How to Set Up 301 Redirects in Yandex for Domain Changes

When frequently changing domains due to RKN blocking, proper 301 redirect configuration is critically important for maintaining positions in Yandex search results. Direct redirects from each domain to the final one are the most effective solution, as they help avoid problems with redirect chains and ensure quick indexing of the new domain by search engine crawlers.

Table of Contents

• Direct redirects vs. chains
• Yandex redirect processing speed
• Handling related sites when changing domains
• Practical recommendations for organizing redirects

Direct redirects vs. chains

Yandex explicitly recommends setting up direct redirects from each domain to the final one, rather than using chains. According to Yandex documentation, “do not set up redirects from all pages of the old site to the main page of the new one” [source].

When you set up a move via a chain (domain1 → domain2 → domain3), the following problems arise:

• Slowed indexing of the new domain
• Loss of link weight with each transition
• Risk of content duplication

How to act correctly when you need to set up a move directly from the first domain to the last:

1. Setting up redirects on hosting - immediately direct all pages of the old domain to the corresponding pages of the new one
2. Notifying Yandex Webmaster - add information about the move in the “Site Move” section
3. Preserving URL structure - ensure exact correspondence between pages of the old and new domains

If you first set up a move from domain1 to domain2 via Yandex Webmaster, and then need to redirect to domain3, it’s best to delete information about the first move and create a new one, specifying domain3 as the final destination. Although this may take time, it will prevent problems with redirect chains.

Yandex redirect processing speed

Yandex processes redirects configured on hosting quite quickly, even without adding them to Yandex Webmaster. However, for full accounting of the move, it is recommended to:

• Use Webmaster tools to speed up the process
• Ensure correct setup of redirects with 301 HTTP status code
• Preserve URL structure for exact correspondence between pages

According to Yandex documentation, “on your server, set up a permanent or temporary redirect (for example, with 301 or 302 HTTP status code) from pages of the old site to the corresponding pages of the new site” [source].

It is important to note that without notification in Webmaster, Yandex may discover redirects later, but this will not lead to loss of positions if configured correctly.

Handling related sites when changing domains

With sequential domain changes (domain1 → domain2 → domain3), Yandex processes these sites as follows:

1. First move (domain1 → domain2):

   • Weight is transferred to domain2
   • Positions are gradually transferred

2. Second move (domain2 → domain3):

   • Weight is transferred from domain2 to domain3
   • The process repeats

3. Direct redirect (domain1 → domain3):

   • Weight is transferred directly
   • Minimization of losses during transitions

Important: If you first set up a move from domain1 to domain2 via Webmaster, and then added a redirect from domain1 to domain3 only on hosting, Yandex may process this as two separate migrations. However, with correct configuration the site will not lose weight, especially if you:

• Delete information about the first move in Webmaster
• Set up direct redirects from both old domains to the new one
• Notify Yandex about the final move

Practical recommendations for organizing redirects

1. Preparing for the move

• Create a correspondence map between pages of the old and new domains
• Verify that all pages are accessible on the new domain
• Set up correct 301 redirects

2. Setting up redirects

# Example Nginx configuration
server {
    listen 80;
    server_name domain1.com;
    return 301 $scheme://finaldomain.com$request_uri;
}

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name domain2.com;
    return 301 $scheme://finaldomain.com$request_uri;
}

3. Working with Yandex Webmaster

• Add all domains to Webmaster
• When changing domains, update information about the move
• Use the “Site Move” tool

4. Monitoring results

• Track indexing of the new domain
• Monitor search positions
• Verify correctness of redirects

5. Additional measures

• Set up 301 redirects for all versions of the domain (with www, without www, with HTTPS)
• Set up canonical tags on the new domain
• Update all external links to the new domain

Maintaining positions when frequently changing domains is possible with proper organization of redirects. The main thing is to avoid redirect chains and use direct redirects to the final domain, as well as timely notify Yandex Webmaster about moves.

Sources

1. Redirect handling - Yandex.Webmaster
2. Moving a site to a new domain name - Yandex.Webmaster
3. Moving a site to an address with www prefix - Yandex.Webmaster
4. Switching a site to HTTPS - Yandex.Webmaster
5. Changing domains for Yandex and Google: what it is and how to do it
6. SEO Best Practices: 301 and 302 URL redirects

Conclusion

1. Use direct redirects from each domain to the final one, avoiding redirect chains to preserve weight and speed up indexing.

2. Set up redirects on hosting with 301 HTTP status code and URL structure correspondence, then be sure to notify Yandex Webmaster about the move for full transfer of weight characteristics.

3. When sequentially changing domains, first delete information about the intermediate move in Webmaster, then add a new move to the final domain to avoid information duplication and loss of positions.

4. Monitor the move process through Yandex Webmaster and Search Console, tracking page indexing and search positions to promptly respond to potential issues.

5. Ensure technical correctness of redirects, including all domain versions (with www, without www, with HTTPS) and URL structure correspondence between old and new sites to minimize losses during migration.