Troubleshooting Search Console Issues After a Domain Change
Navigating the complexities of domain changes can be challenging, especially when it comes to search engine rankings and indexing. If you’ve recently transitioned to a new domain and are still encountering issues with Google not recognizing your new site while still indexing your old one, you’re not alone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to addressing these concerns and ensuring that your new domain receives the visibility it deserves.
Overview of the Situation
Two months have passed since I switched to a new domain name, yet the old one continues to appear in Google Search results. Although I’ve set up a redirect from the old domain to the new one, I have noticed that my new domain is still not indexed. In fact, my attempts to use the Google Search Console to facilitate this transition have been frustrating, as it has indicated that the site is “in the process of moving” for an extended period without any progress.
Key Components to Check
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Domain Configuration: Ensure that both your old and new domains are configured correctly. Both domains should point to the correct hosting IP address and CNAME settings. Within your hosting dashboard, verify that the new domain is marked as primary.
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Redirect Strategy: The 301 redirect from the old domain to the new one is critical. It’s essential that this redirect is set up correctly to ensure search engines understand that traffic should be directed to the new site. If necessary, consider working with a developer to verify that the redirect is functioning as intended.
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Using Google Search Console: While it sounds like you’ve already attempted to use the Search Console for the domain change, ensure that you have submitted a change of address request. This feature notifies Google that you have a new site, and ideally prompts them to update their index accordingly.
Suggestions for Resolving the Issue
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Manual Indexing Request: Use the URL inspection tool in Google Search Console to manually submit your new domain for indexing. This might expedite the process of having your new site included in search results.
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Sitemap Submission: Make sure you’ve submitted an updated sitemap for your new domain in Google Search Console. This can help Google discover and index your new content more quickly.
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Monitor Redirects: Periodically check the redirects to ensure that they are functioning as intended. Any issues with redirects can hinder Google’s ability to appropriately index your new site.
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Flush DNS Cache: In some cases, flushing your