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Transfer WordPress Site to Another Domain: Easy Step-by-S…

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about giving your website a fresh start with a new domain? Moving a WordPress site to another address might sound daunting, but it’s a common need—whether you’re rebranding, expanding, or switching hosts.

Understanding how to transfer your site smoothly is crucial to avoid downtime, preserve SEO rankings, and keep your content safe. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and smart insights to make your WordPress site transfer stress-free and successful.

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How to Transfer Your WordPress Site to Another Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transferring your WordPress site to a new domain can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re rebranding, consolidating sites, or simply found a more suitable domain name, the process can be smooth if you understand each step. In this guide, you’ll discover the most effective ways to migrate your WordPress website while keeping your SEO, content, and user experience intact.

Why Move Your WordPress Site to a New Domain?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your site’s domain:

  • Rebranding: Your business or project may have evolved.
  • Better Domain Name: You found a more memorable or relevant domain.
  • Merging Websites: Consolidating multiple sites for efficiency.
  • Domain Extension Change: Upgrading from .net or .org to .com, for example.

Regardless of the reason, planning and careful execution are key.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your WordPress Site


How to manually migrate a WordPress Site - UpdraftPlus - transfer wordpress site to another domain

Migrating a WordPress site involves several core tasks. Let’s break down the process:

1. Prepare for the Migration

Preparation is the most crucial phase. Proper prep reduces the risk of issues.

What You Should Do:

  • Backup Your Site: Always create a complete backup (files and database) before making changes.
  • Notify Stakeholders: Alert your team or clients about scheduled maintenance.
  • Have New Domain Ready: Ensure your new domain is registered and pointed to the correct web hosting.

Useful Tips:

  • Use backup plugins or your hosting panel for efficient backups.
  • Consider setting up a staging site if possible.

2. Copy Your WordPress Files

You need all your core files, plugins, themes, uploads, and media.

How To Copy:

  1. Use FTP/SFTP: Connect to your web server using an FTP client. Download all files from your existing domain’s root directory.
  2. cPanel or Hosting File Manager: Zip and download the public_html or www directory.
  3. Migration Plugins: Tools like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration can speed things up and automate the process.

3. Export and Import Your Database

WordPress stores site content in a database, so this step is vital.

Steps:

  1. Export Database:

    • Access phpMyAdmin (from your current host’s control panel).
    • Select your site’s database.
    • Click ‘Export’ and save the SQL file.

  2. Create a New Database for the New Domain:

    • Log in to the new host’s control panel.
    • Create a new MySQL database and user, and assign privileges.

  3. Import Database:

    • Open phpMyAdmin on the new host.
    • Select the new database.
    • Import the previously exported SQL file.

4. Upload Site Files to the New Domain

Now that your files and database are ready, it’s time to move your actual site.

How To Do It:

  • Use FTP or your hosting control panel to upload your files to the new domain’s root folder.
  • If you zipped your files, extract them once uploaded.

5. Update wp-config.php

Your site’s connection settings must match the new database.

Update the Following:

  • Database Name
  • Database User
  • Database Password
  • Database Host (often ‘localhost’ but check with your host)

Edit the wp-config.php file accordingly.

6. Fix URLs and Update Domain References

Your old domain is still referenced in the database and content. Changing these references is crucial.

How to Update URLs:

  • Search and Replace Plugin: Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to update all occurrences of the old domain with your new domain within the database.
  • Update Site Address: Go to WordPress Dashboard > Settings > General, and update the ‘WordPress Address (URL)’ and ‘Site Address (URL)’ fields.
  • Check Menus, Widgets, and Links: Manually review and edit internal links or hardcoded references.

7. Set Up 301 Redirects on Old Domain

To preserve SEO rankings and ensure visitors automatically find your content at its new home, set up redirects.

How To Create Redirects:

  • Add a 301 redirect in the .htaccess file of your old site:
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^olddomain.com [NC,OR] RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^www.olddomain.com [NC] RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://newdomain.com/$1 [L,R=301,NC]
  • This will forward all traffic from old URLs to the equivalent pages on your new domain.

