How to Change Internet Domain Names

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Over to a New Internet Domain Name

Change Internet Domain Name

If you've decided to change over to a new Internet domain name, there are some precautions you should take before doing so.

You must determine whether it's important enough that you change Internet domain names to possibly lose some established customers and lose your promotional efforts, or the traffic you are already receiving to your current domain name.

If you have already built your current website domain name to a substantial number of visitors, then please think long and hard before getting a new Internet domain name. Consider the risks. If you're still sure this is the route you should take, then read the tips below for a smooth Internet domain name transition.

Things to Do Before Considering a Domain Name

Host Change

Below is a quick checklist of things to do before you change an Internet domain name. Do these BEFORE you cancel your current domain name. Otherwise, you could lose valuable information or content on your website!

1. Create a complete backup copy of your entire website - Then Change Internet Domain Names

This includes autoresponders you may have created in the email portion of your hosting control panel. Don't make the same mistake I made when changing to a new host. I forgot about the email section completely and had to virtually start over from scratch.

There were several emails and two autoresponders I used on a regular basis. These were, of course, deleted when my website's hosting was shut down. I had to try and remember all the emails I had created and re-write my autoresponder messages! Imagine if I had 20 to 30 autoresponders or emails. What a nightmare that would be!

Check with your ISP before changing your url to see what is involved in backing up your site. If you have special programming features stored for your site, you'll need to back up these as well.

Tip! There are tons of Internet hosting services to choose from. One company I reccommend you check out is H-9. I think you'll be pleased.

2. Re-design your website with the new domain name change inserted in all your links.

Before switching to a new Internet domain name, be sure your site is designed with its links all changed to the new domain name. When you upload the new domain name to the Web, the website should be fully functional under the new Internet domain name.

Redirect to Keep Your Rankings when You Change Internet Domain Names

Understandably, a brand new Internet domain name will be subject to the "aging delay" at Google and other search engines. The aging delay for your new domain will happen because search engines will not recognize it as your "same old" website.

They will assume it's a brand new one because of the new domain name.

To help things move along faster, keep your old Internet domain name for a while until your new one gets established. Only, do a "temporary redirect" on your old domain name. You can create this through your domain hosting control panel or by contacting your host if you're not sure how. The search engines will recognize the website as your old one much quicker.

Once your new domain name starts getting indexed in the search engines, change the redirect to a permanent one for a while. A "permanent redirect" should be left at your old Internet domain name until your new one has been established at the search engines and any other sites or directories that were linking to your old domain name.

Your goal is to hang on to the old domain name while waiting on the new Internet domain name to get established. It's well worth the effort, even if it costs you a little more each month for a while!

Tip! Choose a domain name with these three characteristics: 1) Easy to remember. 2) Short and to the point. 3) Related to your products or company name.

Changing an Internet Domain Name for Large Company Websites

If you own a large company or corporation with many employees using your website, this process can be even more complicated. Your employees' log-in information must be updated on the new Internet domain name. Check with your hosting company and in-house programmers to find out what needs to be done.

Changing over to a new Internet domain name is a pain, but sometimes needful. Decide if it's right for you and use the tips above to simplify the process.

More Web Hosting and Domain Advice
Domain Name Web Hosting Guide for Beginners - A web hosting service provides space for your new personal or business website. You must take a step and choose a domain name for your business and find a dependable web hosting service. This domain name and web hosting guide will help you if you are a beginning webmaster.	More about IX Web Hosting - You may think we are a little biased about IX but maybe we should be. After all, it's who we use as our ISP service.