Question

How to Change the Domain Name on WordPress Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about giving your website a fresh start with a new domain name? Whether you’re rebranding, improving your site’s identity, or simply outgrowing your old web address, changing your domain on WordPress is a crucial step that can impact your site’s success.

Getting it right matters—your domain affects everything from SEO to user trust. In this article, you’ll find simple steps, helpful tips, and insights to confidently change your WordPress domain without missing a beat.

Related Video

How to Change the Domain Name on WordPress: A Complete Guide

Changing your WordPress website’s domain name is an exciting step for your business or personal brand, but it can feel daunting if you haven’t done it before. Whether you want a fresh start, a brand update, or you’ve simply found the perfect new domain, switching your website’s address requires careful planning and proper execution.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about changing domain names on a WordPress site. You’ll get detailed steps, practical tips, and answers to the most common questions—all in simple language that makes the process clear and manageable.

Why Change Your WordPress Domain Name?

There are several reasons you might consider changing your domain name:

  • Rebranding: Your business name has changed or you’ve expanded your offerings.
  • Simplification: You’ve found a shorter, catchier, or more memorable domain.
  • SEO: You want a domain that’s more relevant to your keywords and audience.
  • Moving from a subdomain: Upgrading from “your.site.wordpress.com” to a custom domain.
  • Acquisition: You purchased an existing website or merged brands.

Before You Begin: Important Preparations

Switching your WordPress domain is more than just updating a website address. Take these crucial pre-steps to make the transition smooth:

  • Backup Your Site: Always back up your entire website (files and database) before making any changes. Most web hosts and plugins offer this feature.
  • Inform Your Users: Let your audience and regular visitors know about the upcoming change, so they’re not caught off guard.
  • Check Your Hosting Plan: Ensure your hosting provider supports adding/removing domains and can help point your new domain to your existing site.
  • Review Licenses and Integrations: Some themes, plugins, and third-party tools license by domain. Make sure you can update registrations as needed.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Domain Name on WordPress

The process will be slightly different depending on if your website is on WordPress.com (hosted by WordPress) or WordPress.org (self-hosted). The steps below mainly cover self-hosted WordPress sites, but we will highlight hosted WordPress.com differences where relevant.

1. Register and Set Up Your New Domain

  • Buy the new domain from a reputable registrar (your hosting provider often offers domains).
  • Add the new domain to your hosting account.
  • Ensure the new domain points to your hosting server using the correct nameservers or DNS settings.

2. Backup Your Entire Website

  • Use a backup plugin or your host’s backup tool.
  • Save the files securely in more than one location (cloud and local).

3. Update WordPress Settings

  1. Log into your WordPress Dashboard.
  2. Go to Settings > General.
  3. Update the fields for WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to your new domain.
  4. Click Save Changes.

You’ll likely be logged out. Simply log in again using your new domain.

4. Update Domain in Your Hosting Settings

  • In your hosting control panel, set the new domain as the primary domain for your website.
  • If you’re replacing the old domain, remove it (after confirming the new domain works).
  • Update your SSL certificate (for HTTPS). Many hosts offer free SSL certificates, but you may need to request or install it for the new domain.

5. Update the Domain in the Database (If Needed)

While WordPress updates the main URLs automatically, references to your old domain (in posts, images, or links) may remain.

  • Use a plugin like Better Search Replace or Velvet Blues Update URLs to replace all instances of the old domain with the new one in your database.
  • Alternatively, update the database manually with SQL if you are comfortable (not recommended for beginners).

6. Redirect Old Domain to the New Domain

Set up a 301 redirect so visitors to your old domain are automatically sent to the new one. This is critical for retaining your SEO rankings and ensuring users and search engines can find your site.

  • Most control panels (cPanel, Plesk) have a “Redirects” option.
  • Set a permanent (301) redirect from your old domain to the new domain.
  • Alternatively, add a rule to your .htaccess file if your server is Apache.

