If you need to change domain names, then you should read this useful article by
Latitude. It explains how you can avoid losing SERPs and traffic when you are changing domain names. Latitude recommends using a phased-in approach to changing domains.
Also, it is important to consider the history of your new domain:
Quote:
* Does it have a tarnished past? Try to get an idea of its history by seeing what it was used for in a former life. Moving to a domain that has been (or worse, is) banned in any of the major search engines is not a good idea!
* What is the link profile of the new domain ? does it have links from bad neighbourhoods (link farms, link networks etc)? If so are you likely to be able to get them removed? Such links could be placing the domain at risk.
* Are there any potential geo-targeting issues: Are many back-links from foreign websites? Did its content target a foreign audience ? e.g. are you moving from a .co.uk to a .com that previously targeted a US audience? If so you will need to consider how to ensure it is seen as a UK rather than US site.
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