If DNS change affects ranking, how can I avoid?

[CWebguy]

Ok, I've read that changing the DNS of a domain (for instance, switching host companies), even if nothing else changes on the site will cause a drop in rankings (something to do with Google trust factor being reset, unless they've recently changed this).

My question is, is there a way this can be avoided easily? Thanks!

[edited by: CWebguy at 12:01 am (utc) on Sep. 24, 2007]

[jdMorgan]

Changing your domain name causes problems.

Changing the IP address of your server does not cause problems unless you take your site down on the old server before all DNS servers are updated to point to the IP address of the new server. If you leave your site up on the old host for a few days until the changeover is complete, there should be no problems.

Jim

[CWebguy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have heard that a change in DNS settings will reset Google "trust points" and cause a drop in rankings.

[edited by: CWebguy at 12:52 am (utc) on Sep. 24, 2007]

[jdMorgan]

With respect, that's piffle. Why should they care what your IP address is? They do temporarily cache DNS lookups, but they update often enough so that a properly-implemented server move or IP address change should have no effect.

Google ranks URLs -- Not "sites," not "pages," not IP addresses, not servers or hosting companies, just URLs. If your URLs are unchanged, then expect no problems.

Jim

[CWebguy]

If that is true, why is it that some SEO's claim that length of ownership of a domain effects rankings? I'm confused :\ Thanks for the replies by the way!

[jdMorgan]

If that is true, why is it that some SEO's claim that length of ownership of a domain effects rankings?

Well, changing your IP address has nothing to do with your domain's age. And all you are changing when you move to a different server or hosting company is the IP address.

BTW, many, most, or maybe all of the domains hosted by a major hosting company in Utah recently had their IP addresses changed because of a major network change/reallocation. I haven't seen any fallout whatsoever on any client sites hosted there.

Jim