Moving Your Website from GoDaddy to WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

GoDaddy's website builder is simple to start with, but many owners outgrow it. This guide walks through moving a GoDaddy site to WordPress, from choosing hosting to checking the new site after launch.

Step 1: Choose your WordPress hosting

WordPress runs on any host that supports PHP and MySQL. Look for automatic backups, SSL included, a staging copy and support you can reach easily. Hosting plans vary widely in price, so compare the features rather than the headline rate.

Step 2: List what you have

Write down every page, blog post, image and form on the current site. Note the addresses that get the most visits or links, because those are the ones to protect.

Step 3: Build the new site

Install WordPress, pick a theme and rebuild the design. Keep the layout close to the original at first, then improve it once the move is complete. This keeps the project manageable.

Step 4: Move the content

Copy text and images across, and keep page addresses the same wherever possible. Where an address has to change, plan a 301 redirect from the old one to the new one.

Step 5: Set up redirects and sitemaps

Redirects tell browsers and search engines that a page has moved. Create a sitemap in WordPress and submit it to Google Search Console.

Step 6: Test before you switch

• Forms send messages to the right inbox
• Every internal link works
• The site looks right on phones and tablets
• Pages load quickly

Step 7: Switch the domain and check again

Point your domain at the new host only when the test list is complete. Check the site again on launch day and watch Search Console for crawl errors over the following weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to cancel GoDaddy straight away?

Not until the domain has moved and redirects are working. Keep the old site available until then.

Is this something I can do myself?

Yes, if you are comfortable with hosting and file uploads. Many owners prefer a fixed-price move to avoid downtime.

Prefer us to handle it? Request a free quote, or message us on WhatsApp at +1 848 339 6469.