Question

How to Transfer WordPress to a New Domain Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about giving your website a fresh start with a new domain? Moving your WordPress site might sound daunting, but it’s a common step for growing businesses, rebranding efforts, or simply picking a better name. Getting the transfer right is crucial to keep your content, design, and search engine rankings intact.

In this article, you’ll find straightforward steps, essential tips, and expert insights to guide you smoothly through transferring your WordPress site to a new domain without losing a beat.

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How to Transfer WordPress to a New Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving your WordPress site to a new domain can feel daunting. The process involves more than just copying files—it’s about ensuring your website works seamlessly and your hard-earned search engine rankings are protected. Done right, you can experience a smooth transition with minimal disruption. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, offer best practices, and address common challenges.

Why Move WordPress to a New Domain?

Transferring your WordPress site might be necessary for several reasons:

  • Rebranding your business or blog.
  • Upgrading to a more relevant or memorable domain name.
  • Merging websites or restructuring your web presence for better SEO.

Changing domains is a significant step, but by preparing carefully, you’ll safeguard your content, SEO, and user experience.

Preparing for the Move

Before starting, preparation is crucial. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Backup Everything

  • Full Backup: Create a backup of your WordPress files, database, themes, plugins, and media.
  • Backup Tools: Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or your web host’s backup tools.

2. Choose a Good Time

  • Pick a period of low traffic to prevent interruptions for your visitors.

3. Inform Stakeholders

  • Notify team members or contributors, especially if your website has regular updates.

4. Set Up the New Domain

  • Make sure your new domain is registered, connected to a web hosting account, and the WordPress installation is ready.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving WordPress to a New Domain

Step 1: Copy Your Site Files

  • Download all WordPress files from your old domain. This includes the wp-content folder (themes, plugins, uploads) and core files.
  • Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel’s file manager.

Step 2: Export the Database

  • Via phpMyAdmin (or equivalent), export your current WordPress database as an SQL file.
  • Keep this file secure for the next step.

Step 3: Upload Files to the New Domain

  • Connect to your new domain’s server using FTP.
  • Upload all the WordPress files into the correct directory (usually public_html or a specific folder).

Step 4: Import the Database

  • Go to phpMyAdmin for your new domain’s database.
  • Import the SQL file you exported.
  • If there’s an existing database, make sure it’s empty or create a new one.

Step 5: Update the wp-config.php File

  • Edit the wp-config.php file to use the new database name, username, and password for your new hosting environment.

Step 6: Change Site URL in the Database

To make your WordPress site recognize its new home:

  • In phpMyAdmin, locate the wp_options table.

  • Update the **
    siteurl and home** rows with your new domain name.

  • Alternatively, many use the WP-CLI search-replace command or a migration plugin to do this.*

Step 7: Update URLs Throughout the Site

Internal links and embedded media may point to the old domain. To fix this:

  • Use a plugin (like Better Search Replace) to search your database for the old domain and replace it with the new one.

Step 8: Set Up Permanent 301 Redirects

Preserve your SEO and prevent broken links:

  • Edit your old domain’s .htaccess file to redirect all traffic to the new domain.
  • Example rule:

Redirect 301 / http://www.yournewdomain.com/

  • This redirects all old URLs to their new versions, signaling to search engines that the change is permanent.

Step 9: Notify Search Engines

Help Google and other search engines understand your move:

  1. Add the new domain to Google Search Console.
  2. Use the Change of Address tool in Search Console to inform Google about the move.
  3. Resubmit your sitemap with updated URLs.

Step 10: Test Your Website

  • Visit key pages to ensure everything works.
  • Check for broken links, missing images, and ensure all content loads correctly.

Key Benefits of Properly Migrating Your WordPress Site

  • SEO Preservation: By using 301 redirects and notifying Google, you minimize SEO ranking losses.
  • Continued User Experience: Users can seamlessly find your content, even if they visit old bookmarks or search results.
  • Data Integrity: Proper backups and tested migration prevent data loss or corruption.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Broken Links or Missing Images

Solution: Use a search and replace tool or plugin to update all instances of the old domain in your database.

2. SEO Ranking Drops

Solution: 301 redirects and submitting the change to search engines is crucial. Rankings might fluctuate but should stabilize if steps are followed correctly.

3. Site Downtime

Solution: Schedule the migration during off-peak hours and thoroughly test before going live.

4. Email Deliverability Issues

Solution: Update email addresses, DNS records, and settings to match your new domain.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Backup Twice: Keep multiple copies of backups in different locations.
  • Document Everything: Note any plugins or custom changes you’ve made so you can replicate them on the new site.
  • Test on a Staging Site: If available, try your migration first on a non-public clone.
  • Inform Your Audience: A blog post or announcement helps regular visitors understand the transition.
  • Monitor Analytics: Keep an eye on Google Analytics and Search Console to catch and correct any drop in traffic or errors.

Cost Considerations

  • Domain Registration: Registering a new domain typically costs $10–$20/year.
  • Hosting Fees: Costs will vary depending on your provider and plan.
  • Migration Plugins/Services: Many plugins are free, but premium plugins or professional migration services can range from $40–$300, depending on complexity.

  • No Shipping Fees: Since your website migration is digital, there are no shipping costs.

  • Carefully weigh the cost of DIY versus hiring an expert, especially for larger or more complex sites.*

Summary

Transferring your WordPress site to a new domain is a detailed process, but with preparation and care, it can be completed efficiently and safely. Always back up your site, follow each step methodically, and prioritize SEO during and after the move. With diligent testing and attention to detail, your site’s traffic and rankings should remain strong, letting your brand shine on its new domain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I lose my SEO rankings after moving to a new domain?

If you use 301 redirects for every old URL to its new equivalent and inform Google via Search Console, you can preserve almost all of your SEO rankings. There may be brief fluctuations, but rankings generally stabilize.

2. What is the safest way to backup my WordPress site before migration?

Use established backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or the backup feature provided by your host. Always store your backups in multiple, secure locations like cloud storage and local drives.

3. How do I fix broken links after migration?

Use a search and replace plugin to update old domain URLs in your database. Afterward, check your site for broken links with a link-checking tool and update as needed.

4. Do I need to keep my old domain after migrating?

Yes, keep your old domain active for at least 6–12 months post-migration. This permits all old links to redirect to your new site and search engines to fully process the change.

5. Can I move my WordPress site manually without plugins?

Absolutely. You can transfer files via FTP, export/import the database with phpMyAdmin, and update URLs yourself. However, migration plugins simplify the process and help prevent errors for most users.

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