How to Transfer WordPress Sites Safely After Purchase

Introduction

The period between purchasing a WordPress site and having it fully under your control is critical. A botched transfer can mean lost content, broken functionality, SEO damage, or revenue interruption. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire transfer process, ensuring your new acquisition arrives safely and continues performing from day one.

Transfer Overview

What Gets Transferred

A complete WordPress site transfer includes:

Essential Elements:

• Domain name registration
• WordPress installation files
• Database (all content, settings, users)
• Media files (images, videos, documents)
• Theme files and customizations
• Plugin files and settings
• SSL certificate (or new installation)

Additional Assets:

• Email accounts and archives
• Google Analytics property
• Google Search Console access
• Social media accounts
• Ad network accounts
• Affiliate accounts
• Email subscriber lists

Transfer Methods

Method 1: Full Migration (Recommended)

• Move entire site to new hosting
• Cleanest approach
• Full control from start

Method 2: Hosting Account Transfer

• Transfer existing hosting account
• Keep same server setup
• May have higher costs

Method 3: Push Transfer (Domain Only)

• Move domain to new registrar
• Site stays on same hosting initially
• Requires subsequent hosting migration

Pre-Transfer Preparation

Step 1: Secure Your New Hosting

Before anything else, have hosting ready.

Recommended: Cloudways

• Managed cloud hosting
• Easy migration tools
• Excellent performance
• Reasonable pricing

Setup Checklist:

• Account created
• Server provisioned
• WordPress application created
• SFTP credentials saved
• Database credentials noted

Step 2: Document Current Site

Create a site inventory:

• WordPress version
• Theme name and version
• Active plugins list
• Database size
• Total file size
• Admin usernames

Save current performance baseline:

• PageSpeed scores
• GTmetrix results
• Current traffic levels
• Revenue status

Step 3: Verify Access Credentials

Confirm you'll receive:

Step 4: Set Up Escrow

Use escrow for payment protection:

• Escrow.com (most common)
• Payoneer Escrow
• Platform escrow (if using marketplace)

Never release payment until:

• All files transferred
• Site verified working
• Accounts access confirmed
• Support period started

The Transfer Process

Phase 1: Content Migration (Day 1)

Option A: Plugin Migration (Easiest)

Using All-in-One WP Migration:

1. On Source Site:

   • Install All-in-One WP Migration
   • Go to All-in-One WP Migration > Export
   • Click "Export To" > File
   • Download the .wpress file

2. On Destination (Your New Hosting):

   • Install fresh WordPress
   • Install All-in-One WP Migration
   • Go to All-in-One WP Migration > Import
   • Upload .wpress file
   • Click "Proceed"

Note: Free version has size limits. Use Basic extension ($69) for unlimited.

Using Duplicator:

1. On Source Site:

   • Install Duplicator plugin
   • Go to Duplicator > Packages
   • Create new package
   • Download Archive and Installer files

2. On Destination:

   • Upload archive and installer to new server via SFTP
   • Navigate to installer.php in browser
   • Follow the wizard
   • Enter new database credentials
   • Complete installation

Option B: Manual Migration

Step 1: Export Database

Via phpMyAdmin:
1. Access phpMyAdmin on source
2. Select the WordPress database
3. Click "Export"
4. Choose "Custom"
5. Select all tables
6. Format: SQL
7. Click "Go"
8. Save .sql file

Step 2: Download Files

Via FTP/SFTP:
1. Connect to source server
2. Navigate to WordPress directory
3. Download entire directory
4. Verify all files downloaded

Step 3: Upload to New Server

Via FTP/SFTP:
1. Connect to new server
2. Upload WordPress files
3. Verify upload complete

Step 4: Import Database

Via phpMyAdmin:
1. Create new database on destination
2. Create database user with all privileges
3. Go to phpMyAdmin
4. Select new database
5. Click "Import"
6. Upload .sql file
7. Click "Go"

Step 5: Update wp-config.php

define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Phase 2: Domain Transfer (Day 1-7)

Getting the Auth Code

Request authorization code (EPP code) from:

• Seller (if they control registrar)
• Current registrar dashboard
• Registrar support if locked

Auth Code Requirements:

• Valid for 5-7 days typically
• Case-sensitive
• Must not have 60-day lock (recent transfer)

Initiating Domain Transfer

At Your New Registrar (Namecheap Recommended):

1. Go to "Transfer to Us" / "Transfer Domain"
2. Enter domain name
3. Enter auth/EPP code
4. Verify WHOIS contact info
5. Select privacy protection
6. Pay transfer fee ($10-15 typically)
7. Start transfer

Transfer Timeline:

• Immediate: Transfer request sent
• 1-5 days: Confirmation emails sent
• 1-7 days: Transfer completes
• Up to 14 days: If issues occur

Push Transfer (Fastest - Same Registrar)

If both parties use same registrar:

1. Seller initiates push
2. You accept in your account
3. Domain moves instantly
4. No waiting period

Phase 3: DNS Configuration (After Domain Transfer)

