WordPress Website Migration becomes necessary when the site owner is unsatisfied with the hosting or domain or wants to change it for any reason.
Ideally, we choose the right hosting provider that matches our needs. However, not every hosting provider offers the same quality service. If our choice is not suitable, we might need to migrate the WordPress site at some point.
Luckily, Migrating a WordPress site is not as complex as it looks. With a sound knowledge of WordPress, Website Migration to a new host or domain might take a few hours, but it’s simple. Moreover, the efforts will be worthwhile if a web host offers worthy features (to which you are migrating the site).
In this blog, we will guide you on step-by-step WordPress Website Migration on the new domain. So, the website can perform best on SERPs. Let’s get started:
How To Migrate WordPress Website To New Domain?
Before starting to learn the process of WordPress website migration to a new domain, it is important to know that WordPress migration tools such as Duplicator can help with the task. We will describe here how to migrate the site by using the tool. Let’s get started:
Back Up The Files:
Backing up the website files is essential, and do not consider moving to the next step without doing so. Backing up the website files is necessary as you will upload them on an entirely new domain.
Moreover, it saves from maximum loss in case of any accidents during the transfer process. For a complete backup, you will not have to download your site files onto a local drive. The database includes website content and complete data along with static files. The static files include the WordPress theme and core files. For a comprehensive and functional website, all these files are a must.
Here Is How To Do So With Duplicator:
- First, install the required plugin by selecting Plugins>Add New from your WordPress dashboard.
- After activation, you will find a new option, ‘Duplicator’, on the WordPress Dashboard Panel. Hence, choose Duplicator>Packages.
- Afterwards, click on ‘Create New.’
- Now, give any name to your backup and click on the Next Tab.
- Once the plugin completes the scan, click the option ‘Build.’ The scan can take time, depending on the size of a website.
- Once the backup file is created, choose the One-Click Download option from the options tab. It will download the installer.php and backup file to the attached device. The installer.php file is required to restore the backup.
- Once downloaded, copy the backup and store it in a safe place. So you can use it in case of any data loss and when required.
Creating Database For New Domain:
Now, you will need a linked database with a new domain. Here, you will be required to upload the WordPress site files. If the database is already set up with a new domain, skip it.
Upload Backup Files To The New Database:
At this, you will be required to use two tools, i.e., Duplicator and cPanel. Here is how to do so:
- Look for the Files tab and click on File Manager.
- Choose the Document root option from the File Manager Selection directory. Then select your new domain from the dropdown menu and click ‘Go.’
- Select the option to Upload from the toolbar at the top to backup your site and installer file.
- Now, navigate to installer.php or domain.com, where you see your new domain name. Here, you will see the duplicator installation wizard. Click on the option ‘Next.’
- Type the name of the database you created to upload the relevant files. Add your username and password to access the database. Choose the ‘Next’ option.
- You will now navigate to the next screen, where the duplicator has filled the URL field with the new domain name.
- At the last screen, choose to save Permalinks and test site options to review the site in the new location.
Redirect Old Site To New Site:
The site has been migrated successfully to the new domain, which means heavy work has been done. But what about users who will visit your site with the old domain? It hurts users and can damage SEO efforts. The solution is to use directives such as permanent 301 redirectors. It will help visitors to land on a new domain webpage even if the old domain is typed in the browser.
You can check if the redirects or respective plugins are working by typing your website name with the old name. If it is redirected successfully, then Bingo! Your site is ready to take success flight in SERPs.
Click Your Site With The New Domain:
Once the WordPress website migration is completed, it’s time for a little audit. Check for any broken links and clean your site from any unnecessary data.
Secondly, change all the internal linking so the visitors are directed in the right direction. Complete a manual sweep by reviewing every page, plugin and site. Use the right plugins for images if there is any error involved.
Inform Users And Google:
Finally, it is important to inform Google and the users about the big change you have made. Update Google through GSC – Google Search Console. Likewise, you can use different modes of communication to inform users, such as newsletters, social media posts, or relevant blogs.
Conclusion:
WordPress Website Migration is not a complex task. Shifting to a new domain is a major shift for businesses. It might leave a little effect on rankings in SERPs but with consistent good SEO efforts your site can get much better results than before.
