Getting Perplexed by Transferring a WordPress Website to a New Domain?

Step 1: Register Your New Domain

Feeling overwhelmed by transferring your WordPress website to a new domain? First and foremost, get your new domain name fully registered and functional. Simply purchase your new domain name from a hosting provider, domain registrar, or reseller. Then, set up the necessary DNS settings to link your domain name to your website’s IP address. Beware that this process may take up to 72 hours for DNS propagation. It’s recommended to wait until the DNS settings propagate before proceeding with the transfer.

Step 2: Backup Your Website Files and Database

Before making any changes to your website, create a backup of your website’s files and database in case anything goes wrong. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator, which enables you to store a backup of your website’s files and database on a cloud storage provider or local storage. Seeking professional assistance is always an option if you don’t feel confident in creating a backup yourself. Make sure to test the backup before proceeding with the transfer process.

Step 3: Export WordPress Database

Exporting your WordPress database is crucial in transferring your website to the new domain. The database holds all of your website’s content, including pages, posts, comments, and settings. Access your website’s phpMyAdmin, which can be located by logging into your cPanel. Afterward, click on the Export option and select the Quick Export Method. Ensure you select all tables and the format is set to SQL. Download the exported database file and keep it safe.

Step 4: Update the WordPress Config and Database

After exporting your WordPress database, update the WordPress configuration file to reflect the new domain name. That means, access the WordPress config file and replace the current domain name with the new domain name. Doing so can be done using an FTP client or cPanel File Manager. Another step to take after this is to update the WordPress database with the new domain name. Access the exported database file and do a find and replace for the old domain name, replacing it with the new domain name. Save the changes and then upload the updated database file to the new domain’s phpMyAdmin.

Step 5: Upload Website Files to the New Domain

After updating the WordPress config and database, upload your website files to the new domain. It can be done with the aid of an FTP client or cPanel File Manager. Be sure to upload all website files, including themes, plugins, images, and other media files.

Step 6: Test and Verify Your Website

After uploading your website files to the new domain, test your website to ensure everything functions correctly. Go ahead, click on the new domain name in your browser and check if the website loads correctly. Ensure all the links and pages work and that the website works as it should. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Step 7: Redirect Old Domain to New Domain

Once you’re satisfied with the new site and made sure everything functions correctly, the old domain must be redirected to the new domain. Implementing a 301 redirect is vital, ensuring the website visitors don’t land on a dead link. Redirecting is possible by accessing the website’s .htaccess file and adding the following appropriate code:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^old-domain.com$ [OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^www.old-domain.com$
RewriteRule (.*)$ http://new-domain.com/$1 [R=301,L]

Remember, replace the old and new domain names above with your website’s old and new domain names.

Conclusion

Feeling perplexed transferring a WordPress website to a new domain? Fear no more. Take the necessary steps and precautions outlined in this comprehensive article to ensure a smooth transition. Nonetheless, it’s always advisable to seek professional assistance if you’re not confident in transferring the website yourself.