If you need to change the domain name for your website, OzSpeed’s hPanel makes the process straightforward. Changing your domain can be necessary if you’ve rebranded, found a better domain name, or need to use a different extension (e.g., switching from .net to .com). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update your domain name on OzSpeed.
Step 1: Purchase or Prepare Your New Domain #
Before you change your domain, ensure that your new domain is registered and ready to use.
- Go to OzSpeed Domain Search to check the availability of your new domain.
- Purchase the new domain if it’s available, or ensure that it’s already registered and accessible through your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
Tip: #
- It’s a good idea to keep your old domain active temporarily and set up a redirect to the new domain to avoid losing traffic.
Step 2: Back Up Your Website #
Changing your domain involves updating DNS settings and other configurations, so it’s essential to back up your website first.
How to Create a Backup: #
- Log in to hPanel at ozspeed.com.au.
- Go to Files > Backups.
- Click Create New Backup and wait for the process to complete.
- Download the backup file for safekeeping.
Tip: #
- Keep a copy of the backup file on your local computer or cloud storage for extra security.
Step 3: Update Domain Settings in hPanel #
- In hPanel, go to Domains > Manage Domain.
- Click “Change Domain” and enter the new domain name.
- Confirm the action and wait for the system to update your domain settings.
Important Notes: #
- This process may take a few minutes, and your website may experience temporary downtime.
- Ensure that the new domain is correctly spelled and formatted (e.g., yournewdomain.com).
Tip: #
- If you encounter any issues, contact OzSpeed Support for assistance.
Step 4: Update DNS Records #
After changing the domain in hPanel, you need to update the DNS records at your domain registrar.
How to Update DNS Records: #
- Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
- Go to the DNS Management section.
- Update the A record to point to your OzSpeed server’s IP address (found in hPanel under DNS Settings).
- Update any other necessary records (e.g., CNAME, MX) based on your website’s configuration.
Example A Record:
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 203.0.113.123 | Auto |
- Click Save to apply the changes.
Tip: #
- Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate fully.
Step 5: Set Up 301 Redirects #
To prevent traffic loss and maintain your search engine ranking, set up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new domain.
How to Set Up Redirects: #
- In hPanel, go to Advanced > Redirects.
- Enter your old domain (e.g., yourolddomain.com) and the new domain (e.g., yournewdomain.com).
- Choose 301 Permanent Redirect and click Add Redirect.
Tip: #
- Use a wildcard redirect to ensure all pages from the old domain are redirected to the corresponding pages on the new domain.
Step 6: Update SSL Certificate #
If you have an SSL certificate for your old domain, you need to reissue it for the new domain.
How to Reissue SSL: #
- Go to Security > SSL/TLS in hPanel.
- Click Reissue SSL for your new domain.
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Tip: #
- Ensure that your new domain uses HTTPS by enabling the Force HTTPS option in hPanel.
Step 7: Update Website Settings and Content #
Once the domain change is complete, update all internal links, logos, and settings that reference your old domain.
What to Update: #
- Internal Links: Go through your website content and update any internal links pointing to the old domain.
- CMS Settings: If you’re using WordPress, go to Settings > General and update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL).
- Sitemap: Update and resubmit your sitemap to search engines via Google Search Console.
Tip: #
- Use a plugin like Better Search Replace in WordPress to quickly update all instances of the old domain.
Step 8: Test Your Website #
After making the changes, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything is working correctly.
Testing Checklist: #
- Visit the New Domain: Check that your website loads properly with the new domain name.
- Test Redirects: Enter your old domain URL and confirm that it redirects to the new domain.
- Check SSL Status: Verify that the new domain uses HTTPS without any “Not Secure” warnings.
Tip: #
- Use a tool like Redirect Checker to verify that all redirects are working correctly.
Step 9: Monitor Website Traffic and SEO #
Changing your domain can impact your website’s traffic and SEO. Monitor your website’s performance to address any issues promptly.
How to Monitor: #
- Use Google Analytics to track traffic changes.
- Check Google Search Console for any crawl errors or indexing issues.
- Update your business listings, social media profiles, and backlinks to reflect the new domain.
Tip: #
- Keep an eye on your SEO metrics for the first few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Troubleshooting Tips #
- Website Not Loading After Domain Change:
- Double-check the DNS records and allow time for propagation.
- Clear your browser cache or use an incognito window to test the site.
- SSL Certificate Error:
- Reissue the SSL certificate for the new domain in hPanel.
- Ensure that Force HTTPS is enabled for the new domain.
- Broken Links or Missing Pages:
- Set up 301 redirects for any old URLs that are not automatically redirected.
- Use a link checker tool to find and fix any broken links.
Additional Tips: #
- Keep the Old Domain Active: Maintain the old domain for at least a few months and set up redirects to ensure a smooth transition.
- Update Your Brand Materials: Change your email signatures, business cards, and marketing materials to reflect the new domain name.
- Inform Your Audience: Announce the domain change on your social media channels, email newsletters, and blog to keep your audience informed.
