Buying or selling a website involves more than exchanging money. You must ensure the domain ownership and website files are properly transferred to the new owner. Failing to do so can result in lost traffic, broken links, or even legal disputes.

This guide walks you through every step of domain and WordPress website transfers, covering both registrar transfers and account changes, as well as manual and plugin-based WordPress migration. By following these steps, you’ll avoid downtime, ensure data integrity, and maintain the value of the website.

💡 Pro Tip: Always create backups of your website and database before any transfer. Even minor mistakes can cause major disruptions.

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Part 1: Transferring Ownership of a Domain

There are two main ways to transfer a domain:

• Transfer the domain to a new registrar.
• Keep the domain on the same registrar but change the account.

Your choice depends on your situation:

• Registrar transfer: Ideal if the buyer prefers a specific registrar (e.g., consolidating all domains in GoDaddy).
• Account change: Preferable for newly registered domains with a 60-day transfer lock.

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Method 1: Registrar Transfer Example

Here’s how to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to HostGator.

Step 1: Unlock the Domain

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Navigate to Domains > Manage.
3. Select the domain to transfer.
4. Go to Settings > Lock, click Manage, and toggle Off.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking too early may expose the domain to unauthorized transfers. Only unlock when ready to initiate transfer.

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Step 2: Request an Authorization Code (EPP Code)

1. In Settings, locate Authorization Code.
2. Click "Email my code" to send it to the registered email.
3. Provide this code to the receiving party.

🔑 Pro Tip: Treat this code like a password. Never share it publicly or via unsecure channels.

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Step 3: Initiate Transfer at Receiving Registrar

1. Visit HostGator > Domain Transfer.
2. Enter the domain and the EPP/authorization code.
3. Complete checkout if required.

Step 4: Approve the Transfer

1. Log back into your GoDaddy account.
2. Navigate to Domains > Transfers.
3. Select the domain and click Accept.

✅ After approval, GoDaddy will email confirmation. Transfers can take up to 10 days.

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Method 2: Account Change Example

Here’s how to transfer a domain between two GoDaddy accounts.

Step 1: Request Customer Number

Ask the receiving party for:

• GoDaddy customer number
• Registered email address

Step 2: Back Up Website

• Use a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration.
• If using a different host, check for their backup options.

Step 3: Navigate to Account Change Page

1. Log in to GoDaddy > Domains > All Domains.
2. Select your domain and click the gear icon > Domain Settings.
3. Scroll down and choose "Transfer to another GoDaddy account."

Step 4: Initiate the Account Change

1. Enter the receiving party’s email and customer number.
2. Select "Use details from specified user account."

Step 5: Accept the Account Change

The receiving party must log in and accept the domain into their account.

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Part 2: WordPress Website Transfer Guide

There are two main methods for transferring WordPress sites:

1. Manual migration
2. Backup plugin migration

Tip: Keep a folder on your desktop for the website, containing WP site files, database, images, license keys, and miscellaneous files. This helps organize everything for the buyer.

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Method 1: Manual WordPress Site Migration

Example: Moving from GoDaddy to HostGator using FileZilla

Step 1: Install WordPress on New Host

1. Log in to HostGator > Get Started with WordPress.
2. Click Install WordPress.
3. Select domain, leave path blank.
4. Fill in admin email and credentials.
5. Install and save credentials.
6. Create FTP account (Directory: /)

Step 2: Save Database Credentials

Open wp-config.php in your old site and note:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_db_password');

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Step 3: Copy All Website Files

1. Connect to old host via FileZilla.
2. Navigate to public_html > select all WordPress files.
3. Download files to local folder "WP Site Files."

Step 4: Export Database

• Open phpMyAdmin.
• Select database > Check all tables > Export > Quick > SQL.

Step 5: Upload Files to New Host

1. Connect to new host via FTP.
2. Drag WP files into public_html.
3. Overwrite existing files.

Step 6: Import Database to New Host

• Open phpMyAdmin on new host
• Drop all tables from fresh install
• Import old SQL file

Step 7: Update wp-config.php

1. Replace DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD with old credentials.
2. Save and refresh permalinks in WordPress admin.

✅ Your site is now fully migrated.

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Method 2: Using a WordPress Backup Plugin

Plugin Example: All-in-One WP Migration

Step 1: Install Plugin

• Log in to WordPress > Plugins > Add New
• Search All-in-One WP Migration > Install & Activate

Step 2: Export Site

1. Navigate: All-in-One WP Migration > Export
2. Export To > File
3. Download backup

Step 3: Install WordPress on New Host

• Install fresh WordPress on new domain
• Ensure DNS is pointing correctly

Step 4: Import Site

1. Install plugin again on new site
2. All-in-One WP Migration > Import
3. Choose file and import
4. Overwrite current database
5. Refresh permalinks

💡 Pro Tip: For large sites (>512MB), consider splitting backup or using premium plugin features.

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Final Migration Steps

• Refresh permalinks: Settings > Permalinks > Save
• Check DNS settings for correct nameservers/IP
• Remove old wp-config.php from old host
• Delete old files/databases once migration is confirmed

🔄 Practice Tip: Create a sandbox with multiple hosting accounts to practice migrations. This builds confidence before performing live transfers.

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Key Takeaways

• Backup everything before transfer
• Choose the right method depending on registrar and account status
• Manual or plugin migration can both work, choose based on site size and complexity
• Test thoroughly before finalizing ownership change

Selling or buying a website doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transfer, protect site value, and maintain uptime for visitors.