Updating DNS Records

Nameserver Method:

1. Get nameservers from new hosting
2. Update nameservers at registrar
3. Wait for propagation (24-48 hours)

A Record Method:

1. Keep existing nameservers
2. Update A record to new server IP
3. Update www CNAME if needed
4. Faster propagation (1-4 hours)

Essential DNS Records:

Phase 4: SSL Certificate Setup

Option A: Let's Encrypt (Free)

Most hosts provide automatic Let's Encrypt:

• Cloudways: One-click SSL
• SiteGround: Automatic
• Hostinger: Automatic

Option B: Paid SSL

For e-commerce or higher trust needs:

• Purchase from registrar or host
• Install via hosting dashboard
• Configure WordPress for HTTPS

Forcing HTTPS in WordPress

1. Update WordPress URL settings:

   • Settings > General
   • Change both URLs to https://

2. Or via wp-config.php:

define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com');

3. Search/replace old URLs in database:
   • Use Better Search Replace plugin
   • Search: http://yourdomain.com
   • Replace: https://yourdomain.com

Phase 5: Verification & Testing

Functionality Checklist

• Homepage loads correctly
• All pages accessible
• Blog posts display
• Images load properly
• Navigation works
• Contact forms function
• Search works
• Comments work (if enabled)
• Mobile responsive
• SSL certificate active

WordPress Admin Checklist

• Can log in to admin
• Dashboard accessible
• Can create/edit posts
• Media library works
• Plugins page loads
• Theme customizer works
• Settings pages accessible

Technical Checklist

• No PHP errors
• No broken links
• Redirects working
• Page speed acceptable
• No mixed content warnings

Phase 6: Account Transfers

Google Analytics

1. Seller adds your email to property
2. Accept invitation
3. Seller makes you admin
4. Remove seller (after confirmation)

Google Search Console

1. Add property to your Search Console
2. Verify via DNS or meta tag
3. Request seller remove their verification
4. Verify ownership transfer

Ad Networks

Affiliate Accounts

Options:

1. Transfer account ownership (if allowed)
2. Create new accounts, update links
3. Use link management plugin for easy updating

Email Marketing

1. Export subscribers from old account
2. Import to your email service
3. Update signup forms
4. Verify compliance with terms

Post-Transfer Optimization

Immediate Actions (Day 1)

• Change all passwords
• Enable 2FA on accounts
• Update admin email
• Set up backup solution
• Configure security plugin
• Update WordPress (if needed)
• Update plugins (carefully)
• Verify SSL working

First Week

• Monitor traffic via Analytics
• Check Search Console for errors
• Verify monetization working
• Test all major functionality
• Address any issues found
• Contact seller for support if needed

First Month

• Complete full site audit
• Optimize performance
• Update outdated content
• Plan content strategy
• Set up monitoring alerts
• Document site operations

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: White Screen After Migration

Causes & Fixes:

1. Memory limit - increase in wp-config.php
2. Plugin conflict - disable plugins via SFTP
3. Theme issue - switch to default theme
4. Database error - check wp-config.php credentials

Issue: Broken Images

Solution:

1. Check file paths in database
2. Run search/replace for old URLs
3. Verify media files uploaded
4. Check file permissions

Issue: Site Redirect Loop

Solution:

1. Clear .htaccess file
2. Save permalinks settings
3. Check for SSL conflicts
4. Review redirect plugins

Issue: Can't Log Into Admin

Solution:

1. Try password reset
2. Create admin via phpMyAdmin
3. Disable security plugins via SFTP
4. Check wp-config.php for URL issues

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the transfer take?

Site migration: 1-4 hours Domain transfer: 1-7 days Full handover: 1-2 weeks

What if something goes wrong?

That's why you use escrow. Don't release payment until everything works. Sellers typically provide 1-2 weeks of support.

Should I keep the same hosting?

Not necessarily. Evaluate if current hosting meets your needs. Often migrating to better hosting (like Cloudways) improves performance.

How do I minimize SEO impact?

• Keep URLs unchanged
• Maintain redirects
• Don't modify content immediately
• Verify Search Console setup
• Monitor rankings weekly

When should I make changes?

Wait 2-4 weeks post-transfer before making significant changes. Let Google recognize the ownership change and verify everything is stable.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare hosting and accounts before starting transfer
• Use proven migration methods (plugins or manual)
• Domain transfers take 1-7 days
• SSL and DNS configuration are critical
• Verify everything before releasing escrow payment
• Don't make major changes immediately post-transfer
• Use seller support period if issues arise

Next Steps

Ready to acquire a WordPress site? Browse our marketplace where transfers include step-by-step guidance and support to ensure your site arrives safely and continues performing.

Meta Description: Complete guide to transferring WordPress sites safely after purchase. Learn migration methods, domain transfer, DNS setup, and post-transfer verification steps.

Keywords: wordpress site transfer, domain migration, website transfer, wordpress migration, site ownership transfer