Changing to a new domain

[Walalayo]

Hello all,

Need a bit of advice.

I have a forum that is on a domain that has forum in the URL.

I'm looking to move the site to a more content related normal site, reviews, how-tos, blog etc and have the forum as just part of it.

Thus I want to change the domain to something more appropriate.

How can I do this without losing my current rankings, domain age factor and backlinks etc.

Thanks.

[liston]

you can change domain in Google WM. There is a function "Change adress" (you can read about it in Google Help). Also you need to use a 301 redirect from old to a new site. I have experience with it, and in two monthes my site had even better positions, than before changing of adress.

[Hogward]

I have a forum that is on a domain that has forum in the URL.

Whether your domain name include forum ?

[kevinMgomez]

How about redirecting your link instead.

[TM-Ali]

How can I do this without losing my current rankings, domain age factor and backlinks etc.

Thanks.

Before going live strictly redirect your all old pages to its new relevant web pages using 301 redirect to avoid duplicate issues. After redirecting please check your old pages with 301 redirect checking tool.

[C.Rebecca]

First thing, do not redirect your whole website to new domain in one go... Page by page redirect is far better for good user experience.

Read this Google’s help post about setting up redirection
Official Google Webmaster Central Blog: Best practices when moving your site

There is is very high possibility of losing traffic and ranking after redirection.... but don’t worry, this traffic will bounce back to normal very soon.

[outsourcefirm]

First thing, do not route your whole web page to new web page in one go... Website by web page route is far better for good buyer.

Read this Google’s help publish about establishing up redirection
Official The search engines Internet marketer Middle Blog: Best methods when shifting your site

There is is very high probability of dropping visitors and position after re-direction.... but do not, this visitors will recovery to typical very soon.