How to use Google search console's 'Name change' tool?
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Hi There,
I'm having trouble performing a 'Name change' for a new website (rebrand and domain change) in Google Search console.
Because the 301 redirects are in place (a requirement of the name change tool), Google can no longer verify the site, which means I can't complete the name change?
To me, step two (301 redirect) conflicts with step there (site verification) - or is there a way to perform a 301 redirect and have the tool verify the old site?
Any pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Ben
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Your answer is confusing sorry.
If you're not supposed to add the old site's verification to your new site, how does anyone complete the Name Change Tool?
- Step 2 of the tool requires 301 redirects be in place before you can move on
- Step 3 of the tool requires you verify the old site
Obviously, if step 2 is working, then step 3 will always fail.
How do you complete the name change tool?
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Don't try to edit old one. Let read old version to Google. You need to add new property. You don't need to worry about old property. Due to 301, Google auto ignore your old version.
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Got this working.
What's not immediately obvious, is that you're allowed to use one site's verification on another.
So you have to copy the old site's verification over to the new site so that your new site is running both verifications.
Then when you run the tool, verification of the old site works.
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