Transferring a WordPress Website to Your Client's Domain: A Comprehensive Guide

Migrating a WordPress website to your client's domain requires careful planning and execution. This guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining the integrity and functionality of your site.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a WordPress Website

Preparation for Migration Exporting the Database Transferring Files Importing the Database Updating the File Updating the Site URL Fixing Permalinks and Testing Finalizing the Migration

Step 1: Prepare for Migration

Backup Your Website: Before making any changes, ensure you create a full backup of your WordPress site, including the database and files. You can utilize plugins like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration for this purpose.

Choose a Migration Method: Depending on your comfort level with technical aspects, you can either manually transfer the site or use a migration plugin. Plugins often simplify the process, making it easier for those less familiar with these technical tasks.

Step 2: Export the Database

Access phpMyAdmin: Log into your hosting control panel and navigate to phpMyAdmin. Select Your Database: Choose the database associated with your development site. Export the Database: Click on the Export tab and select the appropriate options for exporting the database.

Step 3: Transfer Files

Download Files: Use an FTP client such as FileZilla to connect to your development server. Download all files from the WordPress root directory, typically located in the public_html folder. Upload to Client’s Server: Connect to your client’s server via FTP and upload the files to the appropriate directory, usually the public_html folder.

Step 4: Import the Database

Create a New Database: On your client’s hosting account, create a new database and user with all privileges using the hosting control panel. Access phpMyAdmin: Go to phpMyAdmin for the new database. Import the SQL File: Click on the Import tab, choose the SQL file you exported earlier, and click Go to import the database.

Step 5: Update the File

Go to the root directory of your uploaded files and locate the file. Update the database name, username, and password to match the new database you just created:

PHP Code Example:

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');

Step 6: Update Site URL

Access phpMyAdmin: Go to the phpMyAdmin of the new database. Locate the wp_options Table: Find the wp_options table. Update Site URL: Edit the siteurl and home fields to reflect the new domain URL.

Step 7: Fix Permalinks and Test

Log into WordPress: Access the WordPress admin panel at your client’s domain. Go to Settings Permalinks: Simply save the permalinks settings to refresh the rewrite rules. Test the Site: Check the site to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Step 8: Finalize the Migration

Check for Broken Links: Use tools like Broken Link Checker to ensure there are no broken links. Update DNS if Necessary: If the domain was not previously pointing to the new server, update the DNS settings to point to the new server.

Additional Considerations

SSL Certificate: Ensure that an SSL certificate is installed on the new domain, especially if the client's site requires HTTPS. SEO Settings: Verify that all SEO settings and redirects are correctly configured to avoid losing traffic.

Follow these steps, and you should be able to successfully transfer your WordPress website to your client's domain. If you encounter issues, refer to the documentation of your hosting provider or contact their support team for assistance.