Moz Q&A is closed.
After more than 13 years, and tens of thousands of questions, Moz Q&A closed on 12th December 2024. Whilst we’re not completely removing the content - many posts will still be possible to view - we have locked both new posts and new replies. More details here.
Migrating Subfolder content to New domain Safely
-
Hello everyone,
I'm currently facing a challenging situation and would greatly appreciate your expertise and guidance.
I own a website, maniflexa.com, primarily focused on the digital agency niche. About 3 months ago, I created a subfolder, maniflexa.com/emploi/, dedicated to job listings which is a completely different niche. The subfolder has around 120 posts and pages.
Unfortunately, since I created the subfolder, the rankings of my main site have been negatively impacted. I was previously ranking #1 for all local digital services keywords, but now, only 2 out of 16 keywords have maintained their positions. Other pages have dropped to positions 30 and beyond.
I'm considering a solution and would like your advice: I'm planning to purchase a new domain and migrate the content from maniflexa.com/emploi/ to newdomain.com. However, I want to ensure a smooth migration without affecting the main domain maniflexa.com rankings and losing backlinks from maniflexa.com/emploi/ pages.
Is moving the subfolder content to a new domain a viable solution? And how can I effectively redirect all pages from the subfolder to the new domain while preserving page ranks and backlinks?
I wish they did, but GSC doesn't offer a solution to migration content from subfolder to a new domain.Help a fellow Mozer. Thanks for giving a hand.
-
Here's a step-by-step guide to help resolve the issue:
Thorough Content Audit:
Evaluate the content in maniflexa.com/emploi/ and identify the key pages that contribute positively to your rankings.
Keyword Mapping:Map the keywords associated with the main site (maniflexa.com) and the emploi subfolder. Identify any overlapping keywords.
Backlink Analysis:Examine the backlinks to maniflexa.com/emploi/ pages. Identify high-quality backlinks that contribute to your main site's authority.
New Domain Purchase:Purchase the new domain (newdomain.com) and ensure it aligns with the content of maniflexa.com/emploi/.
Create Redirect Strategy:Implement 301 redirects from maniflexa.com/emploi/ to the corresponding pages on newdomain.com. This will preserve SEO value and redirect users seamlessly.
Update Internal Links:Review and update internal links on maniflexa.com pointing to emploi subfolder pages. Redirect them to the newdomain.com pages.
Update Sitemap:Submit an updated sitemap for maniflexa.com to reflect the changes in the emploi subfolder. This helps search engines understand the new structure.
Inform Google Search Console (GSC):Although GSC might not offer a direct solution, inform Google about the domain change through the "Change of Address" tool. This is available in the GSC under the Settings.
Monitor Traffic and Rankings:Keep a close eye on your website's traffic and rankings during and after the migration. Use tools like Google Analytics and other SEO monitoring tools.
Content Enhancement:Consider enhancing the content on maniflexa.com to reinforce its relevance to the digital agency niche. This can aid in the recovery of lost rankings.
Communicate Changes:Inform your audience about the domain change through newsletters, social media, and on-site notifications.
Seek Professional Help if Needed:If you're unsure about any step, consider consulting with SEO professionals or agencies to ensure a smooth transition.
-
"Sure, we can proceed with migrating the subfolder content to the new domain safely. Please provide more details or specific instructions, and we'll ensure you a best laptop smooth transition."
-
Migrating subfolder content to a new domain requires careful planning to maintain SEO and ensure a smooth transition. Here's a brief overview:
-
Audit and Plan: Analyze content, backlinks, and traffic of the subfolder. Plan the migration considering SEO implications.
-
Redirects: Implement 301 redirects from old subfolder URLs to new domain URLs. This preserves SEO value and guides users to the new content.
-
Google Search Console: Add both old and new domains to Google Search Console. Use the Change of Address tool for the subfolder migration.
-
Content Transfer: Move content to the new domain. Maintain URLs or create equivalent content.
-
Update Internal Links: Update internal links on both old and new domains to point to the new location.
-
Monitor and Test: Monitor traffic, rankings, and crawl errors post-migration. Test URLs, redirects, and functionality.
-
Communicate: Inform users, subscribers, and stakeholders about the migration to the new domain.
