What is the best way to go about changing the domain name of the website?
If you won’t be moving any files, just change the two URLs at Settings -> General before switching out the domain.
https://codex.ww.wp.xz.cn/Moving_WordPress
How long should this take?
When a domain is registered or altered, there is a process called propagation, where information about the domain name is passed to internet service providers all over the world. This process can take up to 72 hours (though usually much less). During that time, your domain may go to its old location, and you may also receive a warning message in your browser about “redirect errors.”
If you still have trouble viewing the site after 72 hours have passed, please try clearing your browser’s cache.
If that doesn’t work, try clearing your local DNS cache: https://support.opendns.com/entries/26336865-Clearing-the-DNS-Cache-on-Computers-Servers-and-Web-Browsers
What is a reasonable price to charge him for this?
Totally up to you and whatever you’re comfortable with. The actual work will probably take you 15 minutes (assuming the hosting provider and domain registrar’s panels aren’t a nightmare to deal with), so weigh your standard hourly rate against the possibility of charging just a flat fee for this.
First off, thank you for the post. It’s that easy eh? Do I need to do anything in the admin panel or on the backend of WordPress?
Do I need to do anything in the admin panel or on the backend of WordPress?
Yes. 🙂
“If you won’t be moving any files, just change the two URLs at Settings -> General before switching out the domain.”
Thank you very much for the help. So I just point the new domain to the right spot and change the two settings in the panel? You are awesome!
Change the settings in the panel *before* pointing the domain.
Understood. Thank you sir!
