DIRECT ANSWER
How should a pharmacy move its existing website to a new store?
First confirm who controls the domain, inventory every useful URL and decide whether the old site will remain, link to the new store or redirect. Preserve important paths with permanent redirects, use one canonical destination, test email and analytics, and keep existing QR codes working until physical materials are replaced.
PRACTICAL WORKFLOW
How to approach it
Confirm domain control
Identify the registrar, DNS manager, current host and authorised person who can approve changes.
Choose the transition model
Keep the existing site with a store link, use a subdomain, or redirect the domain to the new pharmacy destination.
Map old paths
Redirect valuable old URLs to the closest relevant new page instead of sending everything to the homepage.
Test and monitor
Check HTTPS, canonical links, analytics, forms, QR codes and Search Console after cutover.
OWNER CHECKLIST
What to confirm
- Domain and DNS access
- Existing URL inventory
- Redirect map
- Canonical and HTTPS checks
- QR and email continuity
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions pharmacy owners ask
Must the pharmacy redirect its current domain?
No. The owner can keep the existing site and add a clear store link if that better suits the pharmacy.
Can old QR codes keep working?
Yes, when their existing destination remains live or performs a carefully controlled redirect.
Will a redirect preserve every ranking?
No outcome is guaranteed, but accurate permanent redirects and equivalent destination content help search engines understand the move.
EVIDENCE
Sources and further reading
This guide provides general business and operational information for Australian pharmacy owners. It is not legal, accounting or clinical advice.