Expired/Dropped domain 301 Redirecting question

itsjinx

itsjinx

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I have bought a domain that expired through an auction websites.. It was over $3k because it has backlinks from some of the top 100 websites. I got the idea because many of my competitors have done this for years and are ranking very well.

Please don't respond to just tell me it isn't a good idea to use expired/dropped domains. I am looking for tips from those who have/are actively using expired/dropped domains for SERP rankings.

NOTES:
- The expired domain doesn't have much web traffic, but the intention is to send the link juice to a different website. The website of the expired domain did not have a ton of pages and 99% of the backlinks are to: http://expireddomain.com, http://index.expireddomain.com
- The expired domain and the website that it is redirecting to are both in the same general niche(technology).
- I have already setup 301 redirecting from the expired domain to the website that I am trying to rank so that all of the expired domain's pages are redirecting to the main URL of my website(for example): https://mynewdomain.com

My questions are:
1. Has anyone done a "Change of Address" request, via Google Search Console, from the old/expired domain to the website that you are trying to rank? I am wondering the benefit of doing this in addition to the 301 redirecting? This technically notifies google that the old/expired domain is supposed to be replaced by the new domain, but I wonder if it is beneficial or has any negative impacts?
2. ⁠Is there anything else you would suggest that I do/don't do?'

I appreciate anyone's advice who is experienced in this particular area.

Thank you!
 
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itsjinx said:
My questions are:
1. Has anyone done a "Change of Address" request, via Google Search Console, from the old/expired domain to the website that you are trying to rank? I am wondering the benefit of doing this in addition to the 301 redirecting? This technically notifies google that the old/expired domain is supposed to be replaced by the new domain, but I wonder if it is beneficial or has any negative impacts?
2. ⁠Is there anything else you would suggest that I do/don't do?'
Click to expand...
Are you planning to do a 301 instead of a PBN for any particular reason?
 
When utilizing expired domains for SERP rankings, the strategy you've implemented with the 301 redirects is commonly used to transfer link equity. Performing a "Change of Address" request in Google Search Console can further reinforce the domain transition, potentially helping Google associate the old backlinks with your new site more effectively.
 
Starting out with an expired domain that costs $3k is a bold move. It’s better to begin with something in the $50–$100 range to gain experience first.

As for a 301 redirect—if the content of the expired domain is very different from the target domain’s topic, Google will soon devalue the backlinks and stop passing their weight.

Here’s what I’ve been doing lately:
  • I take the old (last known) content from the expired domain via Wayback Machine
  • On my target domain, I create an internal page with that content, for example: /page/
  • I set up a 301 redirect from the expired domain to that page
  • After about a year, I redirect /page/ to the homepage (/)
This only works if both domains share the same overall topical theme. That topic is determined by the old content, backlink anchors, and previously ranked keywords.
 
Using 301s is smart, but skip the change of address-it's meant for full site moves, not expired domains. Also Recreate top pages before redirecting for better link value. Keep it niche relevant and monitor in Google search console.
 
  1. No, don’t use Change of Address, because it can hurt rankings.
  2. Rebuild key old pages, redirect only strong URLs, and keep content relevant.
 
RoyRoyan said:
Starting out with an expired domain that costs $3k is a bold move. It’s better to begin with something in the $50–$100 range to gain experience first.

As for a 301 redirect—if the content of the expired domain is very different from the target domain’s topic, Google will soon devalue the backlinks and stop passing their weight.

Here’s what I’ve been doing lately:
  • I take the old (last known) content from the expired domain via Wayback Machine
  • On my target domain, I create an internal page with that content, for example: /page/
  • I set up a 301 redirect from the expired domain to that page
  • After about a year, I redirect /page/ to the homepage (/)
This only works if both domains share the same overall topical theme. That topic is determined by the old content, backlink anchors, and previously ranked keywords.
Click to expand...

This is basically the correct answer.

And even then, redirects are hit or miss. Miss being that you screw up your site if the niches aren't tightly related for example.

This is still a decent guide, though my time scales are quite different - https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/how-to-301-an-expired-domain-guide.1358904/

With this particular approach, there's no point using the "change of address" feature.
 
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