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How do I re-assign domain ownership in Google Postmaster Tools?

Summary

Re-assigning domain ownership in Google Postmaster Tools involves several steps. The new owner needs to verify the domain in their own Google account, typically by adding a TXT record or other DNS entries (DKIM, SPF). Existing DNS entries cannot be directly ported, necessitating the creation of new records on the new platform and the removal of old ones. In Google Workspace, a transfer code is used to transfer ownership to another Google account. Update DNS records and ensure that all domain settings are transferred, respecting TTL settings. Unlocking the domain and obtaining an authorization code may be necessary with some registrars. To avoid downtime, create and verify the new TXT record before deleting the old one. Finally, maintain good email deliverability by cleaning lists, warming up cold audiences, and engaging subscribers actively.

Key findings

  • Verification is Key: The new domain owner *must* verify the domain ownership, generally via DNS records (TXT, DKIM, SPF).
  • No Direct Porting: DNS records cannot be directly transferred; new records need creation.
  • Workspace Transfer: Google Workspace requires a transfer code to move to another Google Account.
  • Downtime Prevention: Verify new DNS settings before deleting old ones to prevent downtime.
  • List Cleaning Improves Deliverability: Regularly clean your email lists to maintain a healthy sender reputation.

Key considerations

  • Clear Cache: The new owner may need to clear their cache to see DNS propagation.
  • Check Registrar: Different registrars (GoDaddy, Namecheap) have different transfer processes.
  • Respect TTL: Respect Time To Live (TTL) settings before removing old DNS records.
  • Account Cleanup: Remove the old user's access to avoid conflicts.
  • Warming up cold audience: Maintain deliverability and a healthy domain by warming up any cold audience.

What email marketers say

9 marketer opinions

Re-assigning domain ownership in Google Postmaster Tools typically involves having the new owner verify the domain within their own Google account by adding a TXT record to the DNS settings. The existing DNS entry cannot be directly ported. It's recommended to remove the old user's access, have the new owner add the domain and its associated DNS records (DKIM/SPF), then remove the old records. Ensure all settings are transferred, the DNS records are updated, and TTL settings are respected. Some registrars may have specific transfer processes involving unlocking the domain and using an authorization code. Creating the TXT record on the new domain and verifying before deleting the old one will ensure no downtime. Always clean up your lists and warm up your email audience as well to preserve your domains value.

Key opinions

  • Verification Method: New owner must verify the domain through DNS records (TXT, DKIM, SPF).
  • No Direct Porting: Existing DNS entries cannot be directly ported or reassigned.
  • Removal of Old Access: Remove the old user's access to the domain in Google Postmaster Tools.
  • DNS Update: Update DNS records with the new server/account information.
  • Downtime Avoidance: Create new TXT record and verify before deleting the old record.

Key considerations

  • TTL Respect: Respect the Time To Live (TTL) settings before removing old DNS records.
  • Registrar Process: Check with your domain registrar for their specific transfer process (unlocking, auth code).
  • Cache Clearing: The new owner may need to clear their cache to see the changes.
  • Comprehensive Transfer: Ensure all domain settings and configurations are transferred completely.
  • Domain warming: Cleaning lists and warming up a cold audience will help your domain.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that you should remove the user as a user on your side so that they can start fresh with a TXT record verification. Neil also suggests that the new owner clears their cache.

18 Feb 2023 - Email Geeks

Marketer view

Email marketer from Black Hat Forum explains that you need to first create the TXT record on the new domain and verify it before deleting the old one. This is to ensure that there is no downtime between deleting and recreating the domain on the new platform.

16 Jan 2023 - Black Hat Forum

What the experts say

1 expert opinions

Maintaining good email deliverability practices, such as warming up cold audiences and regularly cleaning lists by removing inactive subscribers, contributes to a more valuable domain and better overall email performance.

Key opinions

  • Domain Value: Warming up a cold audience enhances the value of your domain.
  • List Hygiene: Regularly cleaning email lists improves deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Subscriber Engagement: Focus on engaging with subscribers to keep them active.
  • Email Frequency: Gradually increase email frequency to warm up cold audiences without overwhelming them.
  • List Segmentation: Segment your email list to target specific groups of subscribers with relevant content.

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that by warming up a cold audience you make your domain more valuable. Ensure you are cleaning lists regularly by removing inactive subscribers.

27 Mar 2023 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says

5 technical articles

Re-assigning domain ownership in Google Postmaster Tools involves transferring the domain to another Google Account using a transfer code, as outlined in Google Support documentation. DNS records cannot be directly transferred; instead, new records must be generated on the new platform, and old records deleted from the previous one. Verification of ownership is required, typically via TXT records, CNAME records, or HTML file upload. While DNS records can be exported and imported using tools like Cloudflare, manual adjustments might still be needed. SPF records, which should be implemented alongside DKIM, are essential for verifying the sender's domain.

Key findings

  • Transfer Code: Google Workspace domain transfer requires a transfer code.
  • DNS Record Recreation: DNS records must be recreated on the new platform; they cannot be directly transferred.
  • Domain Verification: Domain ownership verification is mandatory, using methods like TXT or CNAME records.
  • SPF Records: SPF records, along with DKIM, help verify the sender's domain.

Key considerations

  • Manual Adjustments: Imported DNS records may require manual adjustments.
  • Google Account Transfer: Transferring to another Google Account is specific to Google Workspace.
  • Deletion of Old Records: Ensure old DNS records are deleted after the new ones are active.

Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin explains that you need to verify your ownership of a domain before using it with Google Workspace. You can do this through TXT records, CNAME records, or by uploading an HTML file.

24 Apr 2022 - Google

Technical article

Documentation from Google Support explains that to transfer domain ownership in Google Workspace, you must transfer it to another Google Account by following the steps outlined in their help article, which involves generating a transfer code and providing it to the new owner.

11 Jan 2024 - Google Support

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