Redirects & Mapping Domains To Overcome Penalties Or Dropped Rankings?


In the world of local SEO, one of the biggest challenges you might face is dealing with sudden drops in search engine rankings. This can be especially concerning if you have a Google Business Profile (GBP) linked to your website. In this article, we will explore how a drop in search rankings can affect your GBP, and what strategies you can use to recover from such setbacks.

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Impact of SERP Ranking Drops on GMBs

When a local lead generation (LLG) site experiences a sudden drop in its Search Engine Results Page (SERP) rankings, the question arises: will this affect any associated Google Business Profiles? The short answer is that we don’t have a clear-cut answer. Some experts believe that a drop in rankings can pull down the visibility of linked GBPs, while others argue that it might not have a significant impact.

For instance, I have personally not seen any of my LLG sites affected by recent algorithm updates. However, some members of the community have reported their sites being impacted. Interestingly, these affected sites did not have any GBPs associated with them. This suggests that the relationship between a site's ranking and its GBP is not straightforward and can vary from case to case.

Recovery Strategies for Google Updates

So, what do you do if your site has suffered a ranking drop? One effective method is to swap out the domain name associated with your LLG site. This can be done quickly and efficiently, especially if you are using platforms like HighLevel. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Go to your settings and find the domain section.
  2. Click on “Add New Domain.”
  3. Follow the prompts to add your new domain, which may involve setting up CNAME records through a service like Cloudflare.
  4. Once you have added the new domain, associate it with your existing site or funnel.
  5. Submit the new domain for indexing.

This process is generally quick and can bring your site back up in rankings. Many people who have experienced drops have successfully recovered just by changing their domain names.

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Recovering from Google Updates with New Assets

If you have new assets (sites that don’t have much history), they may not have a lot of weight in terms of SEO. This makes it easier to implement changes without worrying too much about losing established rankings. If your site has been penalized, you can redirect any link equity from the old domain to the new one. This is a simple yet effective strategy.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Set up a redirect from your old domain to your new one.
  2. If you have built links to the old domain, you can redirect those to the new site as well.
  3. Optionally, you can create a buffer site that links to your new money site. This can be an extra safety net if you are concerned about the redirect affecting your new domain.

Many have found success with this approach, and it can save you a lot of time compared to trying to recover the old site from penalties.

Redirecting link equity is another important strategy. If your old domain has some valuable backlinks, you want to ensure that you don’t lose that traffic. Redirecting the old domain to your new domain is a straightforward way to maintain that link equity.

However, if you are worried about any potential issues with a direct redirect, consider using a buffer site. This means you will redirect your old domain to a temporary site, which will then link to your new money site. This method can help in preserving your link equity while also providing an additional layer of protection against any penalties.

For those using WordPress, the process might be a bit more complex. You may need to work with your hosting provider to change the domain, or you can do a full migration. However, many hosting services like WPX can assist with this process, making it easier for you.

Conclusion

In summary, a sudden drop in SERP rankings can be concerning, especially if you have a GBP associated with your site. While there is no definitive answer as to whether a drop affects the GBP, you can take proactive measures to mitigate any potential risks. Swapping domains, redirecting link equity, and creating buffer sites are effective strategies that can help you recover quickly.

It’s essential to stay ahead of Google’s updates by implementing these strategies. Remember, the quicker you take action, the better your chances of regaining your rankings and visibility. If you find yourself in a tough spot, don’t hesitate to reach out to the community or seek help from experts. With the right approach, you can overcome penalties and keep your local SEO efforts on track.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my site drops in rankings?

If your site drops in rankings, consider swapping the domain name associated with it and redirecting link equity to maintain your traffic.

2. How can I recover link equity from an old domain?

You can redirect your old domain to a new one to preserve link equity. If you’re concerned about direct redirects, setting up a buffer site can add an extra layer of protection.

3. Does a drop in SERP rankings affect my Google Business Profile?

It’s not definitively known if a drop in SERP rankings will affect your GBP. Experiences vary among users, with some seeing no impact while others do.

4. Is it easy to change domains on HighLevel?

Yes, changing domains on HighLevel is generally straightforward. You can add a new domain easily and associate it with your existing site.

5. How long does it take for a new domain to be indexed?

After submitting your new domain for indexing, it usually takes a short time for Google to recognize it, often about 30 seconds to a few minutes.