Oct 21, 2019
Consequences of changing domain name in regards to SEO and google ranking
We are considering changing our domain name. We currently own and have owned a .edu domain name for the past 20 years. We want to know if we change this domain name what will happen to our ranking in google, can we pay google to raise our new ranking, and how long will it take for our new website to receive the amount of traffic we are used to.
Also based on the complexity of this issue is there anyone in google we can call and talk to? We have already attempted to talk to google ads, google business, google domains, and general support.
Lastly please keep in mind that .edu domains can not be kept after changing to a new name. So we may not be able to use 301 redirects to forward our traffic.
Thank you for your time and any help you may be able to provide.
Isaac.
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Oct 21, 2019
Hi
Why are you changing domains? That IS a pretty big deal for search engines/ranking.
And if you cannot use 301 redirects then you are starting from scratch, a new site.
See extensive support guide starting at https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/6033049?hl=en
what will happen to our ranking in google,
it may drop for a time, and it might come back to better, or worse, depending on current algos at the time.
can we pay google to raise our new ranking,
No.
and how long will it take for our new website to receive the amount of traffic we are used to
See above.
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So why change domains? Is it possible to just point the new one at the current one?
---------EDIT -----------
Also based on the complexity of this issue is there anyone in google we can call and talk to
No it is via the support doc and he forum. only.
And based on the extensive guide, it is not all that uncommon an issue.
Last edited Oct 21, 2019
Original Poster Isaac Brown 9991 marked this as an answer
All Replies (2)
Hi
Why are you changing domains? That IS a pretty big deal for search engines/ranking.
And if you cannot use 301 redirects then you are starting from scratch, a new site.
See extensive support guide starting at https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/6033049?hl=en
what will happen to our ranking in google,
it may drop for a time, and it might come back to better, or worse, depending on current algos at the time.
can we pay google to raise our new ranking,
No.
and how long will it take for our new website to receive the amount of traffic we are used to
See above.
-------------
So why change domains? Is it possible to just point the new one at the current one?
---------EDIT -----------
Also based on the complexity of this issue is there anyone in google we can call and talk to
No it is via the support doc and he forum. only.
And based on the extensive guide, it is not all that uncommon an issue.
Last edited Oct 21, 2019
Original Poster Isaac Brown 9991 marked this as an answer
Looks like you can maintain the old domain for six months
Your old domain name can remain active for up to six months to assist in transition. If you find you need more time, EDUCAUSE will consider granting an additional six-month extension on request. On or before the release date, you must log in to your old domain name and submit a domain release request. Once the old domain is released and after the holding period, it will become available for selection on a first-come, first-served basis by an eligible institution.
This could potentially help search engines understand the domain has transferred but it is still a risky proposition and someone else could then acquire the domain at a later date.
The reason for the change would need to be really really compelling.