-
Sitemap and Robots.txt: Submit a new sitemap for the new domain and update robots.txt files accordingly.
Remember, a smooth migration minimizes SEO disruptions. Careful implementation and thorough testing are crucial to maintain visibility and user experience during the transition.
-
-
Migrating subfolder content to a new domain requires careful planning to maintain SEO and ensure a smooth transition. Here's a brief overview:
-
Audit and Plan: Analyze content, backlinks, and traffic of the subfolder. Plan the migration considering SEO implications.
-
Redirects: Implement 301 redirects from old subfolder URLs to new domain URLs. This preserves SEO value and guides users to the new content.
-
Google Search Console: Add both old and new domains to Google Search Console. Use the Change of Address tool for the subfolder migration.
-
Content Transfer: Move content to the new domain. Maintain URLs or create equivalent content.
-
Update Internal Links: Update internal links on both old and new domains to point to the new location.
-
Monitor and Test: Monitor traffic, rankings, and crawl errors post-migration. Test URLs, redirects, and functionality.
-
Communicate: Inform users, subscribers, and stakeholders about the migration to the new domain.
-
Sitemap and Robots.txt: Submit a new sitemap for the new domain and update robots.txt files accordingly.
Remember, a smooth migration minimizes SEO disruptions. Careful implementation and thorough testing are crucial to maintain visibility and user experience during the transition.
-
-
Migrating subfolder content to a new domain while ensuring safety and SEO integrity requires careful planning and execution. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:
Steps to Migrate Subfolder Content to a New Domain Safely:
- Create a Backup:
Before making any changes, back up your entire website, including files, databases, and content, to prevent data loss. - Map Out the Migration Strategy:
Plan the migration process and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the content structure and URLs. - Set Up the New Domain:
Acquire the new domain and set up hosting and server configurations. - Mirror the Structure:
Create a similar folder structure on the new domain to maintain the subfolder organization. - 301 Redirects:
Implement 301 redirects from the old subfolder URLs to the corresponding new domain URLs. This redirects users and search engines and preserves SEO value. - Update Internal Links:
Review internal links within your content and update them to reflect the new domain URLs. - Update XML Sitemap:
Generate a new XML sitemap for the new domain and submit it to search engines through Google Search Console. - Update External Links:
Notify authoritative external sites linking to your subfolder content about the domain change. - Monitor Google Search Console:
Keep a close eye on Google Search Console for any crawl errors or issues after migration. - Monitor Traffic and Rankings:
Monitor website traffic and search engine rankings post-migration to detect any significant drops. - Inform Users and Customers:
Notify users, customers, subscribers, and relevant stakeholders about the domain migration. - Post-Migration SEO Audit:
Conduct a thorough SEO audit post-migration to ensure all elements are working correctly. - Monitor for a Few Weeks:
Continuously monitor website performance, user experience, and SEO metrics for a few weeks post-migration. - Address Issues Promptly:
Address any unforeseen issues promptly and make necessary adjustments. - Update Robots.txt and .htaccess:
Update robots.txt and .htaccess files to ensure proper indexing and redirection. - Submit Updated URLs:
Re-submit updated URLs to search engines for indexing. - Test Proper Functionality:
Test forms, buttons, scripts, and other functionalities to ensure they are working correctly on the new domain. - Engage SEO Professionals if Needed:
For larger or complex migrations, consider seeking assistance from experienced SEO professionals.
Important Notes:
Properly handling redirects and maintaining URL structure integrity is crucial for retaining SEO rankings.
Communicate the migration to users and stakeholders to minimize confusion and maintain trust.
It's important to thoroughly plan and execute the migration process to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition without compromising SEO rankings or user experience.
I am actively engaged in enhancing the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies for the PythonProSupport blog. Through meticulous planning, diligent analysis, and implementation of effective SEO tactics, my focus revolves around optimizing content, refining keywords, and improving the overall visibility and ranking of the PythonProSupport blog across search engine results. Embracing the latest SEO methodologies, I aim to elevate the blog's online presence, ensuring it reaches a wider audience while maintaining quality standards and relevance within the dynamic landscape of digital content.
