Is it wise?

[magic456]

My primary domain which is about 18 months old has Pr2 on pretty much every page. It also ranks in top twenty position for all my keywords with millions of competitors.

I did not like the domain name and ended up buying a new domain. Someone told me that if I change the domain name I will lose my PR and positions. Is this true?

I really do want to change the name just not sure what's the best way to do it.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

-Magic

[janvera]

I'm pretty sure you would lose your positions, since the actual domain plays so much of a part of how you rank in Google. If the name of your old domain is still making you profit, you should consider keeping it while your ahead instead of taking a chance.

[flaminjo]

yep! i agree with janvera, if the site is growing and most of your keywords have good results why dont you use a little time to make it in the first page? if you used a different domain, then it will be like a restart for you from scratch!

[Agnel]

Hi

Yes it is true, your website will lose the position , PR and the backlinks. For that better you do 301 re-direction from the old domain to new domain.

Thanks

[magic456]

Yeah I was researching into 301 redirect but I am getting mixed messages there. Some sites say pr will pass with redirection other say it won't.

The main reason I wanted to change domain was because the current domain is not too appealing and sets a different mood for the visitors. I have been advised by marketing firms of the same.

My current site is: www.socialskillsinstitute.com and I was thinking to change it to www.datehelpline.com or www.attractionmethods.com. Still waiting for final verdict but wanted to research how I'd go about it.

I was also thinking to keep both sites live until the new domain picks up but then I am worried of duplicate content. I am also not sure if redirect will actually pass pr and seo position.

Thanks!

-Magic

[TomBond]

As far as I'm aware, 301 redirects pass on 99% of the value of your current links, so I imagine your new site will gain PR in a matter of months.

Algorithms are said to include domain age, so this may effect your rankings. Also, if your targeting keywords in your current domain then I would be tempted to leave it.

[magic456]

Good to know that 301 will do the trick. Yeah I am sure domain age will have some impact and am still researching how much. No seems to know what exactly is going on