After rebranding my website and changing its domain name, I have observed a drop in organic performance. Some of the main issues include the old domain still appearing in search results for certain queries, while for others, neither the old nor the new domain is showing up. Furthermore, my daily click count has significantly changed, with a large portion of organic traffic still going to the old site.I have taken numerous steps to ensure a smooth transition during the migration process, such as replacing the old domain name with the new one across the database, transferring the sitemap through Google Search Console, implementing 301 redirects, and updating backlinks and structured data. Despite these efforts, organic traffic remains low, and search visibility is inconsistent. I am wondering if this delay is normal or if there may be issues with my approach.
It is common to experience a dip in organic traffic after a domain migration, especially when a rebranding is involved. While you’ve taken many of the right steps – updating your database, transferring sitemaps, implementing 301 redirects, and updating backlinks and structured data – the process can take time for search engines to fully recognize and adjust to the change.
The fact that the old domain still appears in search results for some queries indicates that Google hasn’t completely indexed and understood the new domain yet. It can take several weeks or even months for Google to fully re-index and re-rank your website after a significant change like a domain migration.
Several factors can contribute to this delay, including:
- The age and authority of the old domain: Older domains often have more established authority and credibility in Google’s eyes, leading to a slower transition.
- The quality and quantity of backlinks: If the new domain doesn’t have the same number or quality of backlinks as the old one, it will take longer for Google to recognize it as a reliable source.
- The complexity of the migration process: Implementing 301 redirects correctly across the entire website is crucial. Any mistakes or incomplete redirects can confuse Google and slow down the process.
Continue monitoring your website’s performance in Google Search Console and Analytics. Keep updating backlinks, ensuring all 301 redirects are working correctly, and submitting your sitemap regularly. Be patient, as it can take time for search engines to fully adjust to the new domain.