How to Move Your WordPress Site to a New Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving a WordPress site to a new domain name is possible, but it carries some risks. You can potentially lose your content, traffic, and search engine rankings if the process is done incorrectly. In this article, we will show you how to move your WordPress website to a new server while preserving your SEO rankings.

Short Description:

Learn how to safely move your WordPress site to a new domain
Follow a step-by-step guide to avoid losing SEO rankings
Keep your content, traffic, and search engine rankings intact

Step 1: Download a Website Backup

Backing up your website files helps to prevent data loss. Download your site’s files locally using a File Manager, FTP client, or your hosting provider’s backup feature.

Step 2: Export Database

Export your MySQL database using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool. Save the exported database file in SQL format.

Step 3: Upload Files to the New Domain

Upload your website files to the new domain’s server using a File Manager or FTP client.

Step 4: Import Database

Create a new MySQL database for the new domain and import the exported database file using phpMyAdmin.

Step 5: Update the URL in the Database

Change the website’s URL in the new database by editing the siteurl and home options in phpMyAdmin.

Step 6: Update Details in wp-config.php

Update the wp-config.php file in your root directory to reflect the domain name change. Update the database name, username, password, and host details.

Step 7: Fix Broken Links

Finding and fixing broken links on your new WordPress site is essential to maintain SEO efforts. Use SEO audit tools and WordPress plugins to locate and fix broken links.

Step 8: Set up 301 Redirects From the Old Site

Set up 301 redirects from the old domain to the new domain to maintain SEO efforts and preserve old domain authority. Use hosting features or WordPress SEO plugins to set up redirects.

Step 9: Update Your Google Search Console

Notify Google about your domain name change using the Change of Address tool in Google Search Console. Submit your request and wait for the verification process.

Conclusion

Moving your WordPress site to a new domain can be done successfully by following these nine steps. Proper planning and implementation will ensure that your SEO remains unaffected by the migration process. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

How to Move My WordPress to a New Domain FAQs

How Does Changing My Domain Affect SEO?

Changing your domain can cause a temporary drop in rankings and traffic, affect backlinks and domain authority, and require updating URLs across the site. Proper planning and implementation of redirects can help minimize negative effects.

Can I Move My WordPress Site to a New Domain for Free?

Yes, you can move your WordPress site to a new domain for free. However, you may need to pay for domain registration and hosting fees for the new domain. There are free plugins available to assist with the migration process.

About the Author:

Jordana Alexandrea is a Senior Content Writer at Hostinger. She has over five years of experience in WordPress and is passionate about helping others build their online presence. Follow her on LinkedIn.

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