Best Way to change domain name
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Hi,
I have a driving instructor wordpress website called www.drivnglessonsbrightonandhove.co.uk, done a little link building. But before I start this properly, I want to change it to www.drivingbrighton.co.uk (as the first is too long to fit on the car etc!!!!)
Whats the best way to do this? Is there a way to help keep its position in google as just got into top10 for different keywords?
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Antony,
If your site structure is to remain the same use Google's Step by Step Guide to Migrating a Domain
Google recommends redirecting all pages. After you follow Google's suggestions on the move there are things you can do to speed this up. Tweet every URL on your new site that you want indexed. Check the site: indexation for inclusion of the new pages and don't forget the sitemap and Google Webmaster Tools for your URL preference.
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Hi Anthony.
Your new URL choice seems like a good choice. The best way to make this change is to add a 301 redirect from your current site to the new site. Your web host can set this up for you.
Whenever a redirect is used you will lose a small amount of link value which could impact ranking. Often the change is made with no ranking change but you can lose a spot or two. You can reduce or eliminate any loss by ensuring all links to your site are updated to your new URL. This would include any signature links, facebook links, etc.
Once the change is made it is entirely possible your site can "bounce" on the search result pages. It may take a few weeks for Google to crawl all of your site and the final rankings to settle.
Since you are making an improvement it's up to you to decide if in the long term the long term benefit would offset any short term set back.
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