ERIC Number: EJ999851
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Nov
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1041-7915
EISSN: N/A
Changing Your Domain Name in 25 Nail-Biting Steps
Hassler, Carol
Computers in Libraries, v32 n9 p12-16, 18 Nov 2012
When staff at the Wisconsin State Law Library began compiling a wish list for a new website, the topic of a new domain name came up almost immediately. Their old website was located at http://wsll.state.wi.us. Spelling that relatively complex domain over the phone day after day provided the impetus to explore other options. Whatever domain name they settled on, they needed to be sure it would work for them. Switching to a new domain name is no small matter. According to the author, who is the web services librarian for the Wisconsin State Law Library, in 2008 more than 65% of their web traffic relied on individuals being able to find them through search engines. One of their top goals for the domain change process was to maintain their high search engine ranking. Though they were moving forward with a large website redesign, several online sources recommended against unveiling a new domain name along with a new website. Too many disruptions in content might confuse users but, even worse, it could also potentially cause problems in the transfer of organic search engine rankings from the old domain to the new. Launching a new domain name well before the redesigned website would help them to ensure a smooth transition between the names. This article discusses 25 steps for changing a domain name. (Contains 3 online resources.)
Descriptors: Search Engines, Computer System Design, Design Preferences, Guidelines, Change Strategies, Organizational Change, Access to Information, Usability, Information Transfer, Information Management, Metadata, Library Administration, Library Automation, Library Development
Information Today, Inc. 143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750. Tel: 800-300-9868; Tel: 609-654-6266; Fax: 609-654-4309; e-mail: custserv@infotoday.com; Web site: http://infotoday.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Wisconsin
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A