Changing name of a website.

Hello whats thebest way to go about changing a website's name? Just curious because I am going to and I do not want it to be like starting completely over again. I am going to setup up a re-direct with a message, but is there any other thing that I would need to do, or would be best to do?
Thanks
Mike

 

use a 301 redirect to your new site

 

If it is a popular website, then its better not to change the name. But if you really want to, set up an htaccess file to make a 301 redirect.

 

Yes. .htaccess is the best way to do redirect. Or if your web host has similar features you can use it too.

 

if you have members... make sure you explain to them the change

 

Yeah....Atleast a month before you shift

 

try not to make a sudden transition to the new name, but rather communicate with your users gradually in saying its almost like an "upgrade" to the "older" site. If you can, pitch out some new features as well, so it creates a mindset of "upgrade" for your users. That way, there won't be as much negativity toward the name change both for you and your users.