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Cody1181609

: Is it possible to switch to a new domain name without losing Google rankings? I have been using a domain name for the last few years. A larger company is threatening to sue me for using

@Cody1181609

Posted in: #Domains #Seo

I have been using a domain name for the last few years. A larger company is threatening to sue me for using my initials as my company name!

So as an answer to this I have created a new domain URL with the addition of my location in the URL. So I now have redirected my old URL to my new URL.

But...I want Google to acknowledge this is really then same site and to keep any rankings, or to transfer the rankings from the old URL to the new URL!

Is this possible?

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@Ogunnowo487

When changing the domain for a site there is always a risk. There is a chance you will see a dip in rankings initially. All you can do is to try to minimise any damage:


Setup the site on the new domain, whilst keeping the site active on the old domain (temporarily).
Verify both domains (properties) in Google Search Console (GSC / formerly Google Webmaster Tools). Ensure that the canonical (www or non-www) versions are verified.
Submit an XML sitemap for the new domain in GSC.
Setup 301 (permanent) redirects from the old to new domains. (At this point, you can shut down the old site, whilst keeping the redirect in place.)
Where possible, change any prominent backlinks to the new domain.
Use the Change of Address tool in GSC to submit a change of address request.


Reference:
Google Search Console Help - Use the change of address tool

However, there are still other SEO/business considerations, particularly if this is your company website. Customer awareness/trust etc.

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