Risks of changing domain name?

Business Forum

Doing Business on the Web

Search Engine Optimization & Advertising

Risks of changing domain name?

New Topic

Post Reply

Follow Topic

Page of 1

Author
Message

gladys

posts: 8

Jan 28, 2008 11:59 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

Hello,

I am a new member here.

Our martial arts academy has changed its name last year. We renamed the school from JKD Kickboxing Academy to JKD Self Defense Academy. We wanted to change our domain name accordingly, but would like to understand any risks involved.

We`re using www.jkdkickboxing.com and the site has built up traffic over the last two years. If you search something like "jkd bay area" or "jkd san francisco" in google, we`re always on the top. What`s the best way to proceed with the domain name change?

CraigL

posts: 9051

Jan 29, 2008 1:42 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

We`re about to accomplish the same thing, having found a better company name. As I understand it, there`s really no major risk or problem: you move the site to the new domain name, then set up a "redirector" on the old domain index page. All that matters is that you continue to own the old domain name for as long as you think it`ll take to redirect everyone to your new site. We figure we`ll just keep the old domain forever anyway.

That`s how I`ve heard it, anyway, but maybe there`s more to it than that?

CampSteve

posts: 1216

Jan 29, 2008 1:59 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

Doing an automatic "redirect" as Craig suggested is common and not a problem.

Another option would be to keep the old website as is but put a HUGE notice front and center that says. "Go to our new site" or something like that. Then provide the link. This way your customers (and the search engines) can transition to the new site. As the new one builds traffic (and search recognition), you can then take down and redirect the old site in 2 or 6 months or whenever you feel it`s appropriate.

Just an idea. But the automatic redirect would be easier.

vwebworld

posts: 1237

Jan 29, 2008 10:24 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

There are several ways to redirect from one page/site to another.

To preserve webpage status: The most search engine friendly is to use a 301 redirect rather than a redirect in the html.

To redirect from one domain to another:

Create a .htaccess file with the below code, it will ensure that all your directories and pages of your old domain will get correctly redirected to your new domain.
The .htaccess file needs to be placed in the root directory of your old website (i.e the same directory where your index file is placed)

Options +FollowSymLinks
RewriteEngine on
RewriteRule (.*) http://www.newdomain.com/$1 [R=301,L]

Please REPLACE www.newdomain.com in the above code with your actual domain name.

In addition to the redirect I would suggest that you contact every backlinking site to modify their backlink to point to your new website.

Note* This .htaccess method of redirection works ONLY on Linux servers having the Apache Mod-Rewrite moduled enabled.

~Roland

-------------------------

Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

houseofjerkyjanie

posts: 1150

Jan 29, 2008 10:51 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

Roland,

You are SO helpful! But it still looks greek or (geek) :) to me. That`s why I like working with a true expert! Thanks Roland!

At least I can talk, read and type. :)

Janie

nhgnikole

posts: 2660

Jan 29, 2008 6:36 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

I`d continue to own both for a while, FWIW.

gladys

posts: 8

Jan 31, 2008 12:21 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

Thanks to all of you for all the great advice. I agree it`s worth keeping both names for some time until the new one picks up momentum. The redirection makes a lot of sense. The backlinking suggestion is a great reminder. It taught me a lesson to keep good track of all those places I have `planted` those links.

Thanks again!

yottazoo

posts: 37

Mar 20, 2008 3:06 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

Never give up a seasoned domain - you can`t get that time back.

Page of 1

Post Reply

Keep the Community Clean!

StartupNation forums should be used as a platform to learn, educate others, share stories, tips & tricks and to provide constructive feedback.
Please do not use the Forums for advertising & blatant self-promotion.
Please be respectful to other members and refrain from personal attacks and vulgar language.
StartupNation reserves the right to delete any message, reply, and/or member who violates our terms of use.

Read full terms of use

Contact Us Privacy Terms of Use Become a Marketplace Provider Advertise Local Guides Site Map Home Business Start a Business

Business Forum

Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Risks of changing domain name?

Keep the Community Clean!