Domain name change

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by Fahd, Apr 23, 2008.

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  1. #1
    I have a forum on a domain name that is currently receiving organic traffic from the search engines. It is ranked quite well.

    Now due to business reasons, it is imperative that I change the domain name and rebrand the website accordingly. How should I go about doing this so as to minimize any loss in the SERPS?

    I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or links.

    Thanks in advance! :)
     
    Fahd, Apr 23, 2008 IP
  2. BILZ

    BILZ Peon

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    #2
    301 redirect each and every page to the corresponding new page.
     
    BILZ, Apr 23, 2008 IP
  3. RankSurge

    RankSurge Banned

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    #3
    One thing to consider - is the old domain ownership information as the new? Google checks the WHOIS db anytime a domain starts to 301 - it's a common blackhat technique once a site gets nailed for whatever reason.
     
    RankSurge, Apr 23, 2008 IP
  4. Fahd

    Fahd Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Bilz, any links on an easy way to do that for a vbulletin forum? Manually redirecting each thread/post etc would be impossible.

    RankSurge, yes, both domain names have the exact same whois information and were even registered on the exact same date probably within a few seconds of each other.
     
    Fahd, Apr 23, 2008 IP
  5. dr00t

    dr00t Peon

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    #5
    I agree with this. If the site is dynamic, then do some type of "catch-all" to make sure any of your traffic is immediately sent to the new site. If you can align the pages with the corresponding one, that would be helpful as well.

    Be sure to update your site with Googles Webmasters Tools too.

    I am not sure Google penalizes for difference in WHOIS information, because websites are bought and sold every day. While some do lose rank, others remain un-changed. It's pure speculation.

    This blog post at SEOmoz is sure to answer ANY questions you might have. I hope this helps.
     
    dr00t, Apr 23, 2008 IP
  6. ahelpinghand

    ahelpinghand Guest

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    #6
    if you have the same link structure in your new domain, it will be easy to 301 redirect all your lines using .htAccess file if your old domain was hosted on linux server.
     
    ahelpinghand, Apr 23, 2008 IP