How to Migrate Your Website to a New Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transferring your website to a new domain can feel like a big move—and it is. But with a few tricks up your sleeve and the right partner, it doesn’t need to be. Done right, website migration can protect your traffic, keep your SEO intact, and give your business a fresh start.

Maybe your current domain no longer fits your brand, or you’re rebranding to match your business’s growth. Whatever the reason, domain migration doesn’t simply swap URLs; it ensures your audience finds you seamlessly (and stays engaged).

This domain transfer guide walks you through every step of how to change domain and make the transition smooth. You’ll learn why domain migration matters, when to do it, and how to avoid losing rankings (or visitors) along the way. Read on!

What Does Website Migration Refer to?

Website migration is the process of making changes to a website’s structure, design, platform, or location that can impact its performance or visibility in search engines.

It often involves tasks such as:

• moving to a new hosting provider
• switching to a different CMS
• restructuring site architecture
• upgrading to a secure protocol (HTTP to HTTPS)

These changes are carefully planned to minimise downtime, maintain SEO rankings, and ensure a seamless user experience.

Source

Here are the main types of website migration you should know about:

What Is Domain Migration?

Domain migration refers to transferring a website from one domain name to another while preserving its functionality, content, and search engine rankings.

This process can involve redirecting URLs, updating DNS records, and reconfiguring SEO settings. Domain migration is common during rebranding, mergers, or when an original domain no longer aligns with the business’s identity.

Proper execution ensures users and search engines recognise the new domain as a direct continuation of the old one.

Also Read: How To Change Blog Page’s URL

When to Move Websites to New Domains?

There are several common scenarios where migrating a site becomes necessary to meet business goals. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why businesses might consider moving to a new domain:

1. Platform Limitations Are Holding Your Client Back

Some platforms just aren’t built for growth or flexibility, and clients often hit roadblocks as their needs evolve. These issues might prompt a move to a better platform:

• Scaling Business Demands: If a client’s website is experiencing higher traffic or growing operations, they’ll need an infrastructure that can handle the load without downtime.
• Enhanced Security Requirements: Clients dealing with sensitive customer data often outgrow platforms with weak security measures and need advanced protections.
• User-Friendly Content Management: Clients may want an intuitive CMS that makes it easy to update pages, post content, or collaborate without relying on developers.
• Customisation Limits: Some platforms lack creative freedom, leaving clients unable to implement unique designs or advanced features. Moving to a more flexible platform solves this.
• Provider Issues: Hosting providers occasionally shut down or fail to meet expectations. This forces clients to find more reliable options.

2. A Domain Name No Longer Fits

A domain change often follows a business evolution. Clients rebrand, target new markets, or shift their focus, and their domain needs to reflect those changes. For instance, a local business expanding internationally might want a domain that appeals to a broader audience.

3. Website Consolidation Is Needed

When companies merge or acquire new businesses, their online presence often needs to be unified. Migrating multiple sites into one ensures consistency and helps users find what they need without confusion. This process may involve combining content, domains, and branding.

4. A Redesign or Restructuring Is on the Table

Big changes to a website’s layout, functionality, or user experience often require migration. A new look or upgraded technology may need new backend support to work seamlessly. Examples include restructuring site navigation, switching themes, or integrating advanced features.

5. SEO Improvement Is a Priority

If a site is falling behind in search rankings, migration can open up opportunities to optimise performance:

• Transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS boosts security and SEO.
• Updating URL structures for clarity and keyword optimisation.
• Merging subdomains into a single, streamlined site.
• Using platforms with built-in SEO tools to manage metadata, optimise page speed, and improve indexing.

A 10-Step Plan for Smooth Website Migration

Studies show that 70% of organizational transformations fail due to poor planning or execution. While this is not directly linked to web migrations, it highlights a critical point: without careful planning and execution, even the most well-intentioned changes can lead to failure.

In essence, migrating a website can feel like a high-stakes move. But with the right plan, you can ensure a smooth transition while minimising disruptions and improving your client’s online presence.

Here’s a simplified, practical approach to get it right.

Step 1: Start with a Clear Understanding of the Business

Who is this for: Site owners, project managers, or anyone involved in strategic decision-making for the website

Before you move your site, understand the business behind it. Is the goal to increase sales, generate leads, or improve user engagement? Are there performance issues like slow loading times or poor mobile usability? Define the success metrics early—whether it’s better load times, enhanced mobile responsiveness, or streamlined user flow—and align them with your migration strategy.

Questions to ask:

• What are your business objectives for this website—sales, leads, or brand presence?
• Are there specific performance metrics or KPIs you want to improve (read: site speed, bounce rate, conversion rates, and so on)?
• Who are your target customers, and how do they interact with your site?
• What parts of the current site do you feel are underperforming, and what do you want to improve?

Pro tips:

• Focus on understanding the pain points and limitations of the current site. This will guide you in identifying areas that need the most attention.
• Review website analytics to pinpoint high-traffic pages and areas with performance issues.
• Align migration goals with overall business goals—ensure that improving user experience or loading times is in line with business performance indicators.
• Be ready to adapt your strategy if the initial goals change during the migration process.
• Have a post-launch follow-up plan to measure whether the migration achieved the desired business outcomes.

