In the digital age, your domain name is your unique identity online.
However, there may come a time when you need to edit your domain name.
This could be due to a (1) rebranding, (2) a typo in the original name, or (3) a shift in your website's focus.
But here's the problem:
Editing your domain name is not as straightforward as editing other aspects of your website.
However, it's not entirely impossible.
In this article, I'll be taking you through how you can edit your domain name:
First things first: "edit" may not be the right word
It's important to understand that you can't technically "edit" a domain name.
Once a domain name is registered, it's fixed and cannot be altered.
What you can do, however, is register a new domain name and then transition your website to that new name.
So, if it's really important that you make the change, let me help you make it as seamless as possible.
6 steps to change your domain name
Ready to make the shift? Follow these simple steps to make the change and fully consider the right domain name for your business.
Let's get started:
1. Choose your new domain name
If you want to make edits to your website name, odds are that you may have needed to be more thorough in your research initially.
So:
I've got some pointers when selecting a new domain name — consider these four key factors:
- Align with your brand or purpose
Ensure the name resonates with your brand or site's purpose. This will help your customers better identify with and understand your brand's purpose.
At the same time:
Choose a name that's easy to remember, pronounce, and spell. This will help your customers remember your brand (and share it with others!).
- Research thoroughly
Use Domainmarkia's free domain search to see if your desired domain name is available.
(Make sure that no existing website is currently using it!).
It wouldn't hurt to use our free trademark search engine, either.
Register smart — ensure that your domain name doesn't currently infringe on any existing trademarks.
- Consider SEO and marketing
Incorporate relevant keywords, but avoid overdoing it.
(It's always a plus if your domain name includes a keyword, i.e., www.dogscore.com, for a dog training program.)
Check social media:
Ensure the name is available across key social media platforms for brand consistency.
After all, you’ll want to leverage social media for your business.
- Ask around
Share potential names with others to gauge perceptions and uncover issues you might not have noticed.
Getting a second, third, fourth, or even fifth opinion is always good!
(Once you're done with step one of the domain change process, read on!)
2. Register the new domain
Once you have selected your new domain name, the next step is to register it.
Naturally, we'd love to be a part of your domain registration process.
Why us?
(Stick around — I'm going to pitch to you now!)
At Domainmarkia, we not only offer competitive prices, but we have a unique deal.
As a subsidiary of Trademarkia, we can offer you your domain name registration free when you register a trademark.
While domain name registration is useful for many reasons, trademark registration is also incredibly vital.
Registering your trademark ensures that you're (a) protected nationally and (b) have readily available legal remedies should someone infringe on your trademark.
Register your domain today at www.domainmarkia.com.
3. Prepare for the transition
Before making any changes, ensure you have a complete backup of your website.
This includes all files, databases, and any other relevant data.
Backing up is crucial because it allows you to restore your site to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the transition.
Also, make sure that you communicate the change of domain:
Communication with your users is vital.
Well in advance of the change, start informing your visitors about the upcoming transition to a new domain.
This can be done through several channels:
- Email campaigns: Send out emails to your subscribers explaining the change, the reasons behind it, and the benefits it brings. Include the date of the switch and how it might affect them.
- Website notices: Place noticeable banners or pop-up notices on your current website that inform visitors about the upcoming change. The notice should be visible but not intrusive, ensuring regular site usage isn't hindered.
- Social media announcements: Use your social media platforms to spread the word about your new domain. Regular updates can help keep the transition in the minds of your followers.
Also:
It's crucial to ensure that you have a solid plan for redirecting traffic from the old domain to the new one.
Don't worry, I can help you with that too.
But first, let me show you how to update your domain:
4. Update your domain
After registering your new domain name, the next crucial step is connecting it to your website.
This is achieved by updating your domain name system (DNS) settings.
The DNS acts like a phonebook for the online world, translating domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify one another on the network.
