How to Change Domain Name Without Losing SEO

Advanced SEO / By /

Changing a domain name can be a smart move—whether it’s for rebranding, simplifying your URL, or expanding globally. But if done wrong, it can destroy your SEO progress. This guide ensures a smooth domain migration in 2025 without losing rankings, traffic, or authority.

1. Pre-Migration SEO Audit

Before making any domain changes, perform a comprehensive SEO audit of your current website.

Checklist:

  • Use tools like Free SEO Website Crawler to crawl your entire site.
  • List all indexed URLs, top-performing pages, and backlinks.
  • Identify duplicate, thin, or low-performing content.
  • Check Google Search Console for crawl errors and mobile usability issues.

2. Choose the Right Domain Name

Pick a domain name that is easy to remember, relevant, and ideally includes a keyword.

Checklist:

  • Use .com if targeting a global audience.
  • Avoid hyphens and confusing spelling.
  • Check brand name availability across platforms.
  • Use domain history tools like Wayback Machine and WHOIS.

3. Set Up the New Domain Correctly

Get your technical infrastructure right from the start.

Checklist:

  • Set up hosting and SSL certificate on the new domain.
  • Maintain same CMS structure if possible.
  • Create an XML sitemap for the new domain.
  • Add the new domain to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

Read more : Google’s guidelines on domain change

4. 301 Redirect Old URLs to New URLs

This is the most critical step to preserve your SEO. 301s pass 90–99% of link equity.

Checklist:

  • Use 301 redirects for every URL (not just the homepage).
  • Preserve URL structures for a cleaner transition.
  • Test redirects using our free SEO crawler
  • Avoid redirect chains and loops.

5. Update Internal Links and Canonical Tags

Internal consistency matters post-migration. Internal linking relevance also plays a major role for SEO.

Checklist:

  • Change internal links from absolute to the new domain.
  • Update canonical tags to reflect new URLs.
  • Modify hreflang tags if applicable.
  • Update schema markup and robots.txt.

6. Notify Google and Other Services

Tell search engines and users about your move.

Checklist:

  • Submit a Change of Address request in Google Search Console.
  • Update sitemaps with the new URLs.
  • Update Google Analytics and Tag Manager.
  • Update business listings and social profiles.

Link: Google’s Change of Address Tool

7. Monitor Performance Post-Migration

SEO monitoring is key for spotting drops or issues quickly.

Checklist:

  • Monitor organic traffic with Google Analytics.
  • Use GSC to track crawl errors and indexing.
  • Check rankings and backlink profiles
  • Fix broken links or redirect issues promptly.

8. Communicate the Change

Don’t leave users and partners in the dark.

Checklist:

  • Publish a blog post about the change.
  • Email your subscribers.
  • Update email signatures, press releases, and product packaging.
  • Inform affiliate partners and influencers.

Conclusion: Plan It, Don’t Wing It

Domain migration doesn’t have to mean SEO suicide. With a detailed plan and technical precision, you can retain traffic, authority, and rankings while benefiting from a stronger brand presence.

Diwakar Loomba
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