Choosing the perfect name for your website is a significant step in establishing your online presence. Sometimes, however, after launching your site, you might realize that your chosen name no longer fits your brand’s evolving identity or marketing goals.
If you’re hosting your website on SiteGround, a popular web hosting platform, you might wonder, “Can I change my website name on SiteGround?” This question is common among website owners who want to rebrand, target a new audience, or simply correct an initial oversight.
The process might seem daunting at first, but understanding how SiteGround manages domains, websites, and hosting will help clarify what is possible and what steps you need to take.
SiteGround provides robust hosting solutions, but it’s important to distinguish between changing your website’s domain name and merely changing the site title or branding elements. Both approaches have different implications and technical requirements.
Whether you want to rename your domain, update your site title, or migrate to a new web address, this post will walk you through the key considerations and options available. Along the way, we’ll also touch on how SiteGround integrates with domain registrars and what you can expect when making such changes.
Understanding the Difference Between Website Name and Domain Name
Before diving into the mechanics of changing your website name on SiteGround, it’s critical to grasp the distinction between a website name and a domain name. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they represent different aspects of your online identity.
The website name is usually the title displayed on your website, in the browser tab, or in search engine results. It’s part of your site’s branding and can be easily updated within your website’s content management system (CMS) without affecting your site’s accessibility.
On the other hand, the domain name is the actual web address (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com) that visitors use to find your site. Changing your domain involves more technical steps, including DNS reconfiguration and potentially transferring the domain if it’s registered elsewhere.
How SiteGround Handles Domains and Websites
SiteGround primarily serves as a web hosting provider. While they do offer domain registration services, many users register domains through third-party registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
It’s important to know where your domain is registered because that affects how easily you can change it.
- If your domain is registered with SiteGround, you can manage DNS settings and renewals directly from their dashboard.
- If your domain is with a third-party registrar, you’ll need to manage domain changes there before reflecting them on SiteGround.
- The website content and branding can be managed independently of the domain name through your CMS.
“Changing your domain name is not the same as renaming your website’s title. Each has different impacts on SEO, branding, and user experience.”
Changing Your Website Title on SiteGround
If your goal is simply to update the website name that visitors see, this is the easiest and fastest change you can make. This process does not require changing your domain or hosting settings.
Most websites hosted on SiteGround use popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. Changing your site title involves logging into your CMS dashboard and updating the site title or header settings.
For example, in WordPress, this can be done under Settings > General.
This change will instantly update the title displayed in the browser tab and search engines, which helps with branding without disrupting your site’s accessibility or SEO.
Steps to Update Your Site Title in WordPress
- Log into your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Settings > General.
- Update the Site Title field to your desired name.
- Save changes and refresh your website to see the update.
Other CMS platforms have similar settings, and SiteGround’s support documentation can guide you through this process. This method is perfect if you want to keep your domain intact but refresh your brand.
Changing Your Domain Name on SiteGround
Changing your domain name is a more involved process than changing your website title. Since the domain represents the URL address, switching it means you are effectively moving your site to a new address.
If your domain is registered with SiteGround, you can purchase a new domain directly through their platform. If your domain is outside SiteGround, you’ll need to register a new domain or transfer your existing domain to a new one via your domain registrar.
After securing a new domain, you’ll need to configure your SiteGround hosting to respond to the new domain and update your website’s settings accordingly.
How to Change Your Domain on SiteGround Hosting
- Purchase or register the new domain through SiteGround or a third-party registrar.
- In the SiteGround dashboard, add the new domain as an Addon Domain or Parked Domain.
- Update your website’s CMS settings to use the new domain URL.
- Set up domain redirects from the old domain to the new one to preserve SEO.
| Step | Details | Notes |
| Register New Domain | Buy a new domain name via SiteGround or external registrar | Check domain availability and pricing |
| Add Domain to SiteGround | Use Addon Domains or Parked Domains in the SiteGround control panel | Ensures hosting space is allocated to new domain |
| Update Website Settings | Change site URL in CMS settings and update links | Essential for proper site operation |
| Redirect Old Domain | Setup 301 redirects from old to new domain | Preserves SEO rankings and visitor traffic |
Note: Changing domains impacts your SEO and user bookmarks. A proper redirect strategy is vital to avoid traffic loss.
Transferring Your Website to a New Domain
When you decide to change your domain, you’re essentially migrating your website to a new address. This requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
SiteGround offers tools like their Site Tools and automatic WordPress installers to help facilitate migration. If you are switching domains, you may also want to consider backing up your website before proceeding.
