Here is the clearest, most effective approach to notifying referral websites when your primary domain name changes. This method keeps your traffic, backlinks, and SEO equity intact while making the update process smooth for everyone involved.
1. Put the Technical Foundations in Place First
Before notifying anyone, ensure the new domain is fully prepared.
A. 301 Redirects
Set up site-wide 301 redirects from every old URL to its corresponding new URL.
This preserves SEO value and ensures partners immediately see the new domain when they test their links.
B. Update Canonicals
Update <link rel="canonical"> tags to reference the new domain across all pages.
C. Verify New Domain in Search Console
Add and verify the new domain in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
Submit updated XML sitemaps for the new domain.
2. Identify All Referral Sources
Create a list of websites that link to you:
- High-value backlinks (press, organizations, tourism boards, partners)
- Direct affiliates or reciprocal link partners
- Directory listings
- Guest posts or articles with links to your old site
- Social media bios and link-in profiles
- Any cross-promotion partners
Use tools such as Search Console, Ahrefs, Moz, or Semrush to compile this list.
3. Prepare a Short, Clear Outreach Email
A concise, friendly message gets action. Use this structure:
Subject: Update Your Link to Our Website
Body:
- Brief context (your domain has changed)
- Why the change matters (accuracy for their readers, no broken links)
- Exact link they should update
- Assurance that your content and mission remain the same
- Thank them for supporting your project
4. Prioritize High-Authority and High-Traffic Referral Sites
Focus first on:
- Government tourism sites
- Major travel/route associations
- High-traffic blogs that frequently refer visitors
- Local chambers or city link lists
- Press outlets you’ve appeared in
These carry the most SEO weight.
5. Notify Each Partner Individually
This creates a higher success rate than mass communication.
Provide these specifics in your message:
- Old domain
- New domain
- Exact URLs that need updating
- Recommended replacement URLs
- Deadline (soft, not aggressive)
Example:
“Whenever convenient in the next few weeks, please update any references to our old domain.”
6. Provide a Media/Press Update Page
Host a simple page like:
/press-domain-update
This page should include:
- Announcement of the domain change
- New logos, URLs, and copy partners can use
- Assurance that all content remains available via redirects
- Contact info for questions
This reduces email back-and-forth.
7. Publish a Public Announcement
This covers the referral sites you can’t contact directly.
Post announcements on:
- Your website
- Social media profiles
- Google Business Profile (if applicable)
- Newsletter
This broad update catches stragglers.
8. Monitor the Change
Track whether referral sites update their links over the next 60–90 days.
Use:
- Google Search Console > Links > Top Linking Sites
- Semrush/Ahrefs ? Backlink audits
- Manual checks for high-value partners
Follow up gently with anyone who hasn’t updated after a reasonable interval.
Summary: The Best Way
The most effective method is a three-part approach:
- Technical fixes (301s + canonicals + sitemap updates)
- Personal outreach to high-value referral sites
- A public announcement + press update page
This combination preserves search rankings, keeps referral traffic intact, and makes it easy for partners to update their content.
