Porting my website to WordPress.com from GoDaddy
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Currently the WordPress website for my HOA is hosted on GoDaddy. I have two domains (one .org, the other .com), both pointing to the same WordPress instance. The domains are registered at GoDaddy too.
I want to move hosting to WordPress.com where I will subscribe to the Premium plan. I’ve ported successfully to my free test site; ‘mytestsite971848587.wordpress.com’, so the following questions are about organizing the move of the live site. I’d appreciate recommendations to smooth the process and avoid blow-ups.
I’m thinking Step-1 should be creating a fresh new instance of my site on WordPress.com (and leave my free test site for testing). Should I do that with a temporary domain or do I need to start with one of my actual domain names?
Then I need connect the remaining (or both) domains to my new WordPress.com instance. Do I need to transfer my domains to WordPress.com or will they continue to be registered on GoDaddy until they need to be registrations expire?
Ant pointers to guide me through this process will be appreciated. Thanks!WP.com: Yes
Correct account: YesThe blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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Howdy –
Thanks for writing to us. We can definitely help you along in the process of moving your sites over to WordPress.com.
You have established a free site address (which is the first step). Now, you can work on getting the site content imported over. Here are the directions to accomplish that step: https://wordpress.com/support/import/import-an-entire-wordpress-site/
Alternatively, you can choose to have our team take care of the import and the building of the new site. Those details are on https://builtbywp.com/
After getting the content situated, and the theme set up, the last thing you’ll do is connect your domains. Waiting to do this at the end reduces the down time that is experienced.
The domains can be mapped or transferred. One domain is included with your hosting plan. We can help you get the second one added when you get to that point. https://en.support.wordpress.com/domain-connection-vs-domain-transfer/
Write back with more questions, we are happy to help.
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Hi,
Thanks for your quick response – there’s a lot in there and I’m still digesting. A couple follow-on questions…
RE: Connect vs. Transfer: If I transfer a domain from GoDaddy that still has another year and half remaining on its registration, will it still have a year and a half remaining on its registration at WordPress.com?
RE: Primary Domain: To set a domain as primary, does it need to be registered at WordPress (that is, a domain transferred to or created on WordPress vs. an external one connected to my site on WordPress)?
Thanks again!
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Hello there,
RE: Connect vs. Transfer: If I transfer a domain from GoDaddy that still has another year and half remaining on its registration, will it still have a year and a half remaining on its registration at WordPress.com?
No you would not. The registration from WordPress.com, would be from when the transfer is completed.
RE: Primary Domain: To set a domain as primary, does it need to be registered at WordPress (that is, a domain transferred to or created on WordPress vs. an external one connected to my site on WordPress)?
It does not. Even if the domain is connected from another provider, it still can be set as the primary domain.
The site would need to have a paid plan in order to set a primary custom domain.
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Thank you for the additional information. Following on into these details…
So then, it sounds like if domain(s) are transferred from another registrar to WordPress.com, is that to say it would be re-registered with WordPress.com at the time of transfer?
Are domain registrations at WordPress.com annual or biannual?
Do you have a price list for other service fees? (I’ve searched, but I’m coming up with the plan fees. Specifically, I’m wondering about the following…)
What does domain registration cost?
Your site says one domain is included with paid plans for the first year. After the first year do the regular domain registration fees apply?
Thanks once again
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Hello there,
So then, it sounds like if domain(s) are transferred from another registrar to WordPress.com, is that to say it would be re-registered with WordPress.com at the time of transfer?
In a way yes – although it would not be the original registrar when the domain was first purchased, it would be the new domain registrar.
Are domain registrations at WordPress.com annual or biannual?
They are annual.
What does domain registration cost?
It can vary on the domain, but around $18-$26 generally speaking. https://en.support.wordpress.com/domains/domain-pricing-and-available-tlds/
Your site says one domain is included with paid plans for the first year. After the first year do the regular domain registration fees apply?
Yes they do.
I hope this helps.
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Thank you for your prompt and helpful response.
When I create my new site on my paid WordPress plan, I will need a domain name. (I don’t know what you call the initial domain name – I know “primary” refers to the one visitors see the site as.) I know I can find an available domain name and claim it. Then I can complete my site build. Then I can connect or transfer my two existing domains from my old host. At that point the initial domain name used to create my site becomes redundant. So, My questions:
– Can the new domain used to create my site be discarded once my existing domains are connected or transferred?
– Can I use a connected or a transferred domain name to build my new site? (I suppose the downside is my site will be off-line for a longer period of time while I construct my new site.)
– This must be a fairly common process. Is there a recommended method?Thank you!
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Hello there,
– Can the new domain used to create my site be discarded once my existing domains are connected or transferred?
If you intend to use the original domain further down the line, there’s no need to purchase an additional domain.
A free .WordPress.com domain (e.g. mysite.WordPress.com) will be provided to you, and the site can be built under that domain.
When ready, the domain can be either connected or transferred to WordPress.com.
– Can I use a connected or a transferred domain name to build my new site? (I suppose the downside is my site will be off-line for a longer period of time while I construct my new site.)
– This must be a fairly common process. Is there a recommended method?Yes, but, there’s no need to disrupt your live site whilst you build a new one.
I’d recommend using the free domain provided to build the site under and transfer/connect the domain as above. :)
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Oh! That’s great! I did not realize the WordPress domains (ie; mysite.wordpress.com), remained free indefinitely.
Thank you. That answers my question and resolves my larger question about how to gracefully transition. Makes sense. -
Hello there,
I’m glad this has been helpful.
A correction is in order on my part… I previously stated:
RE: Connect vs. Transfer: If I transfer a domain from GoDaddy that still has another year and half remaining on its registration, will it still have a year and a half remaining on its registration at WordPress.com? No you would not. The registration from WordPress.com, would be from when the transfer is completed.This is not actually the case… Instead, As part of the transfer process, your domain will be renewed for an additional year. If you just renewed the domain with your current provider, you will not lose that renewal. As stated here: https://wordpress.com/support/domains/incoming-domain-transfer/#before-you-get-started
Apologies for any confusion there!
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I appreciate your taking time to post the correction.
My two domains were renewed in August for two years, so they have more than 1.5 years remaining.
So it sounds like the first one transferred would (if I understand correctly) retain the 1.5 years plus 1 year credit from WordPress. The second domain transferred would retain the 1.5 years. And I suppose there may be a transfer fee, but that might also extend the registration an additional year.
For continuity of site access I’m thinking it will be best to connect one domain initially. Once the DNS has settled, then I could transfer both domains onto WordPress.com.
Thank you!
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Hi,
retain the 1.5 years plus 1 year credit from WordPress. The second domain transferred would retain the 1.5 years.
Both domains will retain their 1.5 year renewal and will also be renewed for an additional year upon transfer here on WordPress.com.
And I suppose there may be a transfer fee, but that might also extend the registration an additional year.
If both domains will be connected to the same WordPress.com site, then one will benefit from the free domain credit, while for the other one, you’ll have to pay a transfer fee which equals the domain registration price. And, of course, both domains will be renewed for an additional year. This is applies for all domain transfers.
For continuity of site access I’m thinking it will be best to connect one domain initially. Once the DNS has settled, then I could transfer both domains onto WordPress.com.
Yes, you can absolutely do that.
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