1. Update Site Address (URL) Settings:
- Access your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Settings > General.
- In the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields, replace the old domain with the new one.
- Click Save Changes.
2. Update Database:
- Use a tool like Better Search Replace or WP-CLI to update the old domain references within the database.
- Proceed with caution and create a database backup before making changes.
3. Modify .htaccess File (if any):
- If you have custom rewrite rules or redirects in your .htaccess file, update those to reflect the new domain.
- Consult a WordPress expert if you’re unsure about editing this file.
4. Update Sitemap:
- Regenerate your XML sitemap to ensure it reflects the new domain structure.
- Use a plugin like Google XML Sitemaps or Yoast SEO to automate this process.
5. Resubmit Sitemap to Search Engines:
- Submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools to aid search engines in discovering and crawling your site under the new domain.
Additional Considerations:
- External Links: Update any external links pointing to your old domain.
- Theme and Plugin Settings: Check for any hardcoded domain references in your themes or plugins and update them accordingly.
- Third-Party Services: Reconfigure any third-party services (e.g., analytics, social media integrations) to use the new domain.
- Caching: Clear your browser cache and any server-side caching to ensure you’re viewing the updated site.
- Thorough Testing: Thoroughly test all site functionality after the domain change to identify and address any issues.
Important Notes:
- Backup: Always create a complete backup of your WordPress files and database before making significant changes.
- Downtime: Expect some downtime during the domain change process, especially if DNS propagation takes time.
- Seek Assistance: If you’re not comfortable with technical tasks or encounter issues, consult a WordPress expert for guidance.
