So you’ve decided: you’re changing your blog name.
You’re probably feeling a mixture of fear and trepidation but no doubt you’re excited as well. I know, because I changed my blog name at the beginning of this year!
When I started this blog in October 2012, it was as “Redland City Living”. I thought a local focus was a great idea!
Trouble was, twelve months later I realised it wasn’t working for me any longer. I began investigating how to change my blog name (you can read more about the story behind the change, here).
Now, this is not a post to help you decide whether it’s a good idea or not – or to help you weigh up the pros and cons. (If that’s what you’re after though, check out this post over at Nose Graze, which I found very useful as I contemplated making the giant step of changing my blog name.)
It was just after Christmas when I put the wheels in motion, and I have kind of muddled my way through since then ๐ .
So if you too are ready to change your blog name, here are some steps to help you “make it so” (yes, I’m a ST:TNG fan!).
The Technical Stuff
Haha, this is kind of a case of the blind leading the blind. I’m certainly not a techie expert. Here are some helpful articles, with information specific to WordPress:
- http://wordpress.org/plugins/velvet-blues-update-urls/
- http://www.jeremyyoung.ws/716/how-to-set-up-a-permanent-301-redirect-in-cpanel/
- http://docs.cpanel.net/twiki/bin/view/AllDocumentation/CpanelDocs/ReDirects
If in doubt, you can hire somebody to do this side of things for you. I personally recommend Kathie Thomas, from ACS Webhosting.
Making the Switch on Social Media
If you already have a decent following on social media, you won’t want to start from scratch. It IS possible to change your blog name on social media, I did! Here are some links to show you how:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/www/271607792873806ย (NB some folk say it’s impossible to change your page name on Facebook if you have more than 200 followers – this is NOT true, as the linked article explains);
- Twitter: https://support.twitter.com/articles/14609-changing-your-username#;
- Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/116836975134193/;
- Pinterest: https://help.pinterest.com/en/articles/edit-your-profile-or-settings#Web.
The Effects of Changing your Blog’s Name
Probably the thing that holds most bloggers back, is the fear of how a name change will affect their stats, relationship with sponsors, etc.
It’s true, I did lose about 20 followers on Facebook, who obviously weren’t interested in following the new direction I was taking.
But my blog stats didn’t seem to suffer at all – continuing their steady upward progress ๐ . There were even some benefits; it garnered me a bit of free publicity on other blogs, which of course led to lovely click-thrus. See for yourself:
Speaking of other blogs – if you’ve guest posted elsewhere, don’t forget to ask them nicely if they would take the time to update your old URL to the new one. It all helps!
The name change did scare off one or two agencies who’d approached me for sponsored posts. I was upfront and told them about the name change and then never heard back – even though I sent a polite email to follow up.
It was a bit quiet on the sponsored post front at first, but I suspect that was more about the time of year. I made the switch in January and we all know things go a bit quiet after the Christmas rush.
Since about Easter however, I’ve had more pitches than ever!
Some Hiccups
There is a lot you need to change and this is just the start of it. Even now, six months later, I keep discovering ways I can improve – and I’m not sure Iโm doing it right either!
For example, I had Google Analytics set up as Redland City Living. Just over a month ago I stumbled over some advice on the web that directed me to add Middle Aged Mama as a “property” on Google Analytics – and so far, I’m sorry I did, because now it seems to split my stats between the two properties, which is a bit of a pain. I will have to see what I’ve done wrong there (any Google Analytics gurus out there that can advise?!)
The Verdict
Overall, changing my blog name has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I’m glad I just jumped in and made the change when I realised that my former name was holding me back.
In my opinion: the sooner you make the switch, the sooner you can develop your new blog name and brand!
Bec @ The Plumbette says
I always wondered about the technical aspect of changing a blog name as I have seen some blogs change their name in the last couple of years. I’m not interested in changing mine though. ๐
Lisa says
I have often wondered if I should change my blog name or at least my FB name but not if I can handle the techie stuff xx
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I’m glad of my blog name, it had nothing to do with having babies when I started it but it kind of still gels with where Im at in life now. Think I’d be too scared to change it.
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
A very informative post Janet, doubt I’ll be changing my blog name for the foreseeable future, I’m just too (lazy) busy! Em – #teamIBOT
Psych Babbler says
I don’t think I ever thanked you for your lovely email! Oops! Thanks heaps for your tips…I’m in the process of doing it all. It is a hell of a job but I’m hoping it will be worth it.
Rae Hilhorst says
The more I read you the more I learn you are an amazing woman xxx
Emma Fahy Davis says
Hubby says I am never allowed to change my blog name because five degrees of chaos is quite enough degrees!
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
I think you did it pretty seamlessly Janet. And I think the new direction is the perfect fit for you.
PS, did you receive my email? xx
Mrs Organised says
Great tips, Janet! I made the decision to change my name a couple of months ago as my former name really didn’t say anything about me. Changing by name to Mrs Organised has been such a positive move and I’m so glad I did it, although it was a very big decision. I have zero technical ability so used a graphic designer to do the work for me and she did a fantastic job! Keep up the great work โฆ I love reading along!
Pinky Poinker says
Well if anyone should change their blog name it’s probably me. Mine makes NO sense. Great info there Janet even for someone who’s not on WordPress.
Grace says
Good tips, Janet! Especially the one about asking those who you’ve guest posted for to update your URL. I know I had to do a bit of that when I changed my domain name.
Rita @ The Crafty Expat says
That’s a very interesting post especially after the post I wrote on Monday. Thanks for the helpful links Janet.
Kathy Marris says
Great post Janet. I was thinking of changing my blog name as well as I have become more of a travel and lifestyle blog rather that a ’50 year old woman’s’ blog. However I love the name and I think it is quiet catchy so I’m going to keep it. Now I just need to work out how to get the right audience to my blog. Any ideas?
EssentiallyJess says
I wish that the FB option was available to me years ago when I changed my name! Oh well, it is what it is. ๐
Great tips Janet. ๐