Here's what you need to know:
- Understanding DNS settings
Nameservers: Nameservers direct traffic to the hosting company where your website files are stored. When you register a domain, it's usually set to the domain registrar's nameservers by default.
DNS Records: This is specific website data that dictate where different types of traffic should go, such as website traffic (A records) and email traffic (MX records).
- Updating DNS settings
Access domain settings: Log into the domain provider account where your domain is registered.
- Choose the method:
Changing nameservers: This is often used if your hosting provider is different from your domain registrar. You'll replace the default nameservers with the ones provided by your hosting company.
Adding DNS records: If your hosting provider manages your DNS, you may need to add or update specific DNS records, like A records (which point to an IP address) and CNAME records (which point to a domain name).
- Propagation time
After updating DNS settings, be aware that the changes can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.
5. Implement redirects
Now, let me explain how you can redirect traffic:
When changing your domain name, implementing 301 redirects is key to maintaining your website's search engine rankings and ensuring a smooth user experience.
But wait, what are redirects, and how do you implement them?
Definition:
A 301 redirect is a continual redirect that passes most of the link equity (ranking power) to the new domain.
And when people click on your old link, they'll be redirected to your new website.
Here's how you can get this process started:
First, find out if your hosting service offers a redirect tool.
If not, try a CMS plugin.
Use plugins (like those available for WordPress) for an easier setup, especially if you're not technically inclined.
And if that's not available to you:
And if you're comfortable with technical configurations — you can set up redirects manually by editing the .htaccess file.
Make sure to map and redirect each page from your old website to the related page on your new site.
This is crucial for maintaining the SEO value of individual pages.
And, of course, after setting up redirects, test them to ensure they work correctly.
Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your site's traffic and check for redirect errors.
Finally, submit a new sitemap with your new domain to search engines. This can be done manually or with plugins.
You can also manually submit each page on Google Search Console.
6. Update your website and online presence.
Once your new domain is active, update all references to your old domain.
This includes your website content, email addresses, social media profiles, and other online presence where your domain is mentioned.
It's wise to consider a phased approach like Twitter, which is transitioning from twitter.com to x.com.
This change includes the adoption of the new domain "x.com" in certain contexts, particularly in the iOS app, where some users have observed URLs starting with "x.com" instead of the traditional "twitter.com."
However, this transition appears to be in its early stages, or a limited test phase, as web URLs and the Android app continue to show the usual "twitter.com" domain.
The rebranding goes beyond just a domain name change.
It also includes a new logo and renaming of associated products. For instance, the Twitter Blue subscription service has been renamed X Blue, and TweetDeck has become XPro.
The point is:
It may take a while before everyone understands the change - particularly if you've had long-standing customers or a strong brand presence with the previous domain name.
Take it gradually
Editing your domain name is a significant decision that requires careful planning and execution.
While you can't change a domain name directly, registering a new domain and transitioning your website to it is a viable solution.
By following the steps outlined above and considering the impact on your SEO, brand, and stakeholders, you can successfully change your domain name with minimal disruption to your online presence.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Register your domain with Domainmarkia today.
FAQs
How much does it cost to change my domain name?
The cost of changing your domain name will depend on your chosen payment plan, the domain extension you opt for, and whether or not you register your trademark. Take note: should you register your trademark with us, your domain name will be absolutely free!
Can you change ownership of a domain name?
Yes, you can change the ownership of a domain name. This process, known as a domain transfer, involves updating the registrant information to reflect the new owner and is facilitated through your domain registrar.
Does my domain name belong to me?
When you register a domain name, you have the right to use it but don't own it outright. You maintain control over the domain if registered in your name and the registration is kept current.
What should you avoid in a domain name?
Avoid overly long or complex names in a domain name, using hyphens and numbers, potential trademark infringements, obscure extensions, and ambiguous spellings to ensure ease of use and recognition.
Should I trademark my domain name?
Trademarking your domain name is advisable if it's integral to your brand identity, offering legal protection and aiding in domain disputes.
