a smooth transition.

Lucy Roberts

Hi Kate! Can you explain the difference between 301 and 302 redirects?

Kate Barmina

Hi Lucy! A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that indicates the page has moved permanently to a new location. It passes link equity and tells search engines to update their indexes with the new URL. On the other hand, a 302 redirect is a temporary redirect that indicates the page has moved temporarily. It does not pass link equity and tells search engines to keep the old URL indexed. For domain redirects, 301 redirects are recommended for preserving SEO value.

Gabriel Jackson

Hello, Kate! Is it advisable to redirect the entire old domain to a single page on the new domain?

Kate Barmina

Hi Gabriel! It's generally not advisable to redirect the entire old domain to a single page on the new domain. Search engines prefer to see a one-to-one mapping of old URLs to new URLs. Redirecting specific pages to their new counterparts helps maintain the overall structure and relevancy of the website. A blanket redirect to a single page may not have the desired SEO impact.

Harper Adams

Thanks for the informative article, Kate! I'll be sharing this with my colleagues who are planning domain changes.

Mia Wilson

Hi Kate! Can you clarify whether redirects impact internal linking and anchor text relevance?

Kate Barmina

Hi Mia! Redirects may impact internal linking and anchor text relevance. When implementing redirects, it's important to update internal links to point directly to the new domain. This ensures that the anchor text relevance is maintained and users are directed to the correct pages. Internal linking is an essential part of SEO, and redirects should not disrupt the overall internal linking structure.

Owen Davis

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain can seem daunting, but your step-by-step guide makes it much more manageable.

Ava Moore

Hi Kate! Is it advisable to redirect the old domain indefinitely, or should the redirects be removed after a certain period?

Kate Barmina

Hi Ava! It's generally advisable to keep the redirects in place indefinitely. This ensures that any new or old links pointing to the old domain are redirected to the new one. Removing the redirects may result in broken links and loss of SEO value. However, if there are specific reasons to remove redirects in the future, it should be done carefully, with proper planning and informing search engines about the changes.

Henry Wright

Thanks for the valuable insights, Kate! Redirecting a domain without losing SEO is a crucial aspect of website management.

Emily Turner

Hi Kate! Can you explain the difference between a domain redirect and a URL redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emily! A domain redirect redirects an entire domain to a new domain, while a URL redirect redirects a specific URL or page to a different URL. A domain redirect is typically used during domain changes or rebranding, while a URL redirect is used when specific pages or URLs need to be redirected to different locations. Both types of redirects play important roles in maintaining SEO and user experience.

Daniel Wilson

Great information, Kate! I'll be sure to follow these guidelines when I redirect my website's domain.

Sophie Parker

Hi Kate! Do you recommend notifying other websites or directories about the domain change?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sophie! It's generally a good practice to notify other websites or directories that have linked to your old domain about the domain change. You can reach out to them and request they update the links to point to the new domain. This helps ensure that external links to your website are directing users to the correct location and also maintains SEO value.

Lucas Hall

Thanks, Kate, for sharing your expertise on domain redirects. It's an important topic for webmasters to understand.

Emma Walker

Hi Kate! What steps can I take to minimize any potential negative impact on SEO during the domain redirect process?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emma! To minimize negative impact, make sure to: 1. Implement 301 redirects for individual URLs instead of redirecting everything to a single page. 2. Update internal links to point directly to the new domain. 3. Monitor closely after the redirect for any issues and make necessary adjustments. 4. Submit the new sitemap to search engines to help them discover the new URLs. By following these steps, you can minimize any potential negative impact on SEO rankings.

Isaac Reed

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO and ensuring a smooth transition for users.

Eva Howard

Hi Kate! Can you briefly explain how 301 redirects affect page load times?

Kate Barmina

Hi Eva! When properly implemented, the impact on page load times due to 301 redirects is minimal. However, if too many redirects are in place or redirects are not set up correctly, they can potentially slow down page load times. It's important to test the redirects and ensure they are functioning efficiently to minimize any negative impact on page speed.

Jackson Morris

Thanks for the informative article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for preserving SEO efforts.

Emily Wright

Hi Kate! Does the age or authority of the old domain have any impact on the success of the redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emily! The age and authority of the old domain can have some impact on the success of the redirect. Older and more authoritative domains tend to have stronger SEO value, and redirecting them properly helps preserve that value. However, even newer domains can benefit from proper redirects to ensure a smooth transition and maintain SEO rankings. The key is to implement the redirects correctly and inform search engines about the change.

Oliver Young

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO and user experience.

Charlotte Turner

Hi Kate! Can you explain the difference between a domain redirect and a subdomain redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Charlotte! A domain redirect redirects an entire domain to a new domain. On the other hand, a subdomain redirect only redirects a specific subdomain to a different location, typically within the same domain. Both types of redirects serve different purposes and are used depending on the specific requirements of a website or business.

Jacob Allen

Thanks for the detailed article, Kate! I'll be following these guidelines when I redirect my website's domain.

