First (probably not last) Mistake.....Help!

6 replies
I own an offline business. Decided a few months ago to venture into the online world. I decided to start with what I know so carried over my offline business products and services. In an attempt to "brand" myself online, I used my offline business name in most of my URLs. Smart decision...or so I thought.......

I received a great offer for my offline business and, since I want to focus more online, I accepted the offer and am selling the business. The name of the business is part of the sale.

I'm sure my problem is now obvious!

How do I change the domains without affecting the work that has gone into SEO? Is it possible or should I expect to start from scratch with SEO?

I only started a few months ago so am not concerned about the branding. I'll come up with another name and edit my sites. I would just hate to lose all the work that's gone into the rankings.

I'm hoping this is an easy fix and I just can't see it because I'm so new!

Thanks!
#mistakehelp
  • Profile picture of the author LondonPaladin
    It's only been a few months, so you can just start over. Obviously you should include those domains as part of the sale and increase your sale price accordingly. It's only been a few months so it's better to start off with seo urls anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author Harry Slater
    Could just buy new domains and point them at your site? Dont know how much a domain name factors in with SEO, but it cannot be a critical factor?
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    • Profile picture of the author belfend
      Originally Posted by Harry Slater View Post

      Could just buy new domains and point them at your site? Dont know how much a domain name factors in with SEO, but it cannot be a critical factor?
      yes i think but if you not want lose your brand just make a seo your website

      and waiting for a moment to make good on Search engine
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      • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
        A lot will depend on what kind of seo work you've done.

        If you start with new domain names, the onsite seo will simply have to be done again. Likewise social bookmarking.

        However, if you've written articles you will probably be able to edit those to change the links to point to your new domains.

        If you've done any forum posting or link exchanging - again you might be able to change your links for the new ones.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Thank you all for your replies.

    It looks like I'll be buying new domains and moving the sites (and hopefully all the links etc.).

    Thanks for the input.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Personally, I would include the domains in the sale of the offline business. They now own the business name and I would not feel at all comfortable using domains with that business name. You could even add that onto the sale and create a starter site for them and let them get the benefit of the SEO you've done.
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