New domain's Sitemap.xml file loaded to old domain - how does this effect SEO?
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I have a client who recently changed their domain when they redesigned their site. The client wanted the old site to remain live for existing customers with links to the new domain. I guess as a workaround, the developer loaded the new domain's sitemap.xml file to the old domain. What SEO ramifications would this have if any on the primary (new) domain?
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I don't believe any. Like Jesse said, change it and move on (Google is fairly forgiving).
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That is a great point. I've just never seen something like that before - questionable, very very questionable.
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Whatever ramifications it had, nothing a sitemap reports is permanent. So just fix it and move on and it will quickly refresh. Be sure and submit it in GWMT just to be extra sure.
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Chances are the client didn't have the foresight to match URL's, which means the sitemap contains many invalid URL's. I do not know what exact effect this will have, but it can't be good.
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