- Create a Backup:
-
Essential Hoodie & BAPE Hoodie: Elevating Your Wardrobe with Style
Hoodies have become more than just a comfortable piece of clothing; they are a fashion statement, reflecting personal style and cultural influences. In this article, we delve into the world of Essential Hoodies and BAPE Hoodies, exploring their unique features, style impact, and what makes them essential additions to your wardrobe.Understanding Essential Hoodies
Essential Hoodie are more than just a casual wear option. Crafted from high-quality materials, these hoodies offer comfort and versatility. With various designs and colors, Essential Hoodies have become a staple in many wardrobes, providing a blend of simplicity and functionality that suits various occasions.
Exploring BAPE Hoodies
BAPE, or A Bathing Ape, is a renowned brand synonymous with streetwear fashion. Their Hoodies, often adorned with iconic ape motifs, have gained international acclaim. Beyond clothing, BAPE represents a cultural movement, with celebrities and influencers proudly sporting their unique designs.
Quality and Craftsmanship: Essential vs. BAPE Hoodies
While Essential Hoodies focus on practicality and comfort, BAPE takes craftsmanship to a whole new level. Using premium materials and employing unique design techniques, BAPE Hoodies stand out as exclusive pieces that transcend conventional fashion norms.
Style and Fashion Statements
Essential Hoodies cater to those who appreciate simplicity, offering a blank canvas for individual style expression. On the other hand, BAPE Hoodies make bold statements, often becoming collector’s items due to their limited releases and distinctive designs.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Page Indexing without content
Hello. I have a problem of page indexing without content. I have website in 3 different languages and 2 of the pages are indexing just fine, but one language page (the most important one) is indexing without content. When searching using site: page comes up, but when searching unique keywords for which I should rank 100% nothing comes up. This page was indexing just fine and the problem arose couple of days ago after google update finished. Looking further, the problem is language related and every page in the given language that is newly indexed has this problem, while pages that were last crawled around one week ago are just fine. Has anyone ran into this type of problem?
Technical SEO | | AtuliSulava1 -
Ranking going south
Hi - I have a site Simply Stairlifts and I don't understand it but I've followed all the SEO processes of cleaning the site and building links, but ranking just keeps falling - any advise would be very gratefully received 👍 .
SEO Tactics | | Naju2310 -
Footer backlink for/to Web Design Agency
I read some old (10+ years) information on whether footer backlinks from the websites that design agencies build are seen as spammy and potentially cause a negative effect. We have over 150 websites that we have built over the last few years, all with sitewide footer backlinks back to our homepage (designed and managed by COMPANY NAME). Semrush flags some of the links as potential spammy links. What are the current thoughts on this type of footer backlink? Are we better to have 1 dofollow backlink and the rest of the website nofollow from each domain?
Link Building | | MultiAdE1 -
Best SEO Structure For E-Commerce With Products Using Multiple Categories
Hi all, I am in the process of re-structuring my e-commerce website for better SEO and user experience. I have done some keyword research and would like some advice on how best to structure my site around those keywords. For example, my site (All Things Nature) sells a brand of wooden sculptures (Woodsculp) and I would like to rank for keywords related to that brand, the brand by animal, the brand by collection and the brand by release date.
