No one wants their SEO rankings to take a hit, so changing your domain name is a major decision that requires thoughtful planning. Domain migrations can be complex, but by following the right checklist, you can ensure that most of your SEO continues to thrive. Below is a complete checklist to help you transition domains while protecting the SEO foundation you’ve built:
- Conduct an Audit of Your Current SEO Performance
Before making changes, audit your current SEO performance. Track your top-performing keywords, high-ranking pages, and backlinks to ensure nothing crucial is lost during the migration. - Set Up 301 Redirects
Setting up 301 redirects is crucial when migrating a domain. These redirects tell search engines that your old domain has permanently moved, transferring SEO value to your new domain. Redirect every old page to its exact counterpart on the new domain to preserve link equity. - Update Internal Links
After implementing 301 redirects, update all internal links on your site. While 301 redirects will take users from old links to new ones, updating internal links ensures a better user experience and avoids any slowdown caused by redirects. - Submit the Change of Address in Google Search Console
Notify Google of your domain change using the “Change of Address” tool in Google Search Console. This helps Google recognize the migration and adjust its index. Also, submit the XML sitemap for your new domain. - Check and Update Backlinks
Contact websites that link to your old domain and request updates to link to your new domain. While 301 redirects will handle this automatically, updating backlinks strengthens your new domain’s link profile and speeds up the transition. - Monitor for 404 Errors
After migration, use Google Search Console and Screaming Frog to monitor for 404 errors. Fix any broken links or missed redirects to avoid losing traffic. - Track SEO Performance After Migration
Monitor your SEO performance closely for a few months post-migration. Keep an eye on traffic, rankings, and conversions. Be prepared to adjust your strategy if necessary, as Google may take time to process the domain change. - Communicate the Change
Let your users and followers know about the domain change via email, social media, and a blog post. This helps maintain brand trust and minimizes confusion during the transition. - Ensure Mobile Optimization Remains Intact
Ensure that your mobile site is properly redirected and optimized on the new domain. Google’s mobile-first indexing makes it essential to test mobile site loading speed and user experience to avoid ranking drops in mobile searches. - Maintain Brand Consistency
Update all online and offline branding materials to reflect the new domain. This includes social media profiles, email addresses, and business directories to avoid confusing your audience.
In conclusion, migrating to a new domain without severely affecting SEO rankings requires careful planning. By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition and keep your site visible and ranked. Short-term fluctuations may occur, but close monitoring will help you bounce back quickly.