Changing the URL of a Brilliant Directory site involves updating various settings across the platform and integrations to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting functionality. This checklist provides the necessary steps to update the domain correctly, preserve SEO value, and ensure all integrations function as expected. Each step includes key actions and optional considerations based on specific needs.
Step 1. Update the New Domain in Domain Manager
The website URL can then be updated to the new domain. This step ensures that all site traffic is directed to the correct domain.
- Log in to the Brilliant Directory admin panel.
- Navigate to Settings then click on Domain Manager.
- Update Website URL to the new domain. How To Connect A Domain.
Step 2. Update Email Deliverability Settings
Here, the necessary records should be installed to authenticate the domain for email services, ensuring that emails sent from the site are delivered successfully and do not end up in spam folders.
Option A. If the site is connected via Nameservers
The Email Deliverability records can be installed directly in the Domain Manager, Email Deliverability tab.
Settings >> Domain Manager >> Email Deliverability.
Option B. If the site is connected via A record
The Email Deliverability records must be manually added in the Domain Registrar or at the location where the domain's nameservers are pointing.
Step 3. Domain Registrar: Redirect Old Domain (Optional)
This will ensure that both users and search engines are automatically redirected from the old domain to the new one. However, if SEO is not a primary concern, this step may be skipped.
Option A. If the site is using the Domain Registrar
This will ensure that visitors and search engines are directed to the updated website.
- Log in to the domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
- Set up a 301 Redirect from Olddomain.com to Newdomain.com.
Option B. If the site is using Cloudflare
This method is useful for sites where domain settings are managed through Cloudflare rather than a traditional registrar.
4. Update Brilliant Directory Admin Panel
After updating the domain, it is important to reflect the changes in the Brilliant Directory admin panel to make sure the new brand and email aligns.
- Go to General Settings then click on the General tab: Update website email address and admin email address.
- Click on the Brand Images tab, upload new logo, favicon, and other branding assets (if needed).
5. Update BD Integrations
Ensure that all third-party integrations are updated with the new domain.
Google Maps API Key
- Log into Google Cloud Console.
- Update the API key settings to allow the new domain. See how: Editing HTTP Referrers.
reCAPTCHA Key
- Register the new domain in Google reCAPTCHA.
- Replace old reCAPTCHA keys in BD Admin go to Settings click on the Integrations tab look for: Google reCAPTCHA
Google Sign-In & Facebook Sign-In
- Update OAuth credentials in Google Developer Console and Facebook Developer Console to include the new domain. Google Login Add-on + Facebook Login Add-on
Imagekit
- Access Imagekit and update the new site on their dashboard.
Front-End Optimization: Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) For Images
6. Update Third-Party Integrations
Google Search Console
Add the new domain to Google Search Console and submit the new sitemap for the updated website. This will help Google index the site correctly and monitor its performance. Google Sitemap Generator
Google Analytics
Add the new domain as a property in Google Analytics and update the tracking code on the site to reflect the new domain. This ensures that analytics data is correctly collected under the new domain.
7. Test Everything
Once all the updates are made, thoroughly test the website and integrations to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
- Test email deliverability by sending test emails.
- Test all integrations (Google Maps, reCAPTCHA, Google Sign-In, Facebook Sign-In).