I recently purchased a new domain, gemadventuresrockshop.com. I would like to link it to my existing domian, gemadventuresmining.com, and make the new domain the primary. How is this done?

Avatar
gemadventures
  • updated
  • Answered
Replies 3
Avatar
0
anonymous

Hi gemadventures, 

Please reach out to our 24/7 live support via chat. They will be able to assist you with some of the tasks. As this is a public forum, we cannot access your account. 

Kindest regards,
Stormy 

Avatar
0
gemadventures

Is it possible for you to do this for me?  I'm very strapped on time.

Avatar
0
IMH Support Agent 2
  • Answered

Hello Gemadventures,

Thanks for the question about switching your primary domain and linking to your existing one.  This is not a simple change.

First, if you're going to link the new domain to the old domain, then change the primary domain to the new one, then you are in essence making it so that your new primary domain is going to the old one. That will not work because of how the website files are using the domain name.  Changing the domain name will not automatically change your website files to use the new domain name. 

You can request a primary domain name change, but you will still be required to move the associated website files.

There are other factors that could change how this is done. For example, if you are using WordPress, then it is possible to change all of the configuration files and references in the database.  This is basically a WordPress migration to a new site name. It requires changes to the configuration files, the permalinks, and the database.  This is an example of how this kind of change may be affected depending on the software you're using for your website.

Also, it is important to remember that your website is currently known on the internet by its current name.  Changing it would affect your Search Engine visibility.  If you were to change it immediately to the new domain, the search engines will not be able to find your site.

So, what do you do?

I recommend building your new site under the new domain name first. Then when you're done, you can request a primary domain change and then move your website files to the appropriate location. Then you should use a 301 redirect to indicate that the old domain name is pointing to the new one.  This will indicate to the search engines that your domain name has changed.The 301 redirects would be placed in your old site.

If you are using a system like WordPress, It's even easier.  If you're trying to copy the old site and use a different domain name, I recommend using our plugin Total Upkeep.  You can load the plugin on the old site, backup the site, then restore it with a different domain name in a new location.  Once you have completed the backup of the site with the plugin, create a new WordPress installation in the location of primary domain (the domain name should be already changed at this point).  You would then install the plugin to the new site and restore your backup using the new domain name.  

Sorry for the long-winded explanation.  If you are not using WordPress and you require more information, I would recommend that you contact our live technical support team for further assistance.  Tell them what you're trying to do, and they may be able to provide you a solution. They can access your account with the proper verification. 

If you have any further questions or comments, please let us know.

Kindest Regards,

Arnel C.