Google has updated its guidance for website owners planning a domain migration. This process, often called a “site move,” requires careful steps to keep search rankings and traffic steady. Site owners must follow best practices to avoid losing visibility in Google Search.
(How to Prepare for a “Google Site Move” (Domain Migration))
First, pick a new domain name and set it up properly. Make sure the new site is fully functional before starting the move. Check that all pages load correctly and that there are no broken links. Use the same content and structure as the old site to keep things consistent.
Next, set up 301 redirects from every page on the old domain to the matching page on the new one. This tells Google that the content has permanently moved. Do not redirect all pages to the homepage. Each page should go to its new location.
Then, verify both domains in Google Search Console. Submit a sitemap for the new site and request indexing. Monitor crawl errors and fix them quickly. Watch traffic and ranking data closely in the days after the move.
Update internal links so they point to the new domain. Also, reach out to sites that link to yours and ask them to update their links. This helps Google understand the change faster.
Make sure the new site uses HTTPS if the old one did. Keep the same robots.txt file and meta tags unless there is a good reason to change them. Avoid making big design or content changes during the move. Wait until the migration is complete.
(How to Prepare for a “Google Site Move” (Domain Migration))
Google says most site moves take a few weeks to settle in search results. Some fluctuations in traffic are normal. Stay patient and keep checking Search Console for alerts or issues.
