Moving a website to a new domain in WordPress may sound scary at first, but it does not have to be. Many website owners do this every year for better branding, a cleaner domain name, or business growth. If done carefully, you can move your WordPress site to a new domain without losing content, visitors, or search rankings.
In this guide, you will learn how to move a website to a new domain in WordPress the right way. Every step is explained in plain language so even beginners can follow along without stress.
Why Do People Move a WordPress Website to a New Domain?
There are many reasons why someone decides to change their website domain. Sometimes the old domain no longer matches the brand name. Other times, the business grows and needs a more professional or shorter domain.
Here are some common reasons:
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Rebranding a business or website name
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Switching from a free or long domain to a premium one
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Fixing spelling or naming mistakes in the old domain
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Moving a blog into a proper business website
No matter the reason, the process of moving a WordPress site to a new domain follows the same basic steps. The key is planning before making changes.
Things to Do Before You Move Your Website
Before touching any files or settings, preparation is very important. This is where most people make mistakes by rushing.
Back Up Your WordPress Website First
A backup is your safety net. If anything goes wrong, a backup lets you restore your website exactly as it was before.
Your backup should include:
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All website files (themes, plugins, images)
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The WordPress database (posts, pages, settings)
You can use a backup plugin or your hosting provider’s backup tool. Never skip this step. Even professionals take backups before moving a website.
If you want a deeper understanding of moving WordPress safely, this guide may help:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/how-to-move-wordpress-website
Set Up the New Domain Properly
Your new domain should already be:
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Registered and active
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Connected to your hosting account
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Protected with an SSL certificate (HTTPS)
Once the new domain is ready, you can move your WordPress site without delays. A properly prepared domain makes the migration smooth and clean.
How Moving a Website to a New Domain Works
At a basic level, moving a WordPress website to a new domain means three things:
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Copying your website files and database
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Updating the old domain links to the new domain
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Redirecting visitors from the old domain to the new one
There are two main ways to do this:
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Manual method
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Plugin method
Both work well. The best choice depends on your comfort level.
Manual Method: Move Website to New Domain WordPress
The manual method gives you full control over the migration. It takes more time, but it helps you understand how WordPress works behind the scenes.
First, download all your WordPress files from the old domain. These files include your themes, plugins, images, and core WordPress folders. Then upload them to the hosting space connected to the new domain.
Next, export your WordPress database from the old site and import it into the new domain’s database. This database contains all your posts, pages, and settings.
After that, you must update the old domain links stored inside the database. WordPress saves URLs in many places, so this step is very important. If skipped, images and links may break.
This process is similar to moving WordPress to a new host, which you can learn more about here:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/how-to-move-wordpress-site-to-a-new-host
Plugin Method: Easier Way for Beginners
If the manual method feels too technical, plugins can make the job easier. Migration plugins package your entire website into one file and move it to the new domain.
Popular migration plugins allow you to:
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Export the full site in one click
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Import it on the new domain
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Automatically replace old domain URLs
This method saves time and reduces errors, especially for beginners. However, some plugins have size limits.
Update Old Links to the New Domain
After moving your WordPress site to the new domain, many links inside your website still point to the old one. These links are hidden inside posts, images, menus, and even theme settings. If they are not updated, visitors may see broken images or pages that do not open.
The easiest way to fix this is by replacing the old domain name with the new one across the whole website. Some WordPress plugins can safely do this search-and-replace task. If you prefer not to use a plugin, this can also be done directly in the database, but you must be careful.
Take your time during this step. Once all old links are updated, your website will feel smooth and complete again.
Set Up 301 Redirects to Protect Your SEO
This is one of the most important steps when you move a website to a new domain in WordPress.
A 301 redirect tells search engines and visitors that your website has moved to a new address. When someone clicks an old link, they are automatically sent to the new domain without seeing an error page.
Without redirects:
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Visitors may land on broken pages
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Search engines may drop your rankings
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You may lose traffic built over time
With proper redirects, your website keeps its trust and visibility. You can set redirects using a plugin or by editing the server file. Once done, every old page should open the matching page on the new domain.
If SEO safety is important to you, this guide may also be helpful:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/move-wordpress-to-another-host/
Tell Google About Your Domain Change
Search engines need to know that your website has moved. If you do not inform them, they may keep showing the old domain in search results.
First, add the new domain to Google Search Console. Then submit a sitemap for the new domain so Google can quickly find your pages. There is also an option to notify Google about a domain change directly.
This step helps search engines understand that the move is planned and permanent. It also speeds up the process of showing your new domain in search results.
Check Your Website Carefully After the Move
Once everything looks done, testing becomes very important. Visit your website as a regular user would.
Check these things:
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Open multiple pages and posts
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Click menu links and buttons
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Check images and videos
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Test contact forms
Also, make sure your website shows HTTPS and not “Not Secure.” If something feels broken, fix it right away before search engines notice the issue.
If you have moved websites before, you may recognize these checks from this guide:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/how-to-move-wordpress-website-to-new-host
Update Important External Places
Your website does not live alone. It is connected to many places online.
After moving to a new domain, remember to update:
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Social media profiles
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Email signatures
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Online business listings
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Paid ads or marketing tools
This avoids confusion and keeps your brand consistent everywhere.
Final Checklist After Moving WordPress to a New Domain
Before closing this task, go through this short checklist:
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Old domain redirects working properly
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New domain loading fast and secure
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No broken links or missing images
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Sitemap submitted to Google
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Analytics tracking still active
This final check helps you stay calm and confident that the move is complete.
Conclusion
Moving a website to a new domain in WordPress does not need to be stressful. When done step by step, the process becomes clear and manageable. From preparing backups to setting redirects and checking SEO, every action plays a role in keeping your website healthy.
Take your time, follow each step carefully, and always double-check your work. A well-planned domain move keeps your visitors, protects your search rankings, and gives your website a fresh start on its new domain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I lose my website data when I move to a new domain in WordPress?
No, you will not lose your data if you follow the correct steps. All your posts, pages, images, and settings stay the same. The key is to take a full backup before starting and move both files and the database carefully.
Does changing a domain affect SEO rankings?
Yes, it can affect SEO if done the wrong way. But if you use proper 301 redirects and inform Google about the domain change, your rankings are usually protected. Many websites successfully move to a new domain without losing traffic.
How long does it take for Google to recognize the new domain?
Google may take a few days to a few weeks to fully process the change. Submitting a sitemap and using Google Search Console helps speed up this process.
Can beginners move a WordPress website to a new domain?
Yes, beginners can do it. Using migration plugins makes the process much easier. Even the manual method can be done if steps are followed slowly and carefully.
If you are new to WordPress migration, this guide may help you understand the basics better:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/how-to-move-wordpress-website
Do I need to keep my old domain after moving the website?
Yes, you should keep the old domain active for some time. This is needed so redirects can work properly and visitors using old links can reach your new website.
What happens to old links after moving to a new domain?
Old links will stop working unless you set up redirects. With proper redirects, anyone clicking an old link will be taken to the correct page on the new domain automatically.
Is it better to move the website manually or use a plugin?
Both methods work well. Plugins are easier and faster, especially for beginners. Manual migration gives more control but requires more attention. Choose the method that feels comfortable for you.
You can also compare this with moving WordPress to a new host here:
👉 https://wpsafemigration.com/how-to-move-wordpress-site-to-a-new-host
Should I update internal links after moving to a new domain?
Yes, updating internal links is very important. Even though redirects work, having correct links improves speed, user experience, and SEO health.
Will my website downtime increase during the domain move?
If planned properly, downtime is very small or not noticeable at all. Preparing the new domain before switching helps keep the website online.