How to Successfully Change the Domain Name on Your WordPress Site
Changing your domain name on a WordPress site can be a crucial step in rebranding or improving your online presence. If you're looking for how to change your domain name on WordPress, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to make the transition smooth. Whether you're hosting with Hostinger, Bluehost, or another provider, the process remains largely consistent.
Why Change Your Domain?
Reasons for changing your domain name can vary from a desire to rebrand, simplify your URL, or align with new business goals. However, it’s important to follow the proper procedures to ensure your site remains operational and retains its search engine rankings.
Detailed Steps to Change Domain Name on WordPress
Create a Full Backup
Begin by backing up your entire WordPress site, including files and databases. This precaution will help you restore your site if anything goes wrong.
Adjust WordPress Settings
Navigate to Settings > General in your WordPress dashboard. Update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields to reflect your new domain.
Update Domain in Database
Use phpMyAdmin to update your domain name directly in the WordPress database. Access the wp_options table and modify the site and home fields to your new domain.
Utilize a Domain Change Plugin
Employ plugins like Better Search Replace to replace all instances of your old domain with the new one throughout your database.
Check Your .htaccess File
Update the .htaccess file to ensure it supports the new domain. This file helps manage URL redirections and can impact SEO.
Revise Links and Media
Manually or via a plugin, update internal links and media that still point to your old domain to ensure they are correctly directed to the new domain.
Conduct Thorough Testing
Test your site extensively to verify that all pages and features are functioning as expected.
Domain Name Changes on Different Hosts
- Hostinger: For Hostinger, update your domain settings through their control panel and ensure your WordPress settings align with the new domain.
- Bluehost: On Bluehost, make changes via their control panel and update the WordPress URL settings in your dashboard.
Additional Tips
- Redirections: Implement 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one to preserve your SEO rankings.
- Google Search Console: Inform Google about your domain change through Google Search Console.
- SSL Certificates: Update your SSL certificates to match your new domain for continued security.
Changing your domain name is a significant step, but following these steps can help ensure a smooth transition. For a more detailed explanation, you might find this how to change domain name on WordPress article helpful.
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