Content Development | | nb2e4fg
Examples of keywords could be: Brand by Animal: Woodsculp Dogs, Woodsculp Cats, Woodsculp Elephants
Brand by Collection: Woodsculp Pets, Woodsculp Safari
Brand by Release Date: Woodsculp Christmas 2023, Woodsculp Summer 2022 I would create each of these keywords as a category so that they can be found by a search engine and by users. I would then structure as follows: All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp by Animal -> Woodsculp Dogs
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp by Animal -> Woodsculp Elephants
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp by Collection -> Woodsculp Pets
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp by Collection -> Woodsculp Safari
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp by Release Date -> Woodsculp Christmas 2023
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp by Release Date -> Woodsculp Summer 2022 The only problem with this structure is it would take more than 3 clicks (4) for the user to reach a product. How critical is this for good SEO and user experience? Would I be better off getting rid of the ‘Woodsculp by Animal’, ‘Woodsculp by Collection’ and ‘Woodsculp by Release Date’ categories? Structure would look as follows: All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp Dogs
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp Elephants
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp Safari
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp Christmas 2023 The only thing with this is there would be a lot of categories under the brand name which might make it more difficult for search engines and users to logically follow. Would I be better off getting rid of the brand category and replace them with the keyword categories? Structure would look as follows: All Things Nature -> Woodsculp by Animal -> Woodsculp Dogs
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp by Animal -> Woodsculp Elephants
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp by Collection -> Woodsculp Safari
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp by Release Date -> Woodsculp Christmas 2023 This would organise things more logically but I would then lose the brand category (and the potential of the brand keyword ranking?) Would I be better off choosing one main keyword to use as a category and then use tags for the other categories? Categories: All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp Dogs
All Things Nature -> Woodsculp -> Woodsculp Elephants Tags: Woodsculp Safari
Woodsculp Christmas 2023 The next issue I have is that I have products which could fall under several different categories. A product called Elijah Elephant, for example could fall under Woodsculp Elephants, Woodsculp Safari and Woodsculp Summer 2022. In previous e-commerce sites I have never assigned multiple categories to one product (I instead have used tags). Is it good practice to organise products under multiple categories for an e-commerce site? Thanks in advance for any help and advice.0 -
Legacy domains
Hi all, A couple of years ago we amalgamated five separate domains into one, and set up 301 redirects from all the pages on the old domains to their equivalent pages on the new site. We were a bit tardy in using the "change of address" tool in Search Console, but that was done nearly 8 months ago now as well. Two years after implementing all the redirects, the old domains still have significant authority (DAs of between 20-35) and some strong inbound links. I expected to see the DA of the legacy domains taper off during this period and (hopefully!) the DA of the new domain increase. The latter has happened, although not as much as I'd hoped, but the DA of the legacy domains is more or less as good as it ever was? Google is still indexing a handful of links from the legacy sites, strangely even when it is picking up the redirects correctly. So, for example, if you do a site:legacydomain1.com query, it will give a list of results which includes pages where it shows the title and snippet of the page on newdomain.com, but the link is to the page on legacydomain1.com. What has prompted me to finally try and resolve this is that the server which hosted the original 5 domains is now due to be decommissioned which obviously means the 301 redirects for the original pages will no longer be served. I can set up web forwarding for each of the legacy domains at the hosting level, but to maintain the page-by-page redirects I'd have to actually host the websites somewhere. I'd like to know the best way forward both in terms of the redirect issue, and also in terms of the indexing of the legacy domains? Many thanks, Dan
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | clarkovitch0 -
Merging two different domains - subdomain or subfolder?
My company has two sites on different domains. We are considering merging the sites into one and keeping only the dominant domain. The dominate site is already a sub-domain of a larger organization so the new sub-domain would be two levels deep. I realize this is a little abstract so below is an example Dominant company site: company.root-domain.com Secondary company site: other-root-domain.com When they merge, everything will be on company.root-domain.com. Should it be other.company.root-domain.com or company.root-domain.com/other Note: The other site has several hundred pages. Both sites have strong authority and link profiles. I want to maintain as much of the value on the other site as possible with the merge.
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | SEI0 -
Redirect ruined domain to new domain without passing link juice
A new client has a domain which has been hammered by bad links, updates etc and it's basically on its arse because of previous SEO guys. They have various domains for their business (brand.com, brand.co.uk) and want to use a fresh domain and take it from there. Their current domain is brand.com (the ruined one). They're not bothered about the rankings for brand.com but they want to redirect brand.com to brand.co.uk so that previous clients can find them easily. Would a 302 redirect work for this? I don't want to set up a 301 redirect as I don't want any of the crappy links pointing across. Thanks!
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | jasonwdexter0 -
Should I buy a .co domain if my preferred .com and .co.uk domain are taken by other companies?
I'm looking to boost my website ranking and drive more traffic to it using a keyword rich domain name. I want to have my nearest city followed by the keyword "seo" in the domain name but the .co.uk and .com have already been taken. Should I take the plunge and buy .co at a higher price? What options do I have? Also whilst we're on domains and URL's is it best to separate keywords in url's with a (_) or a (-)? Many thanks for any help with this matter. Alex
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | SeoSheikh0