Lily Phillips

Hi Kate! Is it necessary to manually update the indexed URLs in search engines after the domain redirect, or do they automatically recognize the changes?

Kate Barmina

Hi Lily! Search engines like Google usually recognize the changes automatically when you implement a proper domain redirect with 301 redirects. However, it's always a good practice to submit the new sitemap to search engines to help them discover and index the new URLs more efficiently. This ensures that search engines are aware of the domain change and update their indexes accordingly.

Maxwell Morgan

Thanks for sharing your expertise, Kate! Domain redirecting is an important aspect of website management and SEO.

Sophia Wilson

Hi Kate! What are some common pitfalls to avoid when performing a domain redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sophia! Some common pitfalls to avoid during a domain redirect include: 1. Incorrect implementation of redirects, leading to 404 errors or redirect loops. 2. Not updating internal links to point to the new domain, causing broken links. 3. Forgetting to submit the new sitemap to search engines. 4. Not monitoring and analyzing the impact of redirects on SEO rankings and user experience. By being aware of these pitfalls and following best practices, you can ensure a successful domain redirect.

James Lewis

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain without losing SEO is an important consideration for website owners.

Amelia Anderson

Hi Kate! Can you explain how redirects affect the crawling and indexing process of search engines?

Kate Barmina

Hi Amelia! Redirects play a crucial role in the crawling and indexing process of search engines. When a search engine encounters a redirect, it follows the redirect to the new URL and updates its index accordingly. Properly implemented redirects ensure that search engines discover the new URLs and transfer the SEO value from the old domain to the new one. Without redirects, search engines would treat the old and new URLs as separate entities, resulting in duplicate content issues and loss of SEO value.

Jacob Robinson

Thanks for the informative article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is essential for maintaining SEO rankings and user experience.

Emily Turner

Hi Kate! Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a new domain for redirecting?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emily! When choosing a new domain for redirecting, consider these factors: 1. Relevance: The new domain should be relevant to your website's content and purpose. 2. Branding: It should align with your brand identity and be easy to remember. 3. SEO-friendliness: Consider keywords or phrases that can improve your SEO efforts. 4. Trustworthiness: Look for a reputable domain registrar to ensure a trustworthy and reliable domain. By considering these factors, you can choose a new domain that enhances your online presence.

Grace Parker

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for preserving SEO and user experience during website changes.

Henry Morris

Hi Kate! Can you explain the difference between a server-side redirect and a client-side redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Henry! A server-side redirect is performed on the server and is transparent to users. It instructs the browser to automatically go to the new page or domain. On the other hand, a client-side redirect is performed using JavaScript or HTML and is visible to users. It typically involves a delay and a message before the browser redirects to the new page or domain. Server-side redirects, like 301 redirects, are generally preferable for SEO purposes as they pass link equity, while client-side redirects, like 302 redirects, may not carry the same SEO value.

Sophie Wright

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Aiden Davis

Hi Kate! Are there any potential risks or downsides to consider when redirecting a domain?

Kate Barmina

Hi Aiden! While properly implemented redirects generally have minimal risks, there are a few potential downsides to consider: 1. Temporary fluctuations in SEO rankings: It's common to see temporary fluctuations in rankings during and after a redirect, but they typically stabilize over time. 2. Broken redirects: Incorrectly implemented redirects can result in broken links or redirect loops, causing negative impact on user experience and SEO. 3. Loss of backlinks: If external websites do not update their links, you might lose some link equity from backlinks. It's important to reach out and request updates when necessary. By understanding these potential risks and following best practices, you can minimize any negative impact during the domain redirect.

Max Brown

Thanks for the informative article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is essential for maintaining SEO value and keeping users engaged.

Ethan Moore

Hi Kate! Can you explain how to handle subdomains during a domain redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi Ethan! Handling subdomains during a domain redirect depends on your specific requirements. You have a few options: 1. Redirect all subdomains to the corresponding subdomains on the new domain. 2. Redirect specific subdomains to different locations on the new domain. 3. Maintain some subdomains as separate entities, independent of the redirect. The best approach will depend on the structure and goals of your website or business. It's important to plan and implement the redirects accordingly to ensure a seamless transition.

Liam Robinson

Thanks for sharing your expertise, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is essential for maintaining SEO rankings and user trust.

Mia Young

Hi Kate! Can you provide any tips on how to communicate the domain change to website visitors?

Kate Barmina

Hi Mia! Communicating the domain change to website visitors is important. Here are some tips: 1. Use a prominent banner or notification at the top of the website to inform users about the change. 2. Provide a brief explanation of the domain change and reassure users that they are in the right place. 3. Include a link to a dedicated page or blog post that provides more information about the domain change. 4. Make sure all contact information is updated to reflect the new domain. By proactively communicating the change, you can minimize confusion and ensure a positive user experience.

Olivia Thompson

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO rankings and user engagement.

