Moving a website to a new domain – how to do it?

Moving a website to a new domain – at first glance, it might seem like a trivial matter, but if you’ve ever planned to do it, you probably already know how much hassle it can involve. You’ll face not only updating addresses but also a host of technical issues to remember. On top of that, there’s the stress of potentially losing site traffic, the risk of errors, and, in the worst-case scenario, disappearing from search results. Does it really have to be that complicated?

Fortunately, it can be done well and without stress! In our step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to move your website to a new domain so that everything runs flawlessly and your traffic and Google rankings remain secure.

Why are we moving the website to a new domain?

Reasons for moving the website to a new domain

Moving a website to a new domain is a decision that can be driven by various reasons. Perhaps you are changing your company name, or you want to take advantage of a better address that is more intuitive or easier to remember. Maybe you have managed to acquire a domain with a more recognizable extension (e.g., “.com” instead of “.net”), which can increase credibility in the eyes of visitors. Sometimes, the reason is expanding your business to new markets – in that case, a domain that better matches the new target audience can help build brand recognition.

What can you gain by moving to a new domain?

Changing your domain is a great opportunity to refresh your image and attract more user interest. A new, better domain can increase user trust and help with SEO. The migration can also help streamline technical aspects of the website – improving link structure, updating content, and optimizing SEO elements. In short: a good domain and a professionally executed migration can help expand your reach and strengthen your online presence.

Preparing for website migration

Choosing a domain

The first step is to choose a new domain. Consider how the new address will appear from your customers’ perspective – it should be simple, easy to remember, and ideally related to your business. If you are targeting specific keywords, it’s worthwhile to include them in the domain name, but remember that it should not feel forced. Find a trusted domain registrar who will provide technical support and ensure long-term ownership of the domain.

Backup

Before any major changes to your website, and especially before migrating to a new domain, it is essential to create a backup. Make a complete backup of your files and database so that you can revert to the previous state in case of unforeseen issues.

SEO Audit

The final, but very important step is to conduct an SEO audit of your website. Analyze current rankings, links leading to various pages, and the entire URL structure. It is worth pulling reports from Google Search Console, which will provide key data on the website’s performance. This will help you understand which pages are most frequently visited and what keywords your customers most often click on – enabling you to ensure that this traffic is maintained after the move to the new domain.

Configuring the new domain

Redirects

A key element of migration is setting up 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one. A 301 redirect signals to search engines that the page has been permanently moved. This way, users who visit the old domain will be automatically redirected to the new address. Setting up these redirects not only ensures a smooth transition for visitors but also prevents loss of ranking in search results.

Updating configuration files

After configuring the redirects, make sure that all configuration files of the website are updated and adjusted for the new domain. In CMSs such as WordPress, changing the domain will require updating the URL in the system settings. Sometimes changes are also needed in the database – especially if links are hard-coded in the content. Also, check files like wp-config.php to ensure that all references point to the new address.

Updating internal links

Internal links are another important element that must be updated so that all pages on the new domain work correctly and direct traffic to the right places. These links are often embedded in content, and on larger sites, they can appear hundreds of times. Many CMSs offer tools for bulk updating links, and if your site is more complex, you might consider using special migration plugins or tools to automate the process.

Testing

Once all settings are ready, it’s time to test. Check whether the redirects work as intended and whether each page on the new domain loads correctly. Testing should cover both the desktop and mobile versions of the website. It is also worth using online tools to verify the correctness of the redirects, ensuring that all links lead to the correct addresses without 404 errors.

Updating website information

Updating the sitemap

After migrating your website to the new domain, it is necessary to update the sitemap. Generate the new sitemap in your CMS or with external tools and submit it to Google Search Console. This will allow search engines to index your new addresses faster and expedite the appearance of your site in search results. Ensure that the new sitemap includes all key pages and that every URL is correct.

You can find information about what a sitemap is and how to create one in our article:

Site map – what is it and what is it used for?

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Updating contact information and Social Media details

The final, but very important step is updating your website’s information wherever it appears. Update the URL on all social media profiles, as well as in online listings like Google My Business. Also, ensure that the website displays the correct contact information with the new domain, for example, in the footer, forms, or informational pages. This will not only help customers find you but also assist in building a consistent online image.

Summary

Moving a website to a new domain may seem like a major challenge, but if you prepare properly and approach the process step by step, you can go through the entire migration without unnecessary stress and risk of losing traffic. The key is to maintain the structure and links, set up proper redirects, and update all website information so that both users and search engines can easily locate the new address.
Remember, good organization and attention to detail – from backups through redirects to updates in social media – will help maintain your site’s visibility and smooth operation. If needed, regularly monitor the results post-migration to catch any potential issues promptly.