Switching Domain Names

VAIL · 05-19-2011, 10:57 AM

Hi Warriors!

So I have been targeting a niche with a domain name that is the singular version of the keyword phrase I really want. The site has only been up for about 3 months, and I've only worked my way up to page 5 of the SER.

Now, the exact match domain .com has come up for sale, but it is a bit pricy.

If I buy it and do a 301 redirect of my original domain to the new one, do you think it is worth it and will I climb the SER faster?

Also, is there any guidelines to follow for doing the 301 to maximize the backlinking work that I have already done? If so, please post a tutorial link.

I would love to read any feedback or issues related to doing this.

Thanks a ton Warriors!

Dellco · 05-19-2011, 11:31 AM

It depends if you think getting to the 1st page is worth it. Google has definitely reduced the importance EMDs used to carry, so it's a slight gamble you'll be taking.

Is the domain you want indexed already? Is the traffic going to be a lot if you make it to the front page? Are your current links to the present domain a lot? Will the domain make all the difference, or can you achieve the same results with your current domain? Sometimes, all it takes is better optimization on-page and off-page.

I've done plenty of 301s before, and IMO, it does cause some setback for a while, at least. Before you do anything, research whether the domain you want has any history of penalization or not.

VAIL · 05-19-2011, 12:23 PM

The new domain for sale has just been squatted on and has been registered for over 8 years. Will this provide added value?

NastyBlast · 05-19-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAIL

The new domain for sale has just been squatted on and has been registered for over 8 years. Will this provide added value?

the age has no value.

If you have already done extensive linking and promotions of your first site that you mentioned then you could lose some time by switching domains. Many people say that 301 redirects take care of everything but from a logistics standpoint I would never do a 301 from 1 domain to another. I think the reason people entered domain 301s are okay is because their domains didn't have any traffic or anything to lose in the first place.

it would be my advice to use both domains and establish a content management system so that you can manage both without dictating content. Simply put two eggs are better than 1

05-19-2011, 10:57 AM	#1
VAIL Doin' work! Join Date: May 2010 Location: the great NorthWest Posts: 41 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Switching Domain Names Hi Warriors! So I have been targeting a niche with a domain name that is the singular version of the keyword phrase I really want. The site has only been up for about 3 months, and I've only worked my way up to page 5 of the SER. Now, the exact match domain .com has come up for sale, but it is a bit pricy. If I buy it and do a 301 redirect of my original domain to the new one, do you think it is worth it and will I climb the SER faster? Also, is there any guidelines to follow for doing the 301 to maximize the backlinking work that I have already done? If so, please post a tutorial link. I would love to read any feedback or issues related to doing this. Thanks a ton Warriors!

05-19-2011, 11:31 AM	#2
Dellco HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 447 Thanks: 33 Thanked 69 Times in 62 Posts	Re: Switching Domain Names It depends if you think getting to the 1st page is worth it. Google has definitely reduced the importance EMDs used to carry, so it's a slight gamble you'll be taking. Is the domain you want indexed already? Is the traffic going to be a lot if you make it to the front page? Are your current links to the present domain a lot? Will the domain make all the difference, or can you achieve the same results with your current domain? Sometimes, all it takes is better optimization on-page and off-page. I've done plenty of 301s before, and IMO, it does cause some setback for a while, at least. Before you do anything, research whether the domain you want has any history of penalization or not.

05-19-2011, 12:23 PM	#3
VAIL Doin' work! Join Date: May 2010 Location: the great NorthWest Posts: 41 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Switching Domain Names The new domain for sale has just been squatted on and has been registered for over 8 years. Will this provide added value?