Good day.
I have an interesting task at hand:
I managed to acquire a dropped domain with impressive metrics and superb backups. However, the domain itself is not in good shape and it's at level 3.
My plan is to take this promising domain and build a website on it, focusing on news delivery, despite the apparent banality of such a choice :-)
Now, let's address the questions at hand:
1. In this scenario, would it be better to opt for a new domain or go for one that's 2-5 years old?
2. What potential drawbacks could arise from using a "me" zone for the domain? Will clients view the domain unfavorably on search engine results pages and in article exchanges?
3. It seems that in order to preserve all the parameters, it's necessary to restore all the URLs that are linked externally. Is this correct?
If so, how can the redirection be set up properly so that when a visitor clicks on an external link like www.site1/url1.html (Dropped Domain), they are directed to www.site2/url1.html (new domain) while also transferring the full weight of the links to the new domain?
4. The website itself is currently in the development phase, with an estimated completion time of 3-4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks for content filling. Can the process of redirection begin now to avoid wasting time? Is it feasible to create a 1-10 page site to initiate the redirection, and then transfer and link it to these 2 domains with the redirection settings when the main site is ready (with all its pages)?
I would greatly appreciate any insights or guidance in case I have overlooked something or misconstrued the process in a fundamental way.
I would be glad to address the questions you've raised.
1. When considering whether to opt for a new domain or one that's 2-5 years old for your news delivery website, several factors come into play. A new domain allows for a fresh start, devoid of any historical baggage or potential issues associated with the previous owner's activities. On the other hand, an older domain may already have some authority and history, potentially offering a head start in terms of search engine rankings and credibility. Given the impressive metrics and backups of the dropped domain you've acquired, it might be beneficial to perform a thorough analysis of its history and backlink profile to determine if it aligns with your objectives before making a decision.
2. The use of a "me" zone for the domain (e.g., .me) could potentially invite scrutiny from both users and search engines. While some users may view such domains as less professional or trustworthy, search engines might also take into account the perceived relevance of the domain to the content it hosts. However, with a strong content strategy and authoritative backlinks, it is possible to mitigate any negative perceptions associated with the domain extension.
3. Your understanding regarding the preservation of parameters and external URLs is accurate. To ensure a seamless transition and transfer of link weight to the new domain, setting up proper 301 redirects is essential. These redirects should be implemented at the server level to create a permanent redirection from the old URLs to the corresponding new ones on the new domain. Additionally, outreach to websites linking to the old domain can help in updating their backlinks to point directly to the new domain, further consolidating link equity.
4. Initiating the redirection process early in the development phase is indeed feasible and prudent. Creating a simple 1-10 page site on the new domain with relevant and informative content can serve as an initial landing page to start the redirection process. This interim site can also provide an opportunity to engage with users and establish a digital footprint, which can later be seamlessly integrated with the main site upon its completion.
The successful transition of a dropped domain to a new website entails meticulous planning, strategic implementation of 301 redirects, and a proactive approach to managing backlinks. While challenges may arise, leveraging the domain's existing metrics and backups can serve as a solid foundation for your upcoming news delivery website. Should you require further assistance in this endeavor, feel free to reach out for continued guidance and support.
I would say that the value of a domain name depends on its established reputation and can even be considered a valuable asset. While obtaining a good domain is a great idea, it's important to keep in mind that there are potential consequences associated with the choice of domain name.
In terms of domain extensions, such as .com or .de, there are no inherently negative options, but all else being equal, it's preferable to register domains with more recognizable zones like .com or country-specific domains like .de. This can enhance the visibility and credibility of the website.
If you're considering individual redirects for all the main pages on a domain, it's best to plan it from the start, considering the naming system of your new site. Another option would be to adopt the page naming system from the existing domain for the new site. I would advise against consolidating all the redirects into one page, but rather set up separate redirects to corresponding pages on the new site, especially for the key pages of the old site. Do the old and new sites share any thematic relevance?
I recommend a cautious approach. A 2-5 year old domain may offer established authority, while a dropped domain can be a gamble. The "me" zone could impact perceived professionalism, which is vital in news delivery. Yes, you'll want to restore external URLs to maintain link value. Use 301 redirects to ensure any existing link juice flows to your new site.
Starting redirection now with minimal content is possible, but ensure it's well-optimized; otherwise, you risk losing credibility.