Hi Guys,

This is my first post here but I have been lurking for a while and love the site!

I have a question about 301 redirects and hope someone can help.....

I have to move a product section of a site off the current domain (permanently) and onto another domain. The target domain is not new, it has been around for as long as the first so I don't expect it to get sandboxed!

The problem is that the section is going through a major re-design at the same time (out of my control). Do I need to 301 redirect from each page of the original to the related page on the new domain if I want to keep PR and link popularity?

Due to the content not being identical is it likely that I will incur any kind of search engine Wrath!!??

Thanks in advance,

Sam.

The simple answer is yes... you should do a 301 from each and every page to ensure PR and positioning can be maintained...

The new content and optimization on the new pages WILL have an effect on PR and positioning of course (eventually) - so make certain it is the same OR MUCH BETTER!

The simple answer is: there is no simple answer.

Do as RobHughes suggests above... 301 redirect everything!! Despite the excessive amount of work this creates, it is worth it and literally necessary.

Thanks for your reply guys.

Will I need to get inbound links changed to reflect the new domain or will the 301 be sufficient?

Just wondering if the Search Engines would see the link coming from an external site or just my old domain.

S.

Yep you've got it! Again more work but it'll be worth it... locate and request that all inbound links are changed to point to your new domain.
This takes time but very important.