The reasons for getting a new web address are often quite trivial; for example, it can be that the website operator simply doesn’t like their current web address (anymore), or perhaps the website has changed direction and the name is no longer relevant. In cases like these, the domain name simply doesn’t fit with the website’s content.
However, domain changes can also be caused by a new brand or firm name, which should be reflected in its web address, or from purchasing a more SEO-friendly domain, which promises to draw in a higher number of visitors to the site. In addition, many of the new top-level domains are able to provide web addresses with a more geographical, thematic, or industry-specific domain. Website operators using an old top-level domain who wish to take advantage of this opportunity also need to register a domain change.
If you find you’ve planned or created content that is inconsistent with the website’s themes, a domain change can provide the perfect answer, but it’s not always the best solution. Sometimes, just adjusting parts of the website is sufficient. This depends on how much the new content deviates from the old. You should therefore always check to see whether a domain change is actually necessary before starting the process. If the new content is fundamentally consistent with the website’s identity and domain name, expanding the web presence with subdomains or subfolders is often a solid alternative. However, if you’re proposing an entirely new concept for your website’s content and the current domain name is no longer appropriate, it makes sense to change your web address.