Experience with Changing Domain Names

Useless · 2012-02-14, 08:24 AM

Anyone have experience with swapping domain names on an existing site?

Here's the scenario:
A web site has always been on domain1.com, but you aren't particular fond of the name. So, you purchase a new domain name, move the site's files to domain2.com, then do a 301 redirect from domain1.com > domain2.com.

Now, the big questions. If you have done this, how did it effect traffic and page rank? From my understanding, if one does the 301, Google will eventually re-assign the rage rank to the new domain. Is there a substantial loss of traffic during the transition period?

Thanks a bunch!

housekeeper · 2012-02-14, 12:37 PM

I was reading this yesterday, don't know whether it will be of use to you but may give you insight with respect to the naming issue Canonicalization

CaptainJSparrow · 2012-02-14, 01:24 PM

I have done it and the traffic went right away, and the page rank followed shortly. I was actually surprised how quickly...even the position in the serps stayed.

dunc · 2012-02-14, 05:57 PM

I did a 301 in htaccess, I didn't really see much of a lag and lost little traffic

Useless · 2012-02-14, 09:11 PM

Super. Thanks for the feedback guys. This is something I have wanted to so for some time. All I have to do now is find the time.

pc · 2012-02-15, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Useless Warrior

Super. Thanks for the feedback guys. This is something I have wanted to so for some time. All I have to do now is find the time.

but I already bought uselessperv.com
but I can sell it to you

Useless · 2012-02-15, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pc

but I already bought uselessperv.com
but I can sell it to you

You can keep it!

My sig bears a hint at what the future brings.

CaptainJSparrow · 2012-02-20, 08:53 PM

UW, saw this article and thought of your thread here: http://searchengineland.com/you-don%...campaign=email

2012-02-14, 08:24 AM	#1
Useless Certified Nice Person Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dirty Undies, NY Posts: 11,268	Experience with Changing Domain Names Anyone have experience with swapping domain names on an existing site? Here's the scenario: A web site has always been on domain1.com, but you aren't particular fond of the name. So, you purchase a new domain name, move the site's files to domain2.com, then do a 301 redirect from domain1.com > domain2.com. Now, the big questions. If you have done this, how did it effect traffic and page rank? From my understanding, if one does the 301, Google will eventually re-assign the rage rank to the new domain. Is there a substantial loss of traffic during the transition period? Thanks a bunch! __________________ Click here to purchase a bridge I'm selling.

2012-02-14, 12:37 PM	#2
housekeeper Oh! I haven't changed since high school and suddenly I am uncool Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 250	I was reading this yesterday, don't know whether it will be of use to you but may give you insight with respect to the naming issue Canonicalization __________________ Trans-Glam Productions photography - design - video production twitter

2012-02-14, 05:57 PM	#4
dunc You can now put whatever you want in this space :) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 658	I did a 301 in htaccess, I didn't really see much of a lag and lost little traffic __________________ Good, Cheap Wordpress Themes

2012-02-14, 09:11 PM	#5
Useless Certified Nice Person Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dirty Undies, NY Posts: 11,268	Super. Thanks for the feedback guys. This is something I have wanted to so for some time. All I have to do now is find the time. __________________ Click here to purchase a bridge I'm selling.

2012-02-14, 01:24 PM	#3
CaptainJSparrow You can now put whatever you want in this space :) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 511	I have done it and the traffic went right away, and the page rank followed shortly. I was actually surprised how quickly...even the position in the serps stayed.

2012-02-20, 08:53 PM	#8
CaptainJSparrow You can now put whatever you want in this space :) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 511	UW, saw this article and thought of your thread here: http://searchengineland.com/you-don%...campaign=email