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How to Change the URL in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wished your WordPress site had a cleaner, more memorable web address? Maybe you’ve rebranded, changed your focus, or simply spotted a typo. Whatever the reason, knowing how to change your WordPress URL is crucial for maintaining a professional and accessible website.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to update your website’s URL smoothly. You’ll also discover important tips to avoid common pitfalls and keep your site running seamlessly.

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How to Change the URL in WordPress

Changing the URL of your WordPress site or individual pages can be essential for branding, SEO optimization, or simply correcting a typo. In this article, we will explore several methods to change URLs in WordPress, providing you with detailed steps and practical tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Why Change Your URL?

  • SEO Benefits: A well-structured URL can improve your search engine ranking.
  • Branding: A custom URL can enhance brand recognition.
  • User Experience: Clean, descriptive URLs are easier for users to remember and share.

Methods to Change Your WordPress URL

1. Changing the Site URL in WordPress Settings


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The simplest way to change your site’s URL is through the WordPress dashboard.

  1. Log into your WordPress Admin Panel.
  2. Navigate to Settings > General.
  3. Locate the fields labeled WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL).
  4. Update the URLs as needed.
  5. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

Tip: After changing the URL, ensure that all your internal links and resources are updated to prevent broken links.

2. Changing a Post or Page URL (Permalink)

You can also change the URL of a specific post or page, which is often referred to as the permalink.

  1. Go to the Posts or Pages section in your dashboard.
  2. Hover over the title of the post or page you want to edit.
  3. Click on Quick Edit.
  4. Change the Slug (the part of the URL after your domain) to your desired text.
  5. Click Update.

Best Practice: Use keywords relevant to the content for better SEO.

3. Using the WordPress Database (phpMyAdmin)

If you need to change the URL directly in the database, you can do so using phpMyAdmin. This method is more advanced and should be approached with caution.

  1. Log into your hosting account and access phpMyAdmin.
  2. Select your WordPress database.
  3. Look for the wp_options table.
  4. Find the rows for siteurl and home. Change their values to your new URL.
  5. Click Save.

Caution: Always back up your database before making direct changes.

4. Using a Plugin

If you’re uncomfortable making manual changes, consider using a plugin to handle URL changes.

  1. Install a plugin like Better Search Replace or Redirection.
  2. Follow the plugin’s instructions to change the URLs.
  3. These plugins can help update URLs throughout your site, including in content and links.

Benefits: Plugins often provide additional features like automatic redirection, which can be invaluable for maintaining SEO.

Practical Tips for Changing URLs

  • Backup Your Site: Always back up your WordPress site before making significant changes. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong.
  • Implement 301 Redirects: If you’re changing URLs, set up 301 redirects from the old URLs to the new ones. This helps maintain SEO rankings and directs users to the correct pages.
  • Check for Broken Links: After making changes, use tools to check for broken links on your site and fix them promptly.
  • Update External Links: If you’ve shared your old URL on social media or other platforms, update those links to the new URL for consistency.

Challenges of Changing URLs

  • SEO Impact: Changing your URL structure can temporarily affect your search rankings. Proper redirects can mitigate this.
  • Loss of Traffic: If users bookmark your old URLs, they may lose access if redirects are not properly implemented.
  • Plugin Conflicts: Some plugins may not function correctly after a URL change, requiring further troubleshooting.

Cost Tips

Changing URLs in WordPress is generally free, but keep in mind:

  • Premium Plugins: Some plugins that assist with URL changes may come with a cost.
  • Backup Services: If you use a paid backup service, consider the costs associated with backing up your site.

Summary

Changing the URL of your WordPress site or individual pages is straightforward with the right knowledge. Whether you opt for settings adjustments, database changes, or plugins, each method has its benefits. Always remember to back up your site, implement redirects, and check for broken links post-change.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively manage your WordPress URLs while maintaining a strong online presence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my WordPress URL without losing my content?**
Yes, changing your WordPress URL does not delete your content. However, make sure to set up redirects to avoid broken links.


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2. What are 301 redirects, and why are they important?**
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another. They are crucial for maintaining SEO when changing URLs.

3. Will changing my URL affect my SEO?**
It can temporarily affect your SEO. However, proper redirects can help maintain your rankings.

4. How can I check for broken links after changing my URL?**
You can use tools like Google Search Console or online broken link checkers to identify and fix broken links.

5. Is it possible to change my URL back to the original?**
Yes, you can revert to your original URL by following the same steps you used to change it, ensuring that you also update any redirects accordingly.

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