How to Transfer or Migrate a WordPress Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is for clients and friends transferring their WordPress to our personal branding generation tool. Before getting started, please verify that the website is indeed build or hosted on WordPress.

To determine if a website is built on WordPress, here’s a quick guide on how to check:

  1. View the Source Code: Right-click on any page of the website and select “View Page Source” or “Inspect” (the wording may vary depending on your browser). In the source code, look for hints such as “/wp-content/” in the URLs for stylesheets, scripts, or images. This path is a common indicator that the site is running on WordPress.
  2. Check the URL: Try accessing the website’s login page by appending “/wp-admin” or “/wp-login.php” to the base URL (for example, http://example.com/wp-admin). If the website is built on WordPress, you will be redirected to the login page.

Once you confirm that the website is on WordPress, let’s go over your options for migration.

Step 1: Unlock the Domain

The first step in transferring your domain is to unlock it. You’ll need to log into your domain registrar’s control panel. Look for the domain management area and select the domain you wish to transfer. Find the option to unlock the domain and disable any registrar lock that prevents it from being transferred.

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Unlock Your Domain on WordPress

Step 2: Disable Privacy Protection

If you have enabled privacy protection services, you must disable them before proceeding. Privacy protection hides your contact information, which will need to be accessible during the transfer process.

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Disable Privacy Protection

Step 3: Obtain the Authorization Code

Once the domain is unlocked, request an authorization code (also known as an EPP code or transfer key). This code is crucial as it’s required by the new registrar to initiate the transfer process. You can usually find this option in the same section where the domain is managed.

Step 4: Provide the Authorization Code to the New Owner

Securely provide the authorization code to the person who will be taking over the domain. They will need this code to authorize the transfer on their registrar’s platform.

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Provide The Authentication Code To Our Team

Step 5: Initiate the Transfer at the New Registrar

The new owner should now log into their registrar’s platform, choose the option to transfer a domain, and enter the domain name and the authorization code you provided.

Step 6: Approve the Transfer

After the transfer is initiated, you might receive an email from your current registrar asking for confirmation to proceed with the transfer. Follow the instructions in the email to approve the transfer.

Step 7: Complete the Transfer

Domain transfers can take up to seven days to complete. During this time, both parties should receive updates via email regarding the status of the transfer. It’s important to keep communication open in case any further actions are needed.

Step 8: Update DNS Settings

If the website associated with the domain is moving to new hosting, remind the new owner to update the domain’s DNS settings to point to their hosting provider. This step is crucial to ensure that the website continues to operate smoothly after the transfer.

Important Notes About Privacy Protection and SEO

  • Privacy Protection: Unlike in the past, most registrars now allow domains to be transferred even if WHOIS privacy is enabled. You generally do not need to disable privacy protection.
  • SEO Impact: Transferring a domain or hosting does not directly improve SEO rankings. However, if the new platform is optimized better, rankings may improve over time.

By following the correct process, you can seamlessly transition your WordPress website to our WordPress Generation Tool. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team for assistance!

Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations. He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications. Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries. Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.