Moving a domain to a different website involves updating your domain’s DNS settings to point it to a new hosting plan or website. This process is often needed when you’re rebranding, transferring a project, or updating your hosting setup. OzSpeed’s hPanel provides an easy way to manage your domain and ensure it connects to the correct website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move your domain smoothly.
Step 1: Backup Your Current Website #
Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to back up the current website associated with your domain. This ensures that you can restore it if needed.
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.
Step 2: Disconnect the Domain from the Current Website #
To move the domain to a new website, you first need to disconnect it from the existing hosting plan.
How to Disconnect the Domain: #
- In hPanel, go to Domains > Manage Domain.
- Click “Remove Domain” from the current hosting plan.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Important Note: #
- Removing the domain does not delete it; it simply disconnects it from the current website.
Step 3: Set Up the New Hosting Plan #
Ensure that the new website or hosting plan where you want to move the domain is already set up and ready.
How to Set Up a New Hosting Plan: #
- Go to Hosting > Add New Website in hPanel.
- Select the hosting plan for the new website and complete the setup process.
Tip: #
- Make sure the new hosting plan has sufficient resources for your website files and database.
Step 4: Connect the Domain to the New Website #
Now that the domain is disconnected, you can connect it to the new website.
How to Connect the Domain: #
- Go to Domains > Connect Domain in hPanel.
- Enter the domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com).
- Select the new hosting plan where you want to connect the domain.
- Click “Connect” and wait for the system to update the settings.
Tip: #
- Allow a few minutes for the domain connection to take effect.
Step 5: Update DNS Records #
If your domain is registered with a third-party provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap), you need to update the DNS records to point to OzSpeed’s new hosting server.
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 with the IP address of the new hosting server (found in hPanel under DNS Settings).
- Save the changes.
Example A Record:
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 203.0.113.123 | Auto |
Tip: #
- Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.
Step 6: Enable SSL for the Domain #
After moving the domain, ensure it’s secured with an SSL certificate.
How to Enable SSL: #
- Go to Security > SSL/TLS in hPanel.
- Select the domain and click Enable SSL.
- Wait for the SSL certificate to be issued and activated.
Tip: #
- Enable Force HTTPS to redirect all traffic to the secure version of your site.
Step 7: Test the New Website #
Verify that the domain is correctly pointing to the new website and that everything is working as expected.
Testing Checklist: #
- Visit the Domain: Open your browser and go to yourdomain.com.
- Check Links and Content: Ensure that all links, images, and files load properly.
- Verify SSL: Confirm that the website uses HTTPS and shows the padlock icon.
Tip: #
- Use an incognito window or clear your browser cache to see the changes.
Step 8: Set Up 301 Redirects (Optional) #
If you’ve moved the domain from an old website, set up 301 redirects to direct traffic from the old site to the new one. This helps maintain SEO rankings and user experience.
How to Set Up 301 Redirects: #
- In hPanel, go to Advanced > Redirects.
- Enter the old URL (e.g., oldsite.com/page1) and the new URL (e.g., newsite.com/page1).
- Choose 301 Permanent Redirect and click Add Redirect.
Tip: #
- Use a wildcard redirect (e.g., oldsite.com/ to newsite.com/) to handle all pages automatically.
Step 9: Update SEO and Analytics Settings #
To ensure a smooth transition, update your SEO settings and analytics tracking codes.
How to Update SEO Settings: #
- Go to Marketing > SEO Tools in hPanel.
- Update the Meta Title, Meta Description, and Keywords for the domain.
Update Analytics: #
- Go to Settings > Tracking Codes in hPanel.
- Replace the old Google Analytics tracking code with the new one.
Tip: #
- Resubmit your sitemap in Google Search Console for the new domain.
Step 10: Monitor the Domain and Website #
After moving the domain, keep an eye on the website’s performance and SEO.
How to Monitor: #
- Use Google Analytics to track visitor traffic and behavior.
- Check Google Search Console for any crawl errors or indexing issues.
- Use a tool like UptimeRobot to monitor website uptime.
Tip: #
- Expect a temporary fluctuation in traffic as search engines update their index with the new domain.
Troubleshooting Tips #
- Website Not Loading:
- Check DNS settings and allow time for propagation.
- Verify that the domain is correctly connected to the new hosting plan.
- Mixed Content Warning:
- Update all internal links to use HTTPS.
- Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL for WordPress sites.
- SEO Drop After Moving the Domain:
- Set up 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one.
- Monitor your SEO performance and make necessary adjustments.
Additional Tips: #
- Keep the Old Domain Active Temporarily: Maintain the old domain and hosting for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
- Communicate the Change: Inform your audience and clients about the domain move through email newsletters and social media updates.
- Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups in hPanel to protect your data.
