Preparing for Domain Change
Before changing your domain name on WordPress, it is important to prepare your site to avoid losing any data. Here are some steps to take when preparing for a domain change:
Creating a Full Site Backup
The first step to take when preparing to change your domain name is to create a full site backup. This will ensure that you have a copy of your website in case anything goes wrong during the domain change process. To create a full site backup, you can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy. These plugins will allow you to create a complete backup of your site, including the WordPress database, files, and media.
Verifying WordPress and Hosting Account Access
Before changing your domain name, it is also important to verify that you have access to your WordPress site and hosting account. This will ensure that you can make the necessary changes to your site and hosting account without any issues. To verify your WordPress site access, log in to your WordPress dashboard and check that you can access the settings and make changes to your site.
To verify your hosting account access, log in to your hosting account using your FTP or cPanel credentials. Check that you can access your site files and make changes to your hosting account settings.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your site is prepared for a domain change and that you have a backup of your site in case anything goes wrong. With these preparations in place, you can confidently move forward with changing your domain name on WordPress.
Updating the Domain Name
When changing the domain name of your WordPress website, there are a few different methods you can use to ensure that the process goes smoothly. In this section, I will cover three different ways to change your domain name: via the WordPress dashboard, by editing the wp-config.php file, and by adjusting your DNS settings.
Changing Domain via WordPress Dashboard
One of the easiest ways to change your WordPress website’s domain name is by using the WordPress dashboard. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > General.
- Update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields with your new domain name.
- Click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the page.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your WordPress website should be accessible via your new domain name.
Editing wp-config.php File
Another way to change your WordPress website’s domain name is by editing the wp-config.php file. Here’s how to do it:
- Access your website’s server via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
- Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
- Open the file in a text editor and add the following lines of code:
define('WP_HOME','http://example.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','http://example.com');
- Replace “example.com” with your new domain name.
- Save the changes to the file and upload it to your server.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your WordPress website should be accessible via your new domain name.
Adjusting DNS Settings
If you’re changing your domain name and hosting provider at the same time, you’ll need to adjust your DNS settings to ensure that your website is accessible via your new domain name. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your new hosting provider’s control panel.
- Locate the DNS settings for your domain name.
- Update the DNS settings to point to your new hosting provider’s server.
- Wait for the DNS changes to propagate (this can take up to 48 hours).
- Once the DNS changes have propagated, your website should be accessible via your new domain name.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully change your WordPress website’s domain name. Be sure to update any other relevant settings, such as your WordPress URL structure and any PHP code that references your old domain name.
Managing Redirects and SEO
When you change your domain name on WordPress, it’s important to manage your redirects and SEO to avoid losing traffic and rankings. Here are some steps that I recommend taking:
Setting Up 301 Redirects
Setting up 301 redirects is crucial when changing your domain name. This type of redirect tells search engines and users that your old pages have permanently moved to a new location. It also passes on the SEO value of your old pages to the new ones.
To set up 301 redirects, you can use a plugin like Redirection or Simple 301 Redirects. These plugins allow you to easily create and manage redirects from within your WordPress dashboard. Alternatively, you can add redirects to your .htaccess file if you’re comfortable with editing it.
Updating Google Search Console
After you’ve set up your redirects, you’ll want to update your Google Search Console (GSC) to ensure that your new domain name is properly indexed. To do this, you’ll need to add your new domain name to GSC and verify ownership.
Once you’ve added and verified your new domain name, you can use the “Change of Address” tool in GSC to notify Google of your domain change. This tool helps Google recognize the migration and preserve the SEO value associated with the old domain.
Monitoring SEO Impact
Finally, it’s important to monitor the impact of your domain change on your SEO. You can use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush to track changes in your traffic, rankings, and other SEO metrics.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for your new domain name to fully propagate and for search engines to update their indexes. Be patient and continue to monitor your SEO over time to ensure that your domain change has been successful.
Post-Domain Change Actions
Congratulations! You have successfully changed your domain name on WordPress. However, there are a few post-domain change actions that you should take to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Notifying Search Engines and Users
One of the most important post-domain change actions is notifying search engines and users about the change. This will help maintain your SEO rankings and ensure that your site is indexed under the new domain. To do this, you can use Google Search Console to inform Google of your domain change. Additionally, you can update your social media profiles and notify your followers of the change.
Testing the New Domain Functionality
After changing your domain name, it’s important to test the new domain functionality thoroughly. Check for broken links, test the redirect, and ensure that everything functions as expected. This will help ensure a smooth transition for users and maintain your site’s credibility.
It’s also important to review your site’s content and make any necessary updates to reflect the new domain name. This will help maintain consistency across your site and avoid confusion for users.
If you have undergone a rebrand or changed your business name, it’s important to update your social media profiles accordingly. This will help maintain consistency across all of your online platforms and avoid confusion for users.
In conclusion, changing your domain name on WordPress can be a daunting task, but by following these post-domain change actions, you can ensure a smooth transition for users and maintain your site’s credibility.
