Have you ever shifted from one home to the other? Be it for education, career, or personal reasons, a change of address is a massive change and brings with it mixed emotions. If you have, you know that moving places is not a straightforward task and takes a while to get used to. It is a similar tale when businesses or individuals decide to change their domain name for rebranding purposes.

A domain name is a company’s virtual address and one of the first things people notice while interacting with a brand. When businesses decide to give their website and their digital presence a makeover, they are likely to change their domain name to ensure their online identity aligns with the revamped brand image.

This article covers all the important aspects of changing a domain name including the need to change a domain name, the points to consider while making the switch, and how to change your domain name without any major hiccups.

Let’s start by understanding why businesses choose to change or switch domain names.

 

Top Reasons to Change or Switch Domain Names

 

A domain name switch can happen for several reasons including a major branding overhaul, – with your current name, or your customers do not resonate with it. Whatever may be your reasons, the good news is that you can change or switch domain names without hurting your search engine optimisation (SEO).

We have listed some of the most common reasons for switching domain names in this section.

  • Rebranding

Many businesses opt to change their domain name when they decide to rebrand themselves and move to a new identity. Switching to a domain name that aligns with the brand’s voice, messaging, and communication strategy is one of the top reasons to change domain names.

  • Relocation

Most businesses opt for a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) specific to that country. Therefore, the domain of a business in Australia is likely to end with a .au. However, if the business is relocating to New Zealand, the domain will change to .nz. This is another reason why you may need to change the website domain.

  • Legal Issues

If your current domain name infringes upon someone else’s or some other business’s trademark, you may end up in a legal with the other party. Therefore, it is best to change your domain name in case you are on the wrong side of the intellectual property law to avoid legal repercussions.

Points to Consider While Changing Domain Name

 

By now, you should be able to identify the reason for changing your domain name. Once you are fully convinced, it is important to keep in mind a few things before giving the green light to the transition process.

Let’s explore some of these points.

  • Website Backup

It is worth noting that changing a domain name wouldn’t be necessary for a majority of businesses. However, if they need to make the switch, a website backup simplifies the migration process from one host to the other. You can create a backup either by copying files manually, using different tools, or by requesting your website host to do it for you. Additionally, a backup ensures you can transition at the earliest without wasting time.

  • Audit and Set a Timeline for the Launch

Website audits are important for a range of reasons including improving search engine rankings, analysing traffic behaviour, goal conversions, and more. Additionally, it involves an in-depth evaluation of the site’s content, tonality, relevance, and other metrics. Audit your current website, identify areas of improvement, and make adjustments before switching to new domains to ensure a flawless transition.

  • Create Content and Assets

Are you planning to move your website to a new domain with the same content? Or, is your – to create new content altogether in line with your SEO and branding strategy? Regardless of your choice, it is important to ensure your site’s content and other digital assets are ready before making a move to a new domain.

How To Change a Domain Name of an Existing Website

 

Now, to the crux of the matter – how to change the domain name of an existing website. While the transition isn’t very straightforward, it isn’t rocket science either. Here’s a pre-domain switch checklist for you to ensure you do not miss the crucial steps and change the domain name the right way.

1.Picking and Buying a New Domain

This is the part where you need a reliable and reputable domain registrar as it plays a vital role in your registration process. Your domain registrar will help you check domain availability and inform you if it’s taken already. Pick a unique domain name and ensure it aligns with your brand’s name, messaging, and identity.

2.Setting Up Redirects and URL Mapping

Before understanding this in detail, it is important to know what we mean by redirects. Redirecting or redirects essentially refers to the process of directing users from the old website’s pages to the new ones. You need to start setting up 301 redirects once you migrate to a new domain name to ensure your audience reaches your new website. This is known as URL mapping and one of the best ways to ensure your website’s SEO does not lose value after switching to a new domain name.

3.Create a New Sitemap

A sitemap contains all the files linked to the images, videos, and content on your website and how they are interconnected to each other. When you move from one domain name to the other, it is important to create a new sitemap in tune with the new URL structures, web pages, content, and other elements of a website.

4.Inform Your Audience About Change in the Primary Domain

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to your audience when they see a revamped website with a new domain name. It can confuse them and lead to unnecessary uncertainty. It is best to inform your audience and your clients about the changes to ensure they aren’t taken aback when they visit your revamped and rebranded website.

Wrapping It Up

 

When you change your domain name, you aren’t merely shifting from one website to the other. You are setting foot into a new digital territory where your brand’s voice, content, and identity may undergo a revamped look. Before you embark on this mission, it is essential to identify why you – changing your domain name.

Evaluate all the parameters, make a pre-migration checklist, and pick a reputed domain registrar to ensure a seamless transition and avoid disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can changing a domain name affect the overall branding and messaging strategy of a business?

Yes, changing a domain name may affect the overall branding and messaging strategy of a business. However, it’s the business’s decision if they wish to stick to their previous branding or opt for a new style.

How do I prove my domain is mine?

You can prove that a domain is yours by signing into your domain registrar and pasting the verification code in the DNS records specific to your domain.

How do I change my domain name without losing SEO?

Buy a unique domain name, set up redirects, audit your website, create a sitemap, add relevant and SEO-optimised content, and follow the recommended steps while changing your domain name without losing SEO.

What is the difference between a migration and a 301 redirect?

While a 301 redirect is essential to inform or redirect users to the new link or page, migration is the entire process of shifting a website from one domain to a new domain name.

How can a new domain name contribute to a fresh start and improved user experience for a website?

A new domain allows a brand to start afresh, revamp its branding, pick a new voice, and improve the site’s user experience by overcoming the shortcomings of the old website.

If you have any queries or suggestions feel free to send an email on [email protected]