Domain name migration

[antoniomitalia]

I have purchased a new domain name (b), shorter and more cool than the one I'm actually using (a). Also I'm planning to use wordpress on (b), since my actual site was build entirely on html. So lets say making a migration so slowly.

In the meantime I finish (b), I would like to include the name on my cards, and other promos, as well as actualize the new name in all my social profiles. I thinked on doing a 302 on (b) pointing to (a), till the day it will be finished. That day I'll do the opposite, so pointing (a), this time with a 301, to (b).

Is this the best way of doing it, in terms os SEO?

Thanks

[antoniomitalia]

Thanks again, you was very helpful!

I'll do all of this.

[SamuelScott]

Yes, definitely save or reserve social profiles and so on for the new brand name as soon as you can (whenever possible -- on Twitter, for example, you have to wait to change the user name until you announce the rebrand). (When there are new profiles with the new name, just keep them inactive and don't publicize them yet.)

I don't work for Moz, but I am active in the community here. Yes, I think it's amazing too -- it's why I participate a lot. Welcome!

[antoniomitalia]

Thank you very much for the quick response, Samuel.

I'll follow your instructions and will wait till everything is finished. I was asking because in the recent days someone opened a profile in a social platform, with the name I pretended to use.

I thought on changing my other social profiles names to the new one, just to get them, so I asked my question in this forum. Maybe the best way is just to get the name in the still available social platforms and keep them sleeping, till I finish the new site, so in that moment, merging the both profiles in each social platform. What do you think on this?

By the way, is just my first day here on Moz and I find everything really amazing, thanks!

[SamuelScott]

Thanks for the question! First, I'd go through these guides here and here on Moz to doing domain migration well. It can be complicated. (Note: Be sure to read the referenced posts and documents for more detail!)

Those articles (and referenced links) contain a lot of technical points that I endorse (for what's it's worth -- you don't know me!). Here, I just wanted to make a point about branding. (Specifically, the first post -- and referenced Mozinar -- mentioned above also details Moz's journey from SEOMoz to Moz as far as branding, which is relevant to your move to a new brand name.)

Basically, a branding change is not something that should be done slowly over time. A rebranding creates confusion in the mind of your audience and customers, and you want that confusion to be over as quickly as possible. If you list the new brand on your marketing collateral but then direct people to the website with the old brand, that creates brand confusion.

Instead, I would develop the new website and brand in the dark. Then, once it's ready, unveil the new website and brand all at once. Once the new website is live -- with all of the 301 (not 302) redirects and other technical issues in place -- THEN change your social media profiles, distribute new business cards, release new letterhead, and everything else. Make it a big deal. Celebrate, publicize, and promote the new brand. But make it all happen at the same time so that people become accustomed to the new brand quickly.