Key Takeaways
- Start with the business decision, not the listing.
- Compare credible alternatives before accepting a premium price.
- Verify current legal, transaction and marketplace details before paying.
Map Old URLs To Relevant New URLs
Redirect each important old page to its closest legitimate replacement rather than sending everything to the homepage.
Use this step to narrow the decision before moving forward. Compare the exact domain against credible alternatives and document the reason the choice matters to the business. This prevents a marketplace interface, seller deadline or attractive monthly payment from becoming the decision-maker.
Use Permanent Redirects For Permanent Moves
Server-side permanent redirects are generally appropriate when content has permanently moved.
Use this step to narrow the decision before moving forward. Compare the exact domain against credible alternatives and document the reason the choice matters to the business. This prevents a marketplace interface, seller deadline or attractive monthly payment from becoming the decision-maker.
Keep The Old Domain Renewed
Redirects only work while you control the old domain and its DNS/hosting path.
Use this step to narrow the decision before moving forward. Compare the exact domain against credible alternatives and document the reason the choice matters to the business. This prevents a marketplace interface, seller deadline or attractive monthly payment from becoming the decision-maker.
Decision Checklist
Before acting, write down the exact domain, why it fits the brand, the strongest alternative, the maximum justified cost, material legal or historical concerns, the payment structure, and the transfer or implementation steps. If one of those answers is unclear, resolve it before the transaction becomes binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should redirects stay?
For a permanent brand move, maintaining them long term is usually prudent.
Should deleted pages redirect?
Only when a genuinely relevant replacement exists.