A Complete Guide to Changing Domain Names for WordPress Websites

Changing the domain name of your WordPress websiteis a complex but necessary task, especially when you need to change your domain name frequently for a bargain website, migrate to a better domain name, or undergo a website reorganization. We have a detailed guide here to help you change the domain name of your WordPress website safely and efficiently.

1. Preliminary preparations

Before you start changing your domain name, make sure you do the following preparations:

• Backup Sites: Before any major changes are made.Always back up your website(math.) genusIncluding databasesrespond in singingAll documents. You can use plugins such asUpdraftPlusor manual backups.
• Purchase a new domain name: Ensure that the new domain name has been registered and that the DNS settings are in effect.
• Obtain administrative privileges for old and new domains: You need to be able to access the DNS settings for both domains.

2. Specific steps for changing a domain name

Step 1: Update WordPress Settings

1. log inWordPress Admin BackendThe
2. Go to "set up" -> "conventional (weapons)".
3. In "WordPress Address (URL)"and"Site Address (URL)" in the update to the new domain name.
4. Save ChangesThe

Step 2: Update the URL in the database

needUpdates in the databaseYou can do this by using a plugin such as "Better Search Replace" to replace all old URLs and make sure all links point to the new domain. You can use a plugin such as "Better Search Replace" to do this.

1. Install and activate the " "plugin.
2. Go to "artifact" -> "Better Search Replace".
3. In "look for sth."Enter the old domain name in the field "Replace with"In the fieldEnter new domain nameThe
4. Select the database tables that need to be replaced (usually all tables are selected).
5. Performs a replace operation.

Step 3: Update the wp-config.php file

securewp-config.phpfileDefine the new domain name in the

define('WP_HOME','http://yournewdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','http://yournewdomain.com');

Step 4: Update the .htaccess file (optional)

If your site uses a custom.htaccessfileto manage redirects or other rules to ensure that the old domain is updated to the new domain in the file.

Step 5: Setting up 301 redirects

In order to ensure that SEO weight and user traffic is not lost, traffic from the old domain needs to be redirected to the new domain. This can be done by modifying the old domain's.htaccessfile to do so.

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^old-domain\.com$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^(. *)$ http://new-domain.com/$1 [L,R=301,NC]

Step 6: Notify search engines

1. leave forGoogle Search Console, add and validate the new domain name.
2. Notify Google that your website has changed domain names using the "Change Address" tool in the Google Search Console.
3. Update sitemap.xml and submit to search engines.

Step 7: Update social media and other links

Make sure that all social media profiles, advertisements, partner links and any other external links point to the new domain.

3. Follow-up inspection and optimization

Check website functionality

• Browse the new site and make sure all pages and features are working properly.
• Check internal links and image paths to make sure they have been updated to the new domain.

Monitor traffic and rankings

• Use Google Analytics to monitor website traffic to make sure there are no significant drops.
• Observe search rankings in Google Search Console to ensure consistent SEO performance.

Update Browser Cache

• Clear your browser cache and make sure that the newest content is loaded when you visit the new domain.
• Notify users to clear their browser cache to ensure they can also access the new domain.

4. Frequently asked questions and solutions

Problem 1: Redirection Failure

If the 301 redirect doesn't work, check that the .htaccess file is configured correctly and make sure that the DNS settings for the old domain are pointing to the correct server.

Problem 2: Links still point to the old domain

If you find that some of the links still point to the old domain, re-run the "Better Search Replace" plugin and check all the tables in the database.

Problem #3: SEO Ranking Decline

In the short term, SEO rankings may fluctuate. Make sure 301 redirects are set up correctly and continue to update and optimize content for your new domain.

reach a verdict

Changing the domain name of your WordPress website is complicated, but by following the steps above, you can ensure a smooth process. Preparing ahead of time, operating with caution, and conducting a thorough check and optimization after the replacement can minimize the impact on your website's traffic andSEOThe impact of the If you encounter difficulties, seek professional technical support or refer to additional online resources.