I'm building a website currently for my fiance to replace her current more basic site. Not having much experience I purchased a domain from Hostgator to learn and build the new site.
Both sites are hosted with Hostgator using Wordpress
I am using Elementor Pro with Wordpress for my current site, and I was wondering what the best way would be to delete the content on her current site and replace it with the website I've built her? I'd like to keep all the content/formatting from my site but transfer it to the domain she has all of her branding tied to and get rid of the "practice" domain I built the site on.
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Yes, a plugin such as AIO WP Migration, Updraft Plus, or Duplicator should work fine.
Moving a WordPress website to a new domain can seem challenging, but with the right approach, it's a straightforward process that many website owners handle successfully. When both the old and new sites are hosted on the same platform like Hostgator and built with WordPress, the transfer becomes even more manageable. The key is preserving all the hard work put into the new site while transitioning it to the established domain with existing branding. This situation is common when developers create practice sites before launching the final version.
The Best Method for Domain Migration
For transferring a WordPress site between domains on the same host, migration plugins offer the most reliable solution. Tools like All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator, or UpdraftPlus create complete backups of your entire website—including content, themes, plugins, and settings. These packages can then be easily installed on the target domain, effectively replacing the old site with the new one while maintaining all Elementor Pro designs and formatting intact. The process ensures that no design elements are lost during the transfer.
Before beginning the migration, it's wise to understand your site's structure, particularly if you're using WordPress parent pages for organization. These hierarchical relationships need to be preserved during the transfer to maintain your site's navigation and user experience. Migration plugins typically handle this automatically, but being aware of these relationships helps troubleshoot any issues that might arise.
Preparation is crucial for a smooth domain transition. Start by creating full backups of both websites as a safety measure. On the target site, you might want to add a temporary notification banner in WordPress informing visitors about the upcoming changes. This manages user expectations and reduces confusion when they see the new design. Clear communication helps maintain trust with your audience during the transition period.
Content strategy plays an important role in domain migrations. If the original site uses sticky posts in WordPress to highlight important content, ensure these settings transfer correctly. Migration plugins usually preserve these configurations, but it's good practice to verify that featured content appears as intended on the new domain. This attention to detail ensures a seamless experience for returning visitors.
Behind the scenes, WordPress relies on database functionality to store and manage content. During migration, plugins handle the complex process of transferring this data, which may involve tasks similar to creating database tables in PHP. Understanding this technical foundation helps appreciate why migration plugins are more reliable than manual file transfers, especially for Elementor-based sites with complex design data.
How to Migrate Your WordPress Site to a New Domain
Begin by installing your chosen migration plugin on the practice site where you've built the new website. Create a full backup or migration package using the plugin's export function. This file contains your entire website—pages, posts, media, themes, plugins, and settings. Most migration plugins compress this into a single file for easy transfer between domains.
On the target domain, install a fresh WordPress instance and the same migration plugin. Use the import function to upload your backup file from the practice site. The plugin will overwrite all existing content with your new website. After completion, update permalinks and check that all internal links point to the new domain. Test thoroughly before making the site live.
Will migrating affect my SEO rankings?
Domain migrations can temporarily affect search rankings if not handled properly. Search engines need time to recognize that your content has moved to a new address. The most critical step is implementing proper 301 redirects from the old URLs to the new ones. This tells search engines that your content has permanently relocated and transfers SEO equity to the new domain.
After migration, submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console and monitor performance closely. Update any external links pointing to your old domain when possible. With proper redirects and automatic social media sharing for WordPress posts, your visibility should stabilize within a few weeks. Consistent content publication and technical optimization help recover and potentially improve rankings post-migration.
What are common issues after domain migration?
Several technical problems can occur after moving a WordPress site. Broken images and links are common if the database wasn't properly updated with the new domain URL. Mixed content warnings may appear if some resources still load from the old domain. Login issues can arise if cookies or cache still reference the previous address.
Most migration issues are easily fixable. Use a search and replace tool to update any remaining old URLs in the database. Clear all caching at the server, plugin, and browser levels. Check that your .htaccess file is properly configured. If you encounter persistent problems, consider whether you need professional WordPress malware scanning to rule out security conflicts. Systematic troubleshooting typically resolves most post-migration issues.
How long does a WordPress domain migration take?
| Migration Phase | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Backup Creation | 5-15 minutes |
| File Transfer | 10-30 minutes |
| Database Import | 5-20 minutes |
| Testing & Fixes | 30-60 minutes |
| Total Estimate | 50-125 minutes |
The actual duration varies based on website size, hosting performance, and technical complexity. Smaller sites with minimal media might complete in under an hour, while large e-commerce sites with thousands of products could take several hours. The migration process itself is usually quick—most time is spent on preparation and post-migration verification.
Allocate sufficient time for thorough testing after the migration. Check all pages, forms, functionality, and design elements across different devices and browsers. Proper planning prevents rushed decisions that could lead to overlooked issues. Schedule migrations during low-traffic periods to minimize disruption to your visitors and business operations.
Professional WordPress Migration Services
If you prefer expert handling of your domain migration, WPutopia offers comprehensive WordPress services. Our team manages the entire transfer process, ensuring zero downtime and complete data preservation. We handle technical details like database optimization, permalink structure, and SEO preservation so you can focus on your business.
Beyond migration services, WPutopia provides ongoing WordPress maintenance, theme upgrades, plugin installation, and performance optimization. Whether you're moving between domains or need regular website management, our experienced team delivers reliable solutions tailored to your specific requirements and budget.
