Changing Domain Names - How to Do It?

The domain name is a unique address under which your own website can be reached on the internet. Under each domain extension such as .de or .com, each name is available only once. When selecting web hosting, customers can usually also choose one or more associated domain names. These are then registered with the relevant registry on behalf of the customer, so that they can be exclusively used for the customer's web projects in the future. Depending on the domain extension, different allocation policies apply to the domains. For example, registering a DE domain requires a German contact address. However, what is the same for all domains are the contract terms.

Can the domain name be changed later?

Generally, all domains are registered for at least 1 year. Only after this period has expired can a domain be automatically renewed or, if necessary, cancelled by the customer. Due to the long contract terms, changing the domain name is not so easy.

Changing Domain Names - Step by Step

To change the domain name of your own website, follow these steps:

• Register a new domain name with a domain provider
• Adjust the content and links of your own website to the new domain name
• Link the new domain name in the Control Panel with your own website
• Cancel the old domain name with the domain provider

What are the reasons for changing the domain name?

There are numerous reasons that may necessitate a change of domain name. Starting with a simple typo during domain registration. If there is a typo or a misspelled word during registration, then changing the domain name afterwards may be necessary. Also, a realignment of content on your own website, such as opening an additional online shop or covering different topics, may make a new domain name advisable. Additionally, there may be legal reasons, such as a trademark dispute with a competitor, leading to a change in your own domain name.

Changing Domain Names - What to Consider

Since the domain name cannot simply be changed, but the old domain must be deleted and a new domain used, there are some things to consider when making the change:

• Before the old domain is finally cancelled, the new domain must be fully set up.
• All links on the website must be changed to the new domain.
• A domain redirection should be set up from the old domain to the new domain.
• All external references should be changed to the new domain.

Although changing a domain name is not directly possible, the old domain can be replaced with a new domain if needed. However, all the points mentioned should be considered during the change to ensure that your website remains discoverable on the internet for search engines and visitors.
 

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