I managed a client's domain example.co.in
which was ranking for imp. keywords though low search volume. The domain was added in Google Webmaster as well as linked on Google+ profile page.
I believe because of keyword optimization on Google+ profile as well as on-page SEO it was getting love on first page in SERP's.
However, I botched up the ranking because as the domain was due for renewal, my credit card expired and consequently the domain also expired. They were asking for $140 redemption fees, which I was not prepared to pay.
I apologized to my client and moved the website to another .in
domain. The client was OK with it. Now, the new domain is properly indexed however, it's coming up on second page in SERP's for keywords that we used to rank on first page with the old domain.
I did not update the new one in Google Webmaster as well as on Google+.
Meanwhile, the 45 days of redemption period was over and Luckily I have regained possession of the expired domain but now I am confused as to how to regain the lost ranking.
Whether I should replace the current domain name with the old one?
If I move my site to old domain, will the site regain lost ranking?
Should I move the new domain (currently coming on second page in SERP's) to old domain as explained by Mr. Cutts in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wATxftE8ooE
Should I move my site to old domain and then update it in GWT as well as in Google+ profile and have new domain redirects to old one.
Basically I want to regain, lost ranking and would like to tell google-bot know that the old domain is live again and it can at-least consider it for ranking for keywords again.
Thanks dk