By Shad Super in Questions —

What Steps Should You Follow in GSC Before Initiating a Change of Address?

Summary

Before initiating a change of address in Google Search Console (GSC), several important steps must be followed to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain your website's search engine optimization (SEO) integrity. Key steps include verifying ownership of the new domain, ensuring correct redirect implementations, and updating various properties in Google services. Here’s a comprehensive guide to performing a change of address in GSC.

Preparation Steps in Google Search Console

1. Verify Ownership of the New Domain

Ensure you verify ownership of the new domain in Google Search Console. This is a critical step before initiating the change of address process.

2. Ensure Correct Redirect Implementations

Implement proper 301 redirects from your old site to the new site. This informs search engines that content has permanently moved and helps transfer over the SEO ranking signals.

Make sure to update all internal links pointing to your old site to point to your new site.

  • This includes links in your navigation, footers, and within the content itself.

4. Update Other Google Services

If you use other Google services like Google Analytics, AdSense, or Google My Business, ensure they are updated to reflect the new URL.

Initiating Change of Address in Google Search Console

5. Open the Change of Address Tool

Log in to Google Search Console with your account and open the Change of Address tool under the legacy tools and reports section.

6. Select the New Property

In the Change of Address tool, select the new property (new domain) that you have verified.

7. Validate 301 Redirects

Google will check if 301 redirects are correctly implemented from the old site to the new site. Make sure your redirects are live and functioning correctly before this step.

8. Submit the Change of Address

Once checks are done, submit your change of address request. Google will start the process, which can take a few weeks to complete.

Post-Change Considerations

9. Monitor Traffic and Indexing

After initiating the change of address, closely monitor the traffic in Google Analytics and indexing status in Google Search Console.

Reach out to webmasters of sites that link to you and request them to update their links to point to your new domain.

Conclusion

Following these steps will help ensure a smooth and optimal domain migration in Google Search Console. Proper planning and careful execution are essential to maintain your SEO performance and prevent traffic drops.

References