The website's name, domain name and domain zone are set to undergo a rebranding process that will replace "FR" with "INFO".

Although I have read extensively on the matter, I still have reservations and questions:

1. Will ranking of French search engines be affected by the change in domain zone to 'INFO'?

2. Is it necessary to transfer CMS from the old domain to the new one?

3. What does this transition entail? How long before the site fully recovers from the change? Is there any experience shared by others who have undergone a similar process? Should I inform subscribers of the rebranding process via social media ahead of time?

These issues are intriguing and I'm eager to learn more about the process.

A site mirror is a duplicate, either full or partial, that is indexed for content. However, its presence can lead to static weight being distributed unfavorably, resulting in poor SEO performance.

Despite this, there are benefits to creating mirrors, such as the ability to eliminate unnecessary data and optimize promotion for search engines.

In the event that all steps are executed accurately, the negative impact should be temporary, resulting in only a brief decrease in the site's position. Search engines will react to any changes made, regardless of whether they were performed correctly or not. However, typically this position decrease is no more than 17%, and the site itself will remain listed.

Position recovery takes an average of 3-4 weeks, given weekly updates; although it's important to note that updates are less frequent at present. To ensure success, follow these steps:

- Begin by closing the new mirror from indexing, and establish its structure, adding linking and breadcrumbs as soon as possible.
- Compile a table of redirects in the event of structural changes, including any nesting and paths.
- Reopen the site for indexing. From there, set up 301 redirects page by page and don't forget about www and http.
- Adjust the robot file, configure the map and add the new mirror to the webmaster panel.
- Ensure all old links lead to the correct destination and don't give a 404 error.
- Reindex landing pages gradually (limiting yourself to 20 per day).
- Withhold from any link building until search engines update their policies and the new mirror is established.

Mirrors are a common occurrence in the online space, where the same content is hosted on different domains. This can include versions of a site with and without the www prefix, domains with http and https protocols, 90-100% copies of a site, and the same resource hosted on different servers.

While one site can have an unlimited number of mirrors, only one will be designated as the primary domain. During indexing, search engines may "glue" together identical sites based on their content, resulting in only one site being displayed in output - the main mirror. However, robots may make mistakes when selecting the primary domain, resulting in difficulties for SEO specialists in promoting the website to the top.

When combining mirrors, some indicators from secondary domains are transferred to the main one, such as external links and original texts. It's important to note that automatic selection of primary domains can be influenced by a webmaster via a file robots.txt or the Google Search Console tool.

Let's address each of your questions in detail:

1. The change in domain zone from ".FR" to ".INFO" may have an impact on the ranking of your website in French search engines. This is because search engines consider various factors, including the domain name, when determining search rankings. It's important to monitor the changes in search engine rankings after the rebranding and make necessary SEO adjustments to ensure that your website maintains or improves its visibility.

2. The transfer of the content management system (CMS) from the old domain to the new one is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial in terms of maintaining consistency and ensuring a smooth transition. If you decide to transfer the CMS, it's essential to plan and execute the migration carefully to avoid any disruptions to the website's functionality and user experience.

3. The transition to a new domain zone entails several steps, including updating the domain settings, implementing 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one, and updating internal links and references across the website. The time it takes for the site to fully recover from the change can vary depending on the size of the website and the extent of the rebranding. It's advisable to have a post-transition monitoring period to address any issues that may arise.

In terms of experience shared by others who have undergone a similar process, it would be beneficial to research case studies and industry best practices related to domain rebranding. Additionally, informing subscribers of the rebranding process via social media ahead of time can help manage expectations and maintain transparency with your audience.
The rebranding process requires careful planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure a successful transition. It's important to stay informed about the latest SEO practices and seek professional advice if needed to navigate the rebranding process effectively. If you have any further questions or need assistance with the rebranding, feel free to reach out for support.