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Changing your domain name can be a daunting task, but it’s a crucial step for any website owner looking to rebrand or start fresh. In our comprehensive guide, we break down the process into five easy steps, ensuring you maintain your site’s search performance and visibility throughout the transition. From preparing your new domain and verifying it in Google Search Console to monitoring its performance post-change, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let the complexities of domain changes overwhelm you—discover how to navigate this essential process smoothly and effectively!

How to Change Your Google Search Console Domain Name in 5 Steps

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Changing your domain name is a significant step for any website owner, whether you’re rebranding, moving to a new domain, or just looking for a fresh start. Updating your Google Search Console settings is crucial to maintaining your site’s search performance and visibility. Here’s a detailed guide on changing your Google Search Console domain name in five steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your New Domain

Before diving into Google Search Console, ensure your new domain is ready.

This preparation includes:

  • Registering the New Domain: Choose a reliable registrar and secure your new domain name.
  • Setting Up Hosting: Ensure your new domain is hosted and your site is live.
  • Implementing 301 Redirects: This is essential! Set up 301 redirects from your old URLs to the corresponding new URLs. This preserves SEO value and provides a seamless experience for your users. Use tools like Apache or Nginx to manage your redirects efficiently.

Step 2: Add the New Domain to the Google Search Console

  1. Log into Your Google Search Console Account: Head to the Google Search Console website and sign in with your credentials.
  2. Click on the “Add Property” Button: This option is usually found in the upper left corner of the dashboard.
  3. Enter Your New Domain Name: Choose the correct property type—either Domain (for all subdomains) or URL prefix (for a specific protocol and path)—and enter your new domain. Click “Continue.”

Step 3: Verify Your New Domain

Verification is crucial for ensuring that you own the new domain. Google offers several verification methods:

  • Adding a TXT Record: Log into your domain registrar and add a TXT record to your DNS settings. This is often the most straightforward method.
  • Uploading an HTML File: Download Google’s HTML verification file and upload it to your website’s root directory.
  • Using Google Analytics: If you have Google Analytics set up for your new domain, you can use this method for verification.

Once you’ve completed any of these methods, click “Verify” in the Search Console to confirm your ownership.

Step 4: Update Your Settings

Now that your new domain is verified, it’s time to update its settings in Google Search Console:

  • Submit a New Sitemap: Create and submit a sitemap for your new domain. This helps Google crawl and index your new site effectively.
  • Review Your Indexing Settings: Ensure your indexing settings are correct and no critical pages are blocked from crawling.
  • Set Preferred Domain: If applicable, specify whether you prefer your new domain’s “www” or non-www version.

Step 5: Monitor Performance and Check for Issues

Once your new domain is set up in Search Console, it’s essential to keep an eye on its performance:

  • Track Crawl Errors: Regularly check for any crawl errors in the Coverage report and address them promptly.
  • Monitor Indexing Status: Ensure your pages are indexed correctly and your new sitemap functions as intended.
  • Analyze Traffic Fluctuations: Watch for significant changes in traffic and search rankings. A drop may occur temporarily as Google processes the changes but should stabilize over time.

Utilizing the tools and reports in Google Search Console can help you identify any potential issues early on.

Conclusion

Changing your domain name in Google Search Console is vital in maintaining your site’s search performance during a transition. By following these five steps, you can navigate the process smoothly and help preserve your site’s visibility in search results. If you need further assistance or have questions, please get in touch with our team at Giant. We’re here to help you succeed!

About the Author

Chris Stovall Lopez Island Giant Creative Commerce Skarpari Bio Photo

Chris Stovall

For over three decades, Chris has been at the forefront of brand and technology consulting, providing businesses of all sizes with exceptional service and innovative solutions. With his extensive experience and expertise, he has become a go-to consultant for companies looking to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.

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