Migrating your WordPress website to a new domain can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be straightforward. Here’s how you can migrate WordPress to a new domain:
1. Backup your website: Before starting the migration process, it’s critical to back up your website. This ensures that if anything goes wrong during the move, you’ll have a copy of your website to refer to. You can use a backup plugin like UpDraftPlus, or your web host may have a built-in backup tool.
1. Update your domain name: Log in to your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > General, and update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) with your new domain name.
1. Upload your files to the new domain: Copy your WordPress files and folders to your new domain using an FTP client. Make sure all files are in the right place and can be accessed.
1. Export your database: Export your database from your old domain using a tool like phpMyAdmin or a plugin like WP-DB-Backup.
1. Import your database: Log in to phpMyAdmin on your new domain, create a new database, and import the database you exported from your old domain.
1. Update your database with new URLs: Log in to phpMyAdmin and find the wp\_options table. Update the site URL and home URL fields with your new domain name.
1. Test your site: Once you’ve completed the migration process, test your site to ensure everything is working correctly. Check your links, images, and other content to make sure everything is displaying correctly.
1. Redirect your old domain: If you want to redirect your old domain to your new domain, set up a 301 redirect in your .htaccess file, or use a plugin like Redirection.
Overall, migrating WordPress to a new domain is a relatively straightforward process. Take your time, double-check everything, and always back up your website before making any changes.