ReadMe subdomain redirect after custom-domain cutover
Keep the old `readme.io` hostname alive as an automatic redirect after moving docs onto your branded domain, so every old link still arrives on the owned surface.
Why this can grow a startup
Docs migrations leak trust when old bookmarks, old support replies, and old community links suddenly land on a dead host or the wrong place. ReadMe's redirect behavior gives teams a cleaner cutover: the original vendor subdomain can keep sending visitors to the custom domain without asking every referrer to update first. That preserves discovery, lowers migration friction, and makes the branded docs feel like a continuation instead of a relaunch.
Source-backed example
ReadMe says that once a project is configured with a custom domain, visitors to the original `readme.io` subdomain are automatically redirected to the custom domain.
Source-reported evidence
Source: ReadMe Docs · Browse ReadMe Docs tactics
ReadMe automatically redirects the original `readme.io` subdomain to the custom domain after setup.
Attributed to the cited source; GrowthDex has not independently verified it. Use this as context, not as a forecast, benchmark, or recommended target.
Evidence scope: claims and metrics are attributed to the linked source; GrowthDex has not independently replicated the reported result. Check the original context and validate fit before applying it. Read the evidence methodology.
Source discovered: May 28, 2026
When to use it
Use this when Documentation, SEO, Brand is relevant to migration, brand trust, technical seo and you can run a bounded test with a free budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
How to do it
- Choose one target segment and define the exact next action this tactic should prompt.
- Adapt the tactic to Documentation and SEO, using evidence from ReadMe Docs as context—not as a promised result.
- Record a baseline for: Qualified search visitors who complete the intended next action. Set a guardrail that would make you pause the test.
- Run a narrow pilot and choose a test window that fits the normal decision or use cycle; do not scale before you have observed the full cycle.
- Compare the signal with its baseline. Scale only if the intended action improves without crossing the guardrail; otherwise revise one variable or stop and record what you learned.
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