Domain Migration
Check out our in-depth website migration checklist for a practical guide on managing a site migration project.
Domain migration is the process of moving a website from one domain to another and involves migrating all content and resources. There are several things that need to be considered to ensure the migration is successful and doesn’t affect a website’s performance in search. In our SEO Office Hours Notes below we cover these factors, commonly asked site migration questions, and best practice advice from Google.
Don’t Disallow a Migrated Domain
If you disallow a migrated domain, Google can’t follow any of redirects, so backlink authority cannot be passed on.
Don’t Change URLs and Domains at the Same Time
Don’t change URL paths when changing domains or protocol, as it makes it harder for Google to process the change.
Submit Old URLs in Sitemaps when Moving Domains
When moving domains, you can submit old redirecting URLs in a Sitemap with a changed date, on either domain, to help get them re-crawled more quickly.
Migrate Domains During Quiet Periods
Do a site move during less busy periods to minimise the disruption from the search results.
Domain Migrations Should Take Couple of Days
A domain migration should be completed within a couple of days provided everything is set up correctly.
Multiple Domain Moves is OK
You can move backwards and forwards between domains using 301 redirects to do a clean move to a temporary domain, then another move to a new or old domain.
Migrate to HTTPS If You’re Moving Domains
If you are going to migrate your domain, it’s best to migrate to HTTPS at the same time. However changing URL structure and moving to a new domain is much harder for Google to pick up.
Domain Redirects Should Remain for at Least a Year
Site move domain redirects should remain in place for at least a year, ideally as long as possible.
Changing Servers Resets Crawl Rate
If you move to a new ‘server infrastructure’, Google may reduce the crawl rate until it has confidence that it can crawl at a faster rate.
Don’t Change Content During a Domain Move
If you are moving domains, don’t change the content at the same time.