A Step-by-Step Guide on Duplicating a WordPress Website to Another Domain

Introduction:

Creating a website with WordPress is a rewarding process, but there may come a time when you need to duplicate your site to another domain. This could be for various reasons, such as testing changes on a staging environment, creating a backup, or launching a similar site with a different domain name. Fortunately, duplicating a WordPress website is a manageable task if you follow the right steps. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of copying your WordPress site to another domain name that you own.

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Website: Before you start the duplication process, it’s crucial to create a backup of your existing WordPress website. This ensures that you have a copy of all your files and databases in case anything goes wrong during the duplication process. You can use popular backup plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Duplicator to simplify this step.

Step 2: Choose a Method for Duplicating Your Website: There are several methods to duplicate a WordPress website, and the choice depends on your preferences and technical expertise. Two commonly used methods are using a plugin or manually copying the site.

a. Using a Plugin:

1. Install and activate a reliable migration plugin like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or UpdraftPlus.
2. Navigate to the plugin settings and choose the option to create a new package or export your site.
3. Follow the plugin’s instructions to create a package containing your website files and database.
4. Download the package and any additional files generated by the plugin.

b. Manual Duplication:

1. Access your website’s files using FTP or a file manager provided by your hosting provider.
2. Download all the files from your WordPress installation directory.
3. Export your WordPress database using a tool like phpMyAdmin.
4. Create a new database on the destination server and import the previously exported database.

Step 3: Set Up the New Domain: Before you upload your website files and database to the new domain, you need to prepare the environment.

a. Point the Domain: Update the DNS settings of the new domain to point to your hosting provider’s server. This is typically done through your domain registrar’s control panel.

b. Create a Database: Set up a new database on the server of the new domain and take note of the database name, username, and password.

Step 4: Upload Files and Import Database: Now, it’s time to transfer your website to the new domain.

a. Using a Plugin: If you used a migration plugin, follow its instructions to upload the package and install your WordPress site on the new domain.

b. Manual Upload:

1. Upload all the files to the new domain using FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.
2. Edit the wp-config.php file on the new domain to reflect the further database information.
3. Import the database into the newly created database on the new domain server using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.

Step 5: Update Site URL and Permalinks: To ensure that your website works seamlessly on the new domain, you need to update the site URL and permalinks.

a. Update Site URL:

1. Log in to the WordPress dashboard on the new domain.
2. Go to Settings > General and update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to match the new domain.

b. Update Permalinks:

1. Go to Settings > Permalinks and click “Save Changes” to update the permalink structure.

Step 6: Test Your Duplicated Website: Before considering the migration complete, thoroughly test your website on the new domain to ensure everything is working correctly. Check different pages and functionality, and make sure there are no broken links.

Conclusion:

Duplicating a WordPress website to another domain may seem complex, but with the right tools and a systematic approach, it can be a straightforward process. Whether you choose to use a migration plugin or manually transfer your files and database, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you successfully duplicate your website to a new domain. Remember to take your time, follow each step carefully, and test thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition.