Editing Your Domain Name on GoDaddy: A Step-by-Step Guide
At the beginning of the article, I would like to clarify that if you have bought a domain name from Godaddy or any domain registrar, it can't be edited because it is registered. You can edit it before you register the domain. If you want to edit your website name, purchase a new domain name from Godaddy and replace it with the old domain.
You may edit a domain name in GoDaddy hosting or any other hosting provider, where you add your domains in the add-on domains portion. Whether it is the primary domain or an add-on domain, you may add unlimited add-on domains and edit the domain name in the add-on domains of your Godaddy hosting.
The domain name forms the basis of your online identity and presence. It is an essential element that helps establish your brand and online credibility. If you're editing your domain name on GoDaddy, whether for a new website or revamping an existing one, we can help. This guide will walk you through the process for both Windows and Linux hosting accounts, explaining the considerations and potential impacts involved.
Essential Considerations Before Editing:
- Impact on Existing Services: Changing your domain name can affect email addresses, website links, and other online services associated with the domain. Ensure you update all relevant records before making the switch.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Established domain names might have some SEO value. Changing them can temporarily affect your website's ranking in search results. However, strong content and backlinks can help you recover.
- Downtime: The domain change process might temporarily down your website. To minimise disruption, plan the switch for a low-traffic period.
- Renewal and Fees: Changing your domain name typically doesn't incur additional fees, but ensure your domain registration is up-to-date before proceeding.
Editing Your Domain Name (Windows Hosting):
- GoDaddy Product Page: Log in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the "Products" page.
- Manage Your Hosting: Under "Web Hosting," locate your Windows hosting account and click "Manage."
- Account Dashboard: In the account dashboard, locate the "Settings" section and find the option for "Primary Domain."
- Change Domain: Click "Change" next to "Primary Domain."
- Select New Domain: Here, you have two options:
- Choose another domain name associated with your account from the dropdown menu.
- Please enter a new domain name (ensure it's available for purchase).
6. Confirm Change: Once you've selected the desired domain name, click "Change Domain" to confirm the change.
Editing Your Domain Name (Linux Hosting):
- GoDaddy Product Page: Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Windows Hosting section.
- Settings Section: In the account dashboard, locate the "Settings" section.
- Change Primary Domain: Click "Change" next to "Primary Domain."
- Select New Domain: Like Windows hosting, you can choose an existing domain from your account or enter a new one.
- Important Note: If the new domain name is not already an addon domain on your account, you must first remove any subdomains associated with the old domain.
- Confirm Change: Once you've selected the desired domain name, click "Change Domain" to confirm the change.
Additional Considerations:
- DNS Propagation: Changing your domain name can take up to 24 hours to propagate across the Internet. Visitors attempting to access your website using the old domain name might encounter errors during this time.
- Updating DNS Records: If using custom email addresses or services tied to your domain, you must update the DNS records to point to the new domain name.
- Informing Visitors: To avoid confusion, consider telling your website visitors and email contacts about the upcoming domain name change and make sure everything is clear.
Conclusion:
Editing your domain name on GoDaddy is straightforward. However, you'll need to understand the potential implications and take necessary steps to minimise disruption to your website and online presence. By following these guidelines, you can successfully update your domain name and maintain a seamless online experience for your visitors.