What are the drawbacks of hosting a website with a domain initially and then switching to a custom domain later in terms of Google rankings and ease of ranking with the new domain? Why is there a price difference ($0.99 on GoDaddy vs $17.00 on Google Domains) for the custom domain I want to get? What are the pros and cons of choosing either route? What does it mean when GoDaddy says "Restrictions apply" and Google doesn't?

Switching from an initial Webflow subdomain (e.g., yoursite.webflow.io) to a custom domain (e.g., yourname.com) can impact Google rankings and SEO performance if not managed carefully. Also, large discrepancies in domain pricing often relate to included features, renewal rates, or restrictions.

1. Google Ranking Impact When Switching to a Custom Domain

• Loss of Existing Ranking: If you've already built backlinks or traffic to your Webflow subdomain, switching to a custom domain resets that domain's authority unless you use proper redirects.
• 301 Redirects Required: You must set up 301 redirects from the old subdomain to the new domain to preserve SEO juice. Webflow supports this under Project Settings > Hosting > 301 Redirects.
• Indexing Delays: Google treats a new custom domain as a separate entity. It may take weeks to re-index and re-rank pages.
• URL Change Signals: Even with 301s, some temporary ranking fluctuations are common during migration due to the changed URL structure.
• No Long-Term Penalty: With proper redirects and sitemap submission in Google Search Console, rankings usually stabilize over time.

2. Domain Price Differences: $0.99 vs. $17.00

• Introductory Pricing: GoDaddy often lists $0.99 for the first year as a promotional offer. Renewal typically costs $15–$20/year or more.
• Feature Set:
• Google Domains includes free privacy protection, email forwarding, and easy integration with Google Workspace.
• Some cheap registrars charge extra for WHOIS privacy or other standard features.
• Upsells: Low-cost domains often come with upselling of hosting, email, or website services during checkout.

3. Pros and Cons of Each Domain Registration Option

GoDaddy

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost (especially for the first year).
• Popular and widely supported by hosts and platforms.

Cons:

• Higher renewal fees than the first-year price.
• Additional charges for privacy protection and DNS management.
• Interface may have more upsells and clutter.

Google Domains

Pros:

• Transparent, flat pricing (often about $12–$17 annually).
• Free WHOIS privacy, email forwarding, and DNSSEC.
• Clean Google-based UI and strong integration with Google products.

Cons:

• Slightly higher first-year cost.
• Limited support for specialized DNS configurations (advanced users).

4. What “Restrictions Apply” Means on GoDaddy

• “Restrictions Apply” usually refers to:
• Limited pricing only for new customers or for the first year.
• Exclusion of certain domain types (e.g., premium domains).
• Must purchase separately from other items or with certain payment types.
• Google Domains typically lists final pricing without condition, so you’re paying what you see.

Summary

Switching from Webflow’s default subdomain to a custom domain can impact your Google rankings temporarily, but proper use of 301 redirects and Search Console updates minimizes issues. Domain pricing differences are tied to first-year promotions, included features, and renewal fees. GoDaddy offers lower initial costs but often with hidden upsells or exclusions, while Google Domains provides a flat, predictable pricing model with more standard features included.