Jack Turner

Hi Kate! What should be done with the old domain after the redirect? Should it be kept or let go?

Kate Barmina

Hi Jack! After the redirect is successfully implemented, you have a few options for the old domain: 1. Keep it as a separate entity, hosting different content or serving a different purpose. 2. Park or sell the old domain if you don't have any use for it anymore. 3. Let it expire and not renew it if you don't need it. The choice will depend on your specific circumstances and future plans for the old domain.

Aria Green

Thanks for the informative article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO value and a positive user experience.

Leo Walker

Hi Kate! Can you explain the difference between a domain redirect and a URL rewrite?

Kate Barmina

Hi Leo! A domain redirect redirects an entire domain to a new domain, while a URL rewrite changes the structure or format of a specific URL within the same domain. Domain redirects are typically used for domain changes or rebranding, while URL rewrites are used to improve URL structure, make them more user-friendly, or handle dynamic URLs. Both have their own purposes and should be implemented based on specific requirements.

Grace Moore

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO rankings and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Lucas Sanders

Hi Kate! Can you explain how a domain redirect affects social media sharing and engagement?

Kate Barmina

Hi Lucas! A domain redirect can affect social media sharing and engagement in a few ways: 1. URLs shared on social media platforms will need to be updated to the new domain to ensure they redirect correctly and lead users to the desired content. 2. It's important to update your social media profiles and bios with the new domain to maintain consistency and avoid confusion. 3. If there are any specific social media campaigns or ads pointing to the old domain, they will need to be updated or redirected to the new domain. By proactively updating URLs and communicating the domain change on social media, you can ensure a smooth transition and continued engagement.

Ella Davis

Thanks for sharing your expertise, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly helps preserve SEO rankings and keeps the user experience seamless.

James Harris

Hi Kate! Can you explain how to handle HTTPS and SSL certificates during a domain redirect?

Kate Barmina

Hi James! When handling HTTPS and SSL certificates during a domain redirect, it's important to: 1. Ensure that the new domain is properly configured with HTTPS and has a valid SSL certificate. 2. Update any internal links to use the new HTTPS URL instead of HTTP. 3. Update any external links or backlinks to point to the new HTTPS URL for a secure and uninterrupted browsing experience. By maintaining HTTPS and SSL certificates, you can ensure that sensitive information is secure and users have a seamless transition during the redirect.

Luke Lewis

Great article, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is vital for preserving SEO value and user trust.

Maya Young

Hi Kate! Can you explain how a domain redirect affects email addresses associated with the old domain?

Kate Barmina

Hi Maya! A domain redirect does not directly affect email addresses associated with the old domain. However, if you decide to change email addresses after the redirect, you will need to set up email accounts associated with the new domain. It's important to communicate the email address change to any relevant contacts and update any official documents or online profiles with the new email addresses.

Emma Turner

Thanks for the informative article, Kate! Proper domain redirecting is essential for maintaining SEO rankings and a positive user experience.

Daniel Moore

Hi Kate! Are there any specific considerations for international domain redirects or multilingual websites?

Kate Barmina

Hi Daniel! When dealing with international domain redirects or multilingual websites, consider the following: 1. Implement country-specific redirects for international domains to ensure visitors are taken to the appropriate localized version of the new domain. 2. Ensure proper hreflang tags are implemented to indicate the language and country targeting of each URL. 3. Update any translation plugins or language-switching mechanisms to reflect the new domain. 4. Check for any potential hreflang issues or conflicts during the redirect process. By following these considerations, you can properly handle international domain redirects and maintain a seamless experience for visitors from different regions or language preferences.

Emily Peterson

Great advice, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for preserving SEO equity and ensuring a smooth transition for users.

Sophia Young

Hi Kate! Can you explain how redirects affect the website's overall link profile?

Kate Barmina

Hi Sophia! Redirects can affect the website's overall link profile in a couple of ways: 1. Properly implemented 301 redirects pass the link equity from the old URLs to the new ones, helping maintain the overall link profile and SEO value. 2. However, if redirect chains or loops occur, they can negatively impact the link profile and SEO efforts. It's important to avoid such redirect issues to preserve the overall link profile and maintain a strong SEO foundation.

Oliver Turner

Thanks for sharing your expertise, Kate! Redirecting a domain properly is crucial for maintaining SEO value and a seamless user experience.

Emma Adams

Hi Kate! Can you provide some real-life examples of successful domain redirects?

Kate Barmina

Hi Emma! Sure, here are a few real-life examples of successful domain redirects: 1. Moz.com - Previously known as SEOmoz, the domain was redirected to Moz.com to focus on their brand name and provide a better user experience. 2. SearchEngineLand.com - Redirected to SearchEngineJournal.com to consolidate their brand and content under a single domain. 3. WPMUDEV.org - Redirected to WPMUDEV.com to align their domain with their brand. These examples demonstrate how domain redirects can help businesses improve their branding, user experience, and SEO efforts.

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