How to Move Your WordPress Directory Site to a New Domain (In 3 Steps)

Moving your WordPress directory site to a new domain doesn’t have to be a hassle. We’ll show you the easiest way to do it in just three steps.

How to Move Wordpress Site to a New Domain with a directory

WordPress Directory websites are rarely static. They're likely to evolve – you may even need to switch your site's domain at some point. However, while this change can benefit your site, safely moving all of your data can be tricky.

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Fortunately, the right tool makes all the difference. By using Business Directory Plugin, you can seamlessly shift your content to a brand new domain without losing anything in the process.

In this article, we'll talk about a few reasons you might want to move your WordPress site to a new domain. Then we'll show you how to do so in just three steps. Let's get started!

Why you might want to migrate to a new domain

Every directory site is different. As such, there are a lot of reasons to move your WordPress site to a new domain. For example, you might need:

A new domain name that better reflects your directory's branding
More relevant keywords in your URL, to help new users find your site
A better hosting provider for better service

Whatever your reason may be, correctly transferring data from the old domain to the new one is crucial. If you're not careful, you could lose a lot of data and even users in the process.

Fortunately, you can take some stress out of the equation with Business Directory Plugin. We've designed our tool to support your ultimate directory – and that includes built-in tools to ease the transition process. With its help, you can expect a smooth migration to your new domain.

How to move your directory site to a new domain (in 3 steps)

Before you get started, you'll need to purchase the premium version of our plugin. Then make sure it's installed and activated, both on your old and your new domain.

Step 1: Activate and install the Migrator module

First, you'll need to set up our specialized add-on: the Migrator module. This piece of software will help you transfer your content and settings over to your new domain.

We've designed it to be streamlined and simple – in fact, you'll barely have to leave the Business Directory interface to use it! That means you can focus less on this process and more on other tasks (such as boosting audience engagement on your new site).

Start by going to Directory → Modules on your current site. After that, scroll down until you see the Migrator box. Install and activate it:

The option to install the Migrator module and move your WordPress site to a new domain.

Afterwards, repeat the same exact process on your new domain. Unless you've installed the module on both sites, you won't be able to complete the transfer.

Then you'll see two new options under Directory in your site's left-hand menu: Migrate (Export) and Migrate (Import). This means that you're ready to start the transition process.

However, we encourage you to double-check to ensure that everything is ready for the big move before you begin. This could include verifying that your settings are correct and alerting your users to the coming change. Then continue to step two when you're ready.

Step 2: Export your current site's data

Next up, you need to gather the data from your original site. Go to Directory → Migrate (Export). You should see a screen that looks like this:

Export options for the Migrator module, so you can move your WordPress site to a new domain.

As the message at the top notes, the export process can take up a lot of resources. In addition to potential memory issues, it will also take a while to complete. As such, we recommend that you only start exporting if you have enough space in your schedule for the entire process.

Start by choosing what you want to export. For an all-inclusive migration, you can simply click on Everything. However, if you'd like to start fresh in some areas – for example, reworking your listing fees – just select the options that you want to carry over to the new domain.

After you've checked your boxes, click on Export! to start the process. Make sure you stay on this page until the task is finished to avoid any errors. When the plugin has completed its job, you'll see a new zip file:

An image of a zip file to move your WordPress site to a new domain, resulting from a successful export.

Download that file. Then continue to the final step.

Step 3: Import the data to your new domain

Finally, you'll upload the zip folder from the previous step to your new site. You have two options for doing so: a Business Directory Plugin form or File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

We recommend that you use FTP if you have a lot of data, in order to avoid any upload errors. For more information on how to do that, check out WordPress' FileZilla walkthrough.

However, if your directory is on the smaller side (such as one catering to a specific niche), you can use the form method. Go to Migrate (import) to get started, and check out the right side of the screen:

The import options for the Migration module, allowing you to move your WordPress site to a new domain.

Click on Choose File and upload the zip folder. Then select Upload Pack. The zip folder should show up on the left side of the screen:

The option to begin an export upload and how to move your wordpress site to a new domain

Before you move on, keep in mind that this process will clear any directory data that's currently on your new site. If you're okay with that, select the pack you want to upload and hit Begin Import.

This process may also take some time. Nevertheless, be sure to stay on this screen. When it's all done, you'll get a success message telling you that your new domain's directory is ready to go.

Conclusion

Moving your WordPress directory to a new domain can sound stressful. However, it doesn't have to be that way! With the help of Business Directory Plugin, you can safely manage a smooth transition.

In this article, we showed you how to move your WordPress site to a new domain:

Activate and install the Migrator module.
Export your current site's data to a zip folder.
Upload that file to your new website.

Business Directory Plugin can do more than just migrate your website – it can also help create your directory site in the first place. Check out more of its features today!