Move a site to new URLs
Short answer
Map old URLs to new ones with permanent (301 or 308) redirects, avoid chains, and keep redirects generally at least a year. For a new domain, submit Change of Address for every verified variant of the old domain. Expect ranking fluctuation for a few weeks or more; 301s don't lose PageRank.
Before you start
Section titled “Before you start”- A complete map of every old URL to its new URL.
- Both old and new sites verified in Search Console, including every domain variant.
1. Redirect old URLs permanently
Section titled “1. Redirect old URLs permanently”2. Use the Change of Address tool for a new domain
Section titled “2. Use the Change of Address tool for a new domain”3. Keep redirects in place
Section titled “3. Keep redirects in place”Verify
Section titled “Verify”- Spot-check old URLs: each should return one 301/308 to the right new URL.
- Submit the new sitemap and watch indexing in Search Console for both properties.
What to expect
Section titled “What to expect”Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Redirecting everything to the home page instead of the matching new URL.
- Removing redirects after a few weeks.
- Moving the main domain but forgetting subdomain or www variants in Change of Address.