Complete Guide: How to Change a Domain Name in WordPress Safely and Effectively

To change a domain name in WordPress and follow the steps mentioned in the video, here’s a detailed guide:

1. Understand the Domain Name and Reasons for Change:
   • Understand what a domain name is and its structure.
   • Identify the reasons why you need to change your current domain name.
     
2. Expect Traffic and SEO Impact:
   • Be aware that changing a domain name can lead to a drop in traffic and search engine rankings.
   • Follow proper steps to minimize the risks of damaging your website’s SEO.
     
3. Backup Your Website:
   • Before making any changes, ensure you have a full backup of your website, including the files and the database.
     
4. Roll Back to Previous Version and Purchase New Domain:
   • Use your hosting provider’s backup tool to roll back your website to a previous version.
   • Purchase the new domain name from a domain registrar like Hostinger.
     
5. Add New Domain to Hosting Account:
   • Log in to your hosting account.
   • Go to the domain section and click on “Add a New Domain Name.”
   • Enter the new domain name and set a password for it.
   • Click “Add Website” to complete the process.
   • Note that it may take up to 24 hours for the new domain to propagate.
     
6. Clone Website Content to New Domain:
   • Copy all the contents (files and folders) of your old domain folder to the new domain folder.
     
7. Update WordPress URL and URL Structure:
   • Access your WordPress admin dashboard.
   • Go to “Settings” > “General.”
   • Update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields with the new domain name.
     
8. Edit wp-config.php:
   • Access your website files through FTP or cPanel File Manager.
   • Locate the wp-config.php file and open it for editing.
   • Replace the old domain with the new domain in the file.
   • Save the changes and close the file.
     
9. Reset Permalinks:
   • In the WordPress admin dashboard, go to “Settings” > “Permalinks.”
   • Choose a different permalink structure and save changes.
   • Revert to the original permalink structure and save changes again.
     
10. Set Up 301 Redirects:
    • Create 301 redirects to redirect all URLs associated with the old domain to the corresponding URLs on the new domain.
    • Keep your old domain active for some time to help visitors who are not aware of the domain change reach your website.
      
11. Test and Verify:
    • Test your website thoroughly to ensure that all pages and content are accessible and working correctly with the new domain.

Remember, changing a domain name is a significant process that can have implications on your website’s performance and search engine ranking. Take your time and follow each step carefully to ensure a smooth transition.