Can I transfer PR and SERP standings to a replacement URL?

[alaron]

Issue:
I may have to stop using my URL (www . current-url.com) because it may violate someone else’s trademark.

I need help on how to switch to a new URL (www . new-url.com) w/o losing the good PR and SERP standings I have developed with (www . current-url.com) and without starting from scratch.

Background:
I use Word Press as a CMS for my website (www . current-url.com) and blog.

The site has 10-20 static pages with video, pictures, a couple handfuls of incoming links, plus lots of outgoing links, many in blog posts.

My Vision:
I want to use some kind of re-direct to have my new URL (www . new-url.com), have the same PR and show up in the SERPS for my keywords in the same places as the old URL, instead of showing up under the old URL. And again, not starting from scratch.

Is this possible?
Is so how do I go about doing this?
If not possible, what are my other options?


This is my idea of a solution, please evaluate and criticize:

1. Get new site set up to look identical to old site
2. Get new incoming links similar to old site
3. Delete all content from old site
4. Do a 301 permanent re-direct from old site to new
5. Relinquish old URL if I have to (timing concerns?)


Thanks for your help.
Much appreciated.

Alaron

[A.N.Onym]

You do need to do a complete site redirect to the new one.

I'd advise to keep page URLs the same (except for the domain) to make it really easy with a few lines of .htaccess code.

Also, deleting content won't help it. On the contrary, it might help G notice that the new site is the copy.

Here's a process to consider:
1. Get new site set up to look identical to old site
2. Get new incoming links similar to old site: try to change the strongest existing links to point to your new site (it's identical to the old one, right?) and get good links to your new site
3. Do a 301 permanent re-direct from old site to new
4. Relinquish old URL if I have to (timing concerns?): try to have 301 redirects for as long as you can.
5. Verify the new site in the Google Webmaster panel and submit the sitemap (read this help from G)

[alaron]

Yura,

Thank you for your response to my post. It was Great. Thanks also for the link to G. It was also very informative.

Alaron

[pops]

Following Yura's method (and being able to keep the original domain active and pointed to the new page locations). I've been able to transfer the same WordPress posts twice in less than a year and retain PR and traffic.

[Wit]

Twice in a year? Sheesh you're fickle

[pops]

Originally Posted by Wit

Twice in a year? Sheesh you're fickle

Well, I had a legitimate reason both times but mostly it was just poor planning.

[seotrigger]

These SEO tips would be extremely useful in catapulting your website to the top on search engines. Visibility to search engines is one of the most deciding factors in the success <snip>.

Thanks,

[coolguy27]

Originally Posted by A.N.Onym

You do need to do a complete site redirect to the new one.

I'd advise to keep page URLs the same (except for the domain) to make it really easy with a few lines of .htaccess code.

Also, deleting content won't help it. On the contrary, it might help G notice that the new site is the copy.

Here's a process to consider:
1. Get new site set up to look identical to old site
2. Get new incoming links similar to old site: try to change the strongest existing links to point to your new site (it's identical to the old one, right?) and get good links to your new site
3. Do a 301 permanent re-direct from old site to new
4. Relinquish old URL if I have to (timing concerns?): try to have 301 redirects for as long as you can.
5. Verify the new site in the Google Webmaster panel and submit the sitemap (read this help from G)

That's great explanation buddy. Actually the number 3 is the simple way of transferring but still you will still build links for your new link.