How To Change The Domain In Semrush Project

How to Change the Domain in Semrush Project: A Complete Guide

Managing multiple domains within a single Semrush project can be challenging, especially when you need to switch focus from one domain to another. Whether you’re rebranding, shifting strategies, or simply need to track a different domain, understanding how to change the domain in Semrush Project is essential for seamless SEO management. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and provide tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Why Would You Need to Change the Domain in a Semrush Project?

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s important to understand the scenarios where you might need to change the domain in your Semrush project:

1. Rebranding: If your company is undergoing a rebranding process, the domain name might change, necessitating an update in your Semrush project.
2. New Website Launch: When launching a new website under a different domain, tracking its SEO performance separately from the old domain can be crucial.
3. Switching Focus: You may want to shift your SEO efforts from one domain to another within the same niche or industry.
4. Client Management: For agencies managing multiple clients, switching the domain in a project can help streamline the workflow when a new client comes on board or when a client changes their domain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change the Domain in Semrush Project

Changing the domain in your Semrush project is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to avoid data loss or inaccuracies in your SEO tracking.

Step 1: Access Your Semrush Dashboard

To begin, log in to your Semrush account. Once logged in, you’ll be taken to your dashboard where all your projects are listed.

1. Login: Go to Semrush and enter your login credentials.
2. Dashboard Navigation: On the left-hand menu, click on “Projects” to view all the projects you have set up in Semrush.

Step 2: Select the Project to Edit

Next, you’ll need to choose the project where you want to change the domain.

1. Project List: In the Projects section, you’ll see a list of all your active projects.
2. Select Project: Click on the project you want to edit. This will open the project’s main dashboard, where you can see an overview of the current domain’s SEO metrics.

Step 3: Open Project Settings

To change the domain, you need to access the project’s settings.

1. Settings Gear Icon: In the top-right corner of the project dashboard, look for the settings gear icon. Click on it to open the project settings.
2. Domain Settings: In the project settings, locate the section where the current domain is specified.

Step 4: Change the Domain Name

Now, it’s time to update the domain name in the project.

1. Edit Domain: In the domain settings section, you’ll see the current domain name listed. Click on it to edit.
2. Enter New Domain: Type in the new domain you want to track in this project. Make sure to double-check the spelling and format to avoid any errors.
3. Save Changes: After entering the new domain, click “Save” or “Apply” to update the project.

Step 5: Verify Data Transfer and Settings

After changing the domain, it’s crucial to verify that all the data and settings have been updated correctly.

1. Data Transfer: Check that the SEO data, such as keyword rankings, backlinks, and traffic metrics, are now being tracked for the new domain.
2. Adjust Settings: Review other settings within the project, such as target keywords, competitors, and goals, to ensure they are still relevant to the new domain.
3. Re-run Reports: If needed, re-run any scheduled reports or audits to capture the data for the new domain.

Step 6: Monitor the New Domain’s Performance

Once the domain change is complete, begin monitoring the new domain’s performance closely.

1. Set Up Alerts: Use Semrush’s alert feature to notify you of any significant changes in rankings or traffic for the new domain.
2. Analyze Trends: Regularly analyze the SEO trends and adjust your strategy as needed based on the new domain’s performance metrics.
3. Compare with Old Domain: If applicable, compare the new domain’s performance with the old domain to understand the impact of the change.

Best Practices for Managing Domain Changes in Semrush

Changing the domain in a Semrush project is more than just a technical task; it’s a strategic decision that requires careful planning. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Backup Your Data

Before making any changes, it’s wise to back up your existing data. This ensures that if anything goes wrong, you can restore the project to its previous state.

• Export Reports: Export all current reports and data from Semrush to have a record of the old domain’s performance.
• Manual Backups: Consider manually copying important data into a spreadsheet or another tool for safekeeping.

2. Communicate with Stakeholders

If you’re managing this project on behalf of a client or within a team, make sure to communicate the domain change with all stakeholders.

• Client Approval: If you’re working with a client, get their approval before making any changes to avoid misunderstandings.
• Internal Teams: Inform internal teams such as content, marketing, and IT about the domain change so they can align their efforts accordingly.

3. Monitor for Errors

After changing the domain, keep an eye out for any errors or issues that might arise.

• 404 Errors: Check for any 404 errors or broken links that may occur due to the domain change.
• Analytics Tracking: Ensure that Google Analytics and other tracking tools are correctly set up to monitor the new domain.

4. Update Other Tools and Integrations

If you’re using other SEO tools or integrations with Semrush, update them to reflect the new domain.

• Google Search Console: Add the new domain to Google Search Console to track its performance.
• Third-Party Tools: Update any third-party tools, such as Ahrefs or Moz, to ensure consistent data tracking across platforms.

 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Changing the domain in a Semrush project is usually straightforward, but there can be challenges along the way. Here’s how to address some common issues:

1. Data Discrepancies

You might notice discrepancies in data after changing the domain, such as differences in traffic numbers or keyword rankings.

• Cause: This can happen due to the difference in the SEO profile of the old and new domains.
• Solution: Give it some time for Semrush to gather enough data on the new domain. Regularly monitor the data to ensure it stabilizes over time.

2. Loss of Historical Data

When you change the domain, you may lose access to the historical data of the old domain within that specific project.

• Cause: Semrush treats each domain separately, so historical data from the old domain may not carry over to the new domain.
• Solution: Consider creating a new project for the new domain if retaining historical data is critical. Alternatively, keep a copy of the old data for reference.

3. Inconsistent Reporting

Reports generated after the domain change might show inconsistencies, especially if the new domain’s SEO metrics differ significantly from the old one.

• Cause: The new domain may have a different SEO strength, leading to variations in report data.
• Solution: Adjust your expectations and reports to reflect the new domain’s SEO potential. Create new benchmarks for tracking progress.

Take Control of Your SEO with Semrush

Ready to make the switch? Learn how to change the domain in Semrush Project and keep your SEO strategy on track. Start optimizing today!

Conclusion

Knowing how to change the domain in Semrush Project is a valuable skill that ensures your SEO efforts remain aligned with your business goals. Whether you’re rebranding, managing multiple clients, or simply shifting focus, Semrush provides the tools needed to make this transition smoothly. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices, you can maintain the integrity of your SEO data and continue driving results for your new domain.