ONE FOCUSED ACTION

Use Google Search Console Change of Address tool for domain moves.

HTTPS migration SEO · Website migration SEO

1 checklist items

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    Why this matters

    Signals Google about domain migration to accelerate indexing and transfer of ranking signals.

    A STARTING-POINT EXAMPLE

    Hypothetical standard operating procedure

    Adapt this example to your site, access, tools, and change process. It is our suggested procedure, informed by the sources below.

    1. Add and verify new domain property in Search Console.
    2. Access Change of Address tool for the old domain property.
    3. Submit the new domain as the replacement and confirm submission.
    4. Monitor indexing and traffic trends post-submission for anomalies.
    5. Communicate timeline and impact to stakeholders.

    Watch for

    Not using Change of Address on domain moves delays reindexing and loses SEO value.

    Definition of done

    New domain indexed quickly with minimal traffic disruption after using Change of Address.

    Sources & attribution

    1. Site Migration SEO: The Complete Checklist for 2026 ↗
    2. Website Migration SEO Checklist ↗
    3. Redirect Mapping Checklist for Site Migrations ↗

    Original checklist wording and example SOP by Best SEO Checklist, using source-grounded AI assistance. Editorial contact: Ted Kubaitis, @tedkubaitis on Teams. Check current source guidance before implementation.