Key Takeaways

  • Google treats most gTLDs the same. A TLD does not boost rank.
  • If you run two TLDs, pick one main site. 301 redirect the other.
  • During a move, use 301s. Do not rely on canonicals first.
  • Later, canonicals can help. However, redirects are stronger.
  • Email domains don’t affect SEO. Use any TLD for email.
  • Keep redirects for at least one year. Also, monitor in Search Console.

Core Strategy: Choose One Home, Redirect the Rest

Running two TLDs can split signals. Links and data spread out.
So, pick a single home. Then point all roads there.
This plan is clear for users. It is also clear for Google.
As a result, trust grows. And rankings stay stable.

Step-by-step: Safe setup with two TLDs

  1. Pick the primary domain. Decide which TLD will rank.
  2. Map every URL. Create one-to-one matches from old to new.
  3. Use 301 redirects. Send all old URLs to their new twins.
  4. Update signals. Fix internal links, sitemaps, and hreflang.
  5. Add self-canonicals. Keep them on the primary only.
  6. Use Search Console. Verify both sites. Then use Change of Address.
  7. Avoid mixed signals. Do not place canonicals on the secondary during the move.
  8. Hold the redirects. Keep them for at least a year. Longer is better.
  9. Use the extra TLD safely. Keep it for email or vanity. However, hide duplicates behind 301s.
  10. Review logs and data. Watch crawl, index, and traffic. Then fix gaps fast.

Benefits and tips

  • Stronger signals. 301s merge link equity. Therefore, value is not lost.
  • Cleaner crawl. Bots waste less time. So, key pages get more focus.
  • Better data. Reports live in one place. Comparisons get easy.
  • Simple global setup. Need country focus? Use ccTLDs or folders with hreflang.
  • No email impact. Your email TLD does not change rankings.

Did You Know?

Keywords in a TLD don’t boost rank. New gTLDs (like .app or .digital) work like other gTLDs. Pick a TLD for users and brand, not “SEO magic.”

Conclusion

TLD choice is a brand call, not a rank hack.
However, the move plan matters a lot.
Choose one home. Then redirect the rest.
Keep signals clean. Also, keep redirects long.
Do this, and your domain setup stays strong.

FAQs

Do new gTLDs rank better than .com?

No. Google treats most gTLDs the same. Therefore, no additional advantage.

Can I keep two full sites on two TLDs?

You can, but it is risky. During a move, don’t. First, consolidate with 301s.

Are 301 redirects stronger than rel=canonical?

Yes. Redirects are a stronger canonical signal. Canonicals help later.

How long should I keep redirects?

Keep them as long as you can. At minimum, one year.

Does my email domain affect SEO?

No. Email TLDs don’t impact search at all.

Should I use a ccTLD for a country?

You can. ccTLDs signal country focus. However, subfolders with hreflang also work.

References