7. Update Google (and Other Services)

  • In Google Search Console, add the new domain and submit a change of address request.
  • Update your sitemap and resubmit it.
  • Change your website address in Google Analytics, Bing Webmaster Tools, and any relevant third-party integrations.

8. Check for Broken Links and Fix Them

  • Use a broken link checker plugin or online service.
  • Update any manual links or media that didn’t update automatically.

9. Notify Your Audience

  • Send out an email or social post to let visitors know about the new domain.
  • Update your business cards, social profiles, and marketing materials.

Key Benefits of Changing Your Domain Name

  • Improved Branding: A new domain can reflect your brand more accurately.
  • Better SEO: A relevant domain can help search engines understand your site’s focus.
  • Professionalism: Custom domains look more trustworthy and memorable.
  • Business Growth: A strong, memorable domain supports marketing and growth.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Changing your domain name is not without risk. Here are the most common challenges:

  • Drop in Search Rankings: Temporary fluctuations are common, but using redirects and updating Google tools mitigates long-term issues.
  • Lost Traffic: If you forget redirects or miss updating URLs in your content, users may see error messages.
  • Broken Internal Links: Bulk update tools help fix these, but always check manually.
  • Confused Customers: Communicate clearly and early about the change.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Don’t Rush: Plan the transition for a quiet period, not during peak traffic times.
  • Run Tests: Check your site thoroughly after the switch.
  • Keep Your Old Domain: Retain ownership for at least a year and maintain redirects.
  • Update All Branding: Replace domain mentions everywhere—social media, email footers, documentation.
  • Monitor Analytics: Watch for unusual drops in traffic so you can address issues immediately.

Cost Tips for Changing Your WordPress Domain

  • Domain Registration: New domains typically cost between $10–$20 per year, though premium domains can be much more.
  • SSL Certificate: Many hosts provide this for free. Paid options can range from $30–$100+ per year.
  • Professional Help: If you hire an expert (developer or your web host), expect to pay for their time.
  • Free Tools: The plugins recommended for URL updates and backups have free versions.

Tip: Shop around for the best domain rate, and use your host’s free SSLs where possible.

Special Considerations for Different WordPress Platforms

WordPress.com

  • Use the “Domains” section in your dashboard to add or change domains.
  • Upgrading from “your.site.wordpress.com” to a custom domain requires a paid plan.
  • WordPress.com handles most technical details for you but limits advanced modifications.

Managed Hosts (e.g., WP Engine, Bluehost, GoDaddy, Hostinger)

  • Most managed hosts have tools to change your main domain in their dashboard.
  • They often offer one-click SSL installation and help with redirects.
  • Support staff can assist if you run into issues.

Summary

Changing your domain name on WordPress is a major step that can unlock new branding and marketing opportunities. The process requires preparation, but with careful attention to backups, redirects, and updating all references to your new domain, you’ll help your users and search engines follow you to your new online home. Don’t forget to communicate the change to your audience and stay attentive to your site’s performance post-migration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens to my old domain when I change it?
Your old domain doesn’t disappear immediately. As long as you own it, you can (and should) set up a 301 redirect to your new domain. This ensures visitors and search engines find your new site and you don’t lose traffic.

Will changing my domain hurt my SEO?
A domain change can cause a temporary dip in search rankings. Implementing 301 redirects and updating your Google Search Console help preserve your SEO in the long run.

Do I need to buy a new hosting plan to change my domain?
Usually, you do not need a new hosting plan. Most providers allow multiple domains or domain changes on the same hosting account. Always check with your host to confirm.

How long does it take for the new domain to become active?
Domain changes can be immediate, but DNS propagation may take up to 48 hours worldwide. During this period, some visitors may still reach the old site.

What happens to my emails if I change my domain?
If you have custom email addresses (like [email protected]), you’ll need to set them up under your new domain. Update MX records, create new mailboxes, and inform contacts of your new address.

Switching your WordPress domain may seem like a big task, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely manageable. Follow these steps and tips, and your website will be ready to shine under its new banner!

Post Views: 8