Step 2: Build a Migration Plan That Covers All Bases

Who is this for: Project managers, site owners, and developers who are hands-on during the migration

Migrating a website isn’t something you can “wing.” Break down the process step-by-step. Identify exactly what needs to be done, who will be responsible, and set realistic timelines. But don’t stop there—ensure your plan includes business goals like maintaining SEO rankings, preventing significant downtime, and testing the site thoroughly before launching.

Questions to ask:

• What are the key milestones and deadlines for this migration?
• Who is responsible for each task, and what resources do you need to make it happen?
• What success metrics (traffic, SEO, site speed) will you use to evaluate the migration’s success?

Pro tips:

• Break down the migration into clear, manageable tasks—assign them to the right people with realistic deadlines.
• Include a risk management plan to address potential setbacks like unanticipated downtime or issues during testing.
• Use collaborative tools (like Trello or Asana) to ensure everyone is on the same page and deadlines are met.
• Have backup plans in case major steps need to be adjusted.
• Schedule a dry run in a staging environment to test everything before migrating live.

Step 3: Map Out the Site Structure

Who is this for: Developers, SEO specialists, and anyone managing URLs and redirects

This step isn’t just about matching old URLs to new ones. If you don’t properly map your URLs, you’ll risk losing organic traffic and damaging your SEO.

Use tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to crawl the old site and get a comprehensive list of URLs. Then, decide how each will transition—whether through 301 redirects or adjusted link structures—ensuring SEO equity stays intact.

Questions to ask:

• Are there any old URLs that will not be used on the new site? If so, what is the best way to handle them?
• How will you create 301 redirects to prevent SEO issues or user confusion?
• Does the new structure provide a better user experience and easier navigation?

Pro tips:

• Implement a redirect strategy that covers all old URLs, especially those with high traffic or SEO value.
• Check the redirects in a staging environment to ensure they work before going live.
• Use a spreadsheet to keep track of old-to-new URL mappings.
• Plan for URL changes that may affect SEO rankings and handle them properly with 301 redirects.

Step 4: Back Up Content and Review It Thoroughly

Who is this for: Developers, content managers, and site owners

Backup everything—files, databases, images, and other critical content—before making changes. This ensures that you can restore the website to its original form in case of issues. Use this time to review your existing content, identify outdated pages, break links, and anything else that should be fixed before migrating.

Questions to ask:

• Have you backed up all important files, databases, and images, including third-party integrations?
• Are there outdated pages or broken links that should be addressed before migration?
• Have you reviewed key metadata such as page titles, descriptions, and H1 tags to ensure they’re optimised for SEO?

Pro tips:

• Make sure to test backups after creating them to verify they’re complete and usable.
• Audit your content for relevancy and update anything that’s no longer serving the business’s objectives.
• Review SEO-critical elements like alt text, headings, and metadata.
• Don’t forget to backup integrations, analytics, or external services connected to your site.

Step 5: Make Data Protection a Priority

Who is this for: IT professionals, security officers, and compliance managers

Migration isn’t just about moving files and pages—it’s about safeguarding data. Ensure that customer data, sensitive business information, and internal systems are secure during the transfer. Also, make sure the new platform meets all necessary data protection regulations.

Questions to ask:

• Have you reviewed the new platform’s security features to ensure they meet your data protection standards?
• Are there specific data privacy regulations (like GDPR) you need to comply with during migration?
• What sensitive customer or business data will be transferred, and how will it be encrypted?

Pro tips:

• Use secure transfer methods (like SFTP) to move sensitive data.
• Double-check for compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA before beginning the migration.
• Ensure the new platform has adequate security features, such as SSL certificates and data encryption.
• Limit access to sensitive data during migration to only those who need it.

Step 6: Follow Accessibility Best Practices

Who is this for: Web developers, designers, and accessibility specialists

Website accessibility is non-negotiable. Laser-focus on providing an inclusive user experience and for SEO. Websites that are accessible to people with disabilities are not only compliant with legal standards but also improve user retention, engagement, and search rankings.

Tools like WAVE and Lighthouse help identify accessibility issues—test your site regularly to make sure it’s easy to navigate for everyone. Google will reward you with better rankings for doing so.

Questions to ask:

• Is your website compliant with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1?
• Have you tested your site with a screen reader to ensure it reads content clearly?
• Are all images and media files on the site properly tagged with alt text to ensure visibility to users with visual impairments?

Pro tips:

• Make sure all forms, buttons, and interactive elements are fully keyboard accessible for users with mobility impairments.
• Implement ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks to help screen readers navigate complex content.
• Test your site regularly with real users who have disabilities to gather feedback on navigability.
• Aim for contrast ratios that meet accessibility standards to improve readability for users with low vision.

