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Switching domains: Can we keep backlink profile through redirects?
Hi all!
We are currently looking into switching domains from .nl to .com/nl
This is because we started out as a Dutch brand, but are quickly growing internationally, and doing everything from the .com domain plus extensions makes a lot of processes a lot easier).
Here’s what I’m wondering:
We have a very strong backlink profile and domain rating on our .nl domain. Of course I understand this gets lost when transfering to the .com domain, but I’d like to know if, when setting up redirects for every .nl page to the .com/nl page, do we quickly rebuild the backlink profile again? Or would that just be us, refering to us?
I’d love some idea of impact before we make the switch. -
1 Reply
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>Of course I understand this gets lost when transfering to the .com domain
Any loss can be mostly mitigated. Google understands businesses grow. Recognizing the areas that need to be addressed is your primary concern. There are a lot of questions however that need answering prior to adequately answering your questions. I’d need to know how much of your traffic is from outside of the Netherlands. How your international traffic differs from your local traffic. What changes you’d need to implement when moving from a .nl to a .com. How products/services differ between those you offer internationally and those you offer to visitors in .nl.
You may not need to move over to a .nl. The short answer to your query is, ‘it depends’ on a number of factors.
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Even if you redirect, it will never be the same again. Yes, Google understands that businesses grow and change, still doesn’t mean that they care. Redirecting your whole backlink profile will have a impact on your rankings and there is not much you can do about it other than keeping your old domain.
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Even with redirects it’s common to have a dip in traffic after a migration. Getting backlinks to your new domain should be a priority.
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Redirection + migrate domain on Search Console. You’ll see a dip as you will always after changing domain, but it’ll go back up as long as you keep on doing things right.
Careful, the domain migration on GSC takes *ages*.
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I switched domains 4 months ago and my search volume is still down about 40%.
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Brand signals need updated for the new TLD. Make sure hreflang is correct. 301s work especially if they don’t double hop.
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