8. Notify Google and Other Services

Let search engines know about your move to minimize SEO impact.

Complete These Steps:

  • Google Search Console: Submit a Change of Address request.
  • Update Sitemap: Create and submit a new XML Sitemap.
  • Google Analytics: Update your property and view settings.
  • Check Webmaster Tools for Other Search Engines: (e.g., Bing Webmaster Tools).

9. Test Your Site Thoroughly

After everything is in place, it’s testing time.

Areas to Check:

  • All pages and posts load correctly.
  • Images and media display as expected.
  • Forms and interactive elements work.
  • Redirections function properly.
  • SEO plugins and settings are intact.

Common Challenges and How to Tackle Them

Transferring a WordPress site is rarely trouble-free. Here are some pitfalls and solutions:

  • Broken Images or Links: Always use a robust search-and-replace tool.
  • Missing Themes or Plugins: Double-check your backup includes everything.
  • Mixed Content Issues: If switching from HTTP to HTTPS, update internal links.
  • Timeouts During Uploads: Use an optimized FTP client or split uploads into smaller parts.
  • Redirect Loops: Ensure redirects in .htaccess are correctly written and not conflicting.

Best Practices and Pro Tips

To make your move even smoother:

  • Use Professional Tools: Plugins like Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, or All-in-One WP Migration streamline the process.
  • Keep Old Domain Active: Maintain it for several weeks to months for search engines and visitors.
  • Announce the Move: Inform your users via newsletter or site notice.
  • Monitor Performance: Check for traffic drops and site errors after migration.
  • Update All External Services: Think social profiles, email signatures, and backlinks.

Cost Considerations

Most basic migrations can be done yourself at no direct cost. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Domain Registration Costs: Registering a new domain usually costs between $10 to $20/year.
  • Hosting Costs: If you’re also switching hosts, factor in new hosting plan prices.
  • Professional Migration Services: If you’re not comfortable migrating, services range from $50 to $500+ depending on site size and complexity.
  • Premium Plugins: Some robust migration plugins require a one-time or annual fee (typically $30–$100).
  • Minimal Downtime: DIY transfers can minimize downtime, but hiring experts can help ensure near-zero interruption.

Benefits of Proper WordPress Migration

Doing the migration right ensures:

  • Minimal SEO Impact: Proper redirects and updates help retain search rankings.
  • No Data Loss: A careful backup and restore keep all your posts, pages, and media.
  • Smooth User Experience: Ensures continuity for your visitors and customers.
  • Cleaner Branding: Allows a seamless switchover to your new digital identity.

Conclusion

Moving your WordPress site to a new domain is a multi-step process, but it isn’t as overwhelming when broken down. With the right approach—backing up, updating content, managing redirects, and alerting search engines—you can preserve SEO, retain traffic, and protect your content.

Take your time to prepare, follow the steps methodically, and always test before making your new domain live. Whether you use manual methods or premium plugins, careful planning pays off with a successful migration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will moving my WordPress site to a new domain hurt my SEO?
If you set up proper 301 redirects and update all domain references, the impact on SEO can be minimal and temporary. Notify search engines using their webmaster tools to help them recognize the change.

2. How long does it take for the changes to be reflected online?
DNS changes and site transfers can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate around the globe. During this time, some users may still see the old version.

3. Can I migrate my WordPress site without plugins?
Yes, you can perform a manual migration by copying files via FTP, exporting/importing databases, and updating URLs in your database. However, plugins can make the process easier and reduce risk.

4. What should I do if I find broken links or images after moving?
Use a search-and-replace plugin or database tool to update old domain references. Test thoroughly and fix any hardcoded links or media paths in your theme or content.

5. Do I need to keep my old domain after the migration?
It’s best to keep your old domain active for several months, apply 301 redirects, and monitor search traffic. This helps ensure all visitors and search engines find your new location with no loss in visibility.

With these steps and tips, you’re ready to move your WordPress site to a new domain confidently and efficiently. Happy migrating!

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