Google tightens domain migration rules, requires all variants

Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Google updated its site migration guidance globally, imposing stricter requirements for website owners using its Search Console Change of Address tool for domain migrations.

The revised guidelines mandate that all subdomains and both WWW and non-WWW variants of an old domain must be included in Change of Address requests, even if those variants are not actively in use.

The Search Console Change of Address tool is designed to assist site owners in transferring search rankings from an existing domain to a new one, according to Google.

Under the new rules, all domain variants, regardless of their active status, must be verified within Search Console before submitting any Change of Address requests.

Google stated that this comprehensive approach to domain migration is important for preventing potential search performance issues that can arise from inconsistent linking patterns across different site variants.

The company emphasized that proper migration of all site variants ensures a smoother transition and helps maintain search engine optimization (SEO) integrity.

The Search Console tool is specifically intended for full domain migrations and is not recommended for other types of site changes, such as HTTP to HTTPS protocol shifts, modifications to category URLs, or changes between WWW and non-WWW versions of the same domain.

Additionally, Google advised against using the tool for web host or Content Delivery Network (CDN) changes where the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) remain consistent.

The update reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its tools and guidance, aiming to provide clearer instructions for webmasters managing complex site transitions.

Source: Search Engine Journal