Performing a full migration involves copying your website files, databases, and updating configuration files to reflect the new domain. Sometimes, users opt to hire professional services to guarantee error-free migration.
Key Migration Considerations
- Backup first: Always create a full backup of your site before starting.
- Update internal links: Use plugins or tools to update all internal URLs to the new domain.
- SEO implications: Use 301 redirects to inform search engines of the change.
- SSL certificates: Remember to secure the new domain with SSL.
Proper migration ensures your visitors continue to find your site seamlessly, and search engines maintain your ranking.
Handling Domain Renewal and Expiration on SiteGround
When changing your domain name, it’s also important to consider domain registration, renewal, and expiration policies. SiteGround offers domain registration services, but if your domain expires or is not renewed, your website will become inaccessible.
Managing domain renewals properly prevents disruptions. If you’re switching domains, you might want to keep your old domain active for some time to maintain traffic and redirect users.
- Enable auto-renewal in your SiteGround account for seamless domain management.
- Keep track of renewal dates to avoid accidental expiration.
- Maintain ownership of the old domain for at least 6 months after switching.
“Domains are your online address. Losing control due to expiration can severely impact your website’s visibility and reputation.”
SEO Implications of Changing Your Website or Domain Name
Changing your domain or website name can have a significant impact on your search engine rankings. Search engines associate your domain with your website’s authority, trust, and relevance.
Therefore, any change needs to be handled carefully to maintain SEO value.
Using 301 redirects is crucial to signal to search engines that your website’s address has permanently changed. This helps transfer your existing SEO rankings and link juice to the new domain.
Additionally, updating your sitemap and submitting it to Google Search Console accelerates the indexing of your new domain or site name.
Best SEO Practices When Changing Domain Names
- Implement 301 redirects from all old URLs to corresponding new URLs.
- Update external links and social media profiles to reflect the new domain.
- Inform your audience through blog posts or newsletters about the domain change.
- Monitor traffic and rankings closely after the switch to catch any issues early.
For a deeper understanding of naming and branding dynamics, you might enjoy reading A Good Name Is Better Than Riches: Why Reputation Matters, which explores the importance of a strong name for your brand.
When to Consider Creating a New Website Instead
Sometimes, changing your website or domain name might not be the best solution. If your current website is heavily customized or deeply integrated with your existing domain, starting fresh with a new website could be more efficient.
Creating a new site allows you to redesign, restructure content, and optimize SEO from scratch without the constraints of the old domain. This option is especially viable if your brand is undergoing a complete overhaul.
- Use new domains to target new markets or niches without legacy issues.
- Build a fresh site with updated technology and design standards.
- Keep your old website online temporarily to redirect users and preserve SEO.
If you want insights on domain management and switching, checking out Can I Change My Domain Name on GoDaddy? Easy Guide can provide useful comparative information.
Support and Resources for SiteGround Users
SiteGround boasts comprehensive customer support and a wealth of tutorials to help users manage domains, websites, and hosting features. If you’re considering changing your website name or domain, leveraging their resources can simplify the process.
Their support team is available via live chat, tickets, and phone, ready to assist with domain transfers, DNS settings, and migration questions. Additionally, SiteGround’s knowledge base features step-by-step guides tailored to both beginners and advanced users.
- Tutorials on managing Addon Domains and domain redirects.
- Guidance on SSL certificates for new domains.
- Advice on WordPress and other CMS integrations.
For those curious about managing names in different contexts, the article Can I Change My Caller ID Name? Easy Steps to Update offers interesting parallels on name changes in digital settings.
A Final Word on Changing Your Website Name on SiteGround
Changing your website name on SiteGround can range from a simple update of your site title to a complex domain migration. Understanding the difference between these two is key to choosing the right approach.
For a quick brand refresh, updating the website title through your CMS is efficient and risk-free. However, changing the domain name demands careful planning, technical know-how, and attention to SEO considerations.
By preparing adequately—backing up your site, configuring proper redirects, and utilizing SiteGround’s support resources—you can manage the transition smoothly and maintain your online presence’s strength.
It’s always wise to weigh the benefits of change against potential disruptions and choose the approach that best aligns with your long-term goals.
Ultimately, your website name and domain are foundational elements of your digital identity. Whether you’re evolving your brand or starting fresh, making informed decisions ensures your website continues to thrive and connect with your audience effectively.