Step 7: Communicate Clearly with Your Client

Who is this for: Project managers, account managers, and anyone directly interfacing with clients

Clear communication is key throughout the migration process. Ensure your client understands the migration’s scope, timeline, potential risks, and what to expect at each stage. Misunderstanding or lack of communication can result in frustration down the road. Regular updates about progress, downtime, and testing will help manage expectations and build trust.

Questions to ask:

• Have you communicated the full timeline of the migration, including milestones and potential delays?
• Are there predefined sign-offs or approvals required from the client at each stage of the migration?
• How will you handle post-migration issues—what’s the plan for addressing potential problems or bugs?

Pro tips:

• Set clear expectations upfront about what’s involved in the migration, including timelines and potential risks.
• Use collaboration tools (like Slack or email threads) to keep your client in the loop about every phase of the migration.
• Provide a migration checklist to the client so they can track progress and know what’s expected from them at each stage.
• Schedule regular check-ins with the client to keep them updated on progress and challenges.
• Be transparent about downtime so your client can plan for it and minimise its impact.

Step 8: Select a Reliable Hosting Provider and Transfer Content Efficiently

Who is this for: Content managers, developers, and anyone handling site migrations from one platform to another

Migrating your content isn’t just about copying over files—it’s about ensuring that every element, from blog posts to product pages to images, is properly organized, optimized, and functioning as it should on the new platform.

First, choose a reliable hosting provider that can handle the demands of your site—whether it’s better performance, more storage, or enhanced security features. Then, as you transfer your content, ensure it’s structured correctly for the new platform, with all necessary SEO elements intact (e.g., metadata, alt text, and headings).

Use migration tools (like WP Migrate DB or CMS-specific plugins) to avoid errors. Before going live, conduct a full-site test in a staging environment to check for issues like broken images, slow load times, or navigation failures.

Questions to ask:

• Is the content from the old site structured correctly for the new site’s platform (e.g., databases, formats)?
• Do you have a system in place for transferring media files, blogs, and product data without losing quality?
• Have you tested the new site’s content in a staging environment to check for issues like broken links or slow load times?

Pro tips:

• Start with less critical content for your first migration phase—this reduces the risk of errors during the full migration.
• Use CSV imports or migration plugins to move content from one CMS to another with fewer issues.
• Check for media or images that might have file path issues and adjust them before going live.
• Ensure that each content piece (text, images, media) is optimised for SEO and fast loading times.
• After migrating, manually check critical pages (think: product pages, landing pages) to ensure formatting hasn’t been lost.

Step 9: Keep an Eye on Performance

Who is this for: SEO specialists, web developers, and performance analysts

Once the migration is complete, don’t just assume everything’s fine. Monitor your site’s performance closely. Are your redirects functioning correctly? Are internal links pointing to the right pages? Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track site health. Keep an eye on user behaviour as well—check bounce rates, conversions, and site speed.

Questions to ask:

• Is the traffic volume behaving as expected post-migration, or are there unexpected drops?
• Are there broken internal links or issues with redirects that need to be addressed immediately?
• How is the site’s load time and user interaction post-launch—are users engaging with content or bouncing quickly?

Pro Tips:

• Use Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor traffic and ensure that no sudden drops occur after migration.
• Check redirects regularly to ensure that old URLs are properly forwarding to the new site without issues.
• Monitor server performance during the initial migration days to avoid crashes.
• Set up alerts for key performance indicators (KPIs) like site speed, bounce rate, and conversion rate to spot issues fast.
• Test user behaviour on the site regularly to identify drop-offs or unusual engagement patterns.

Step 10: Treat Migration as a Chance to Improve

Who is this for: Web designers, developers, and business owners looking to optimise their website’s overall performance

View your migration as more than just a technical task—it’s an opportunity to make real improvements. Take this chance to optimise site speed, refine user experience, and enhance design elements that were lacking on the old site. Whether it’s improving loading times, navigation, or accessibility, aim for a better version of your site post-migration.

Questions to ask:

• What areas of the old site were slow or clunky, and how can you improve them on the new site?
• Are there any new features, functionalities, or design changes you want to incorporate to better serve your users?
• How can you leverage the migration to improve both the user experience and performance for better results?

Pro tips:

• Use GTmetrix to test page load speeds and identify areas for improvement.
• Refine your site’s code during migration to remove bloat and speed up load times.
• Evaluate the new platform for performance improvements like better caching, faster servers, or integrated content delivery networks (CDNs).
• Focus on making the website more user-friendly with intuitive navigation and a responsive design.
• Incorporate performance improvements like image optimisation or lazy loading to speed up your site’s load time.

Moving Your Website? Let Crazy Domains Make It Effortless!

Switching to a new domain name can seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be.

Crazy Domains is here to help you every step of the way. Our team of website experts will take care of all the technical aspect, so you can relax and focus on what you do best – running your business.

Here’s why Crazy Domains is the best choice for your website move:

• Your website stays online: We make the switch with minimal downtime, so you won’t lose visitors.
• Keep your Google ranking: We make sure your website keeps its spot in search results.
• Help is available 24/7: Our friendly support team is here around the clock if you have any questions.

Don’t risk your website with a DIY move. Let us handle it for a smooth, worry-free transition. Visit our site for further details!