Are you blinded by the shininess of my spanking NEW blog????
Okay, some of you may be slightly confused as to why this is no longer Mama Wants This yet it looks eerily similar.
What can I say, I loved my old design so much, all I wanted was a tweak in color and graphics. Also, it’s not so much a shock to the system yes?
So do you like it?
Anyway, if you EVER think of changing your blog name – DON’T.
Hah!
Seriously, it’s a pain in the behind. It’s all very techy and stuff and the available information is mind boggling.
Free advice for you who don’t blog but you’re thinking of starting one – think long and hard about your blog name!
However, since I already went through this painful process, I thought I’d shell out more free, unsolicited advice on how to move your blog to a new domain (if you so unwisely choose to, you’re in the right place!).
Note: This advice applies to moving a self-hosted WordPress blog to another WordPress blog on the same host.
1. Purchase and register your new domain. If you are on WordPress.org, you can find out if your hosting companies sell domains. Mine does, but I bought my new one from GoDaddy.com and had to redirect my name servers and move my domain to BlueHost. This part is easy and relatively painless. It can also be done pretty instantly.
2. New design! This is the fun part. I worked with Cynthia of NW Designs again as she designed my old blog and already knows what I like. Cynthia works fast, I like that! I find that when you respond quickly to your designer, they will reciprocate. You want a quick turnover with your design, they like moving their jobs quickly through their work queue. Win-win.
3. You can do this part later, but I had Cynthia install my new design first, before moving the content from my old blog. Once it was installed, I went about downloading plugins and customizing my sidebar.
4. Now, the actual moving of stuff. I Googled and I looked on the help forums within my hosting company to see what it involved. If you’re a tech idiot like me, all the language is fairly technical and the amount of information, overwhelming. You will find that many sources will give you different information on the best way to move your blog content without losing anything. This is because there are least 3 to 4 ways of moving your content over (4 if you’re on BlueHost).I won’t go into the technicalities, let’s just say you need a little know-how so you don’t stuff it up.
5. Point #4 is just to let you know – if you want to do it yourself, you can. There is enough information and you just need brass balls. Which I don’t possess. So I called in a tech whiz – Vanita Cyril. People, she is FABULOUS. A work-at-home mom of FOUR, Vanita is friendly, professional and so very patient with my many questions. Vanita moved my posts, pictures and comments, fixed all the broken links and did the site redirect (i.e. if you type in my old URL, you’ll land on this site) within days. I cannot say enough how awesome she is and highly recommend her services to anyone who needs help with moving domains, or just any WordPress stuff.
6. Next, make sure you check your Feedburner! Don’t change the feed address as you’ll lose all your subscribers, RSS and email. Vanita sorted this out for me too.
7. Don’t forget to check your email subscription settings to ensure that the title of your posts delivered to inboxes reflect the change in your blog name.
8. If you want a blog specific email (mine is alison at writingwishing dot com), you can set that up in your Control Panel at your host. BlueHost has a Google App Wizard which allows me to set up my email within Google (like a Gmail account) with just a couple of clicks.
9. Do you have a Facebook page for your blog? If you do and you have 200 or more likes, note that you CANNOT change the name on your page. Facebook only allows you to change the name if you have less than 200 fans. You can only submit a name change request for your page if it is for a business or product, and they may ask for documentation to prove this. My page had nearly 500 likes, so I had to start over. What I did was let my page likers know early, and I set up my new Facebook page before my new blog was up. I then asked nicely for my regulars to go like the new page (over 100 of you did in the first 24 hours, thank you!). I’ll be keeping the old page up for a few months to slowly move everyone (or as many people as possible) to the new page. And if you haven’t liked the new page yet, see the box on your right? Just one click!
10. Don’t forget to go to all your social media accounts (Twitter, Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Instagram and so on) and update the details of your blog name and URL to the new one, as well as blog commenting sign-in systems like IntenseDebate, Disqus, LiveFyre and your Google and Gravatar profiles (if you have one).
And THEN, you’re done.
You’re welcome.
Do you like my new look and name? Be honest, I won’t take offense, promise. I just won’t share my chocolate with you.
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Yay! Re-invented blogs like yours are love. And yours is LOVELY, Alison!
I actually had a blog re-invention last July 1st. It’s been a blissful month, thankfully. No changing domains, though! I remember the stress of moving from one blog platform to another. Egad. Never again!
I know I’m going to enjoy this new look and direction as much as your old one!
Martine | Work at Home Mom Writer ‘s last awesome post..WAHMs, SAHMs, Mompreneurs and Mom Bloggers: Get Your Biz, Blog or Story Headlined!
It was stressful at first, until I found someone who could do it for me, and do it with confidence.
And thank you for the support!
LOVE IT! And I love Cynthia!
tracy@sellabitmum ‘s last awesome post..Three
Thank you! She did your blog and I know that because I stalk you.
Twitter: copilotmom
says:
Congratulations on your brand new blog! It looks wonderful!
Co-Pilot Mom ‘s last awesome post..Park It
Thank you, I love it!
Twitter: FotoFriendlyMom
says:
I do love your new blog look! I’m glad you made a switch, cause this does look more like you and a more “writer” you, not just the “mama” you. I dig it! Glad you survived the move with little to no scratches
I also like that it was an easy transition for your followers, cause I really only had to like your new facebook page. I still get the email notifications of new posts, so I’m happy if you’re happy 
MamaCassie ‘s last awesome post..A Heavy Heart
Yay I’m so glad you like it and you got the email subscription!
I love it!
love that it’s not shockingly different, makes me feel at home right away.
I came here from my Google reader..That’s good news, right!?
Mirjam ‘s last awesome post..How to create magic
OMG such good news! So my feed works, YAY.
Love the new name! So whimsical. I love you design too. Congratulations!
Leslie ‘s last awesome post..One Weekend – Two Parties
Thank you Leslie!
Twitter: LauraORourke
says:
I’m so glad it is done! You must be so relieved. With all the changes, it really does feel comfortable and a lot like your old one. It is great!
Laura @ Mommy Miracles ‘s last awesome post..My Time
No gladder than me! And thank you, glad you said it’s comfortable. Because that was what I was aiming for.
Congratulations!!!
All of that sounds too complicated. That’s why I keep Fred around.
m.
You lucky man. I don’t have a Fred.
I love the new blog name—it describes you perfectly!
Natalie ‘s last awesome post..Throw a Dog a Bone
Thanks Natalie!
Looks great Alison.
Congrats in your new space!va lot of hard work but worth it
Leighann ‘s last awesome post..Say a Little Prayer
Thanks Leighann!
I love the new look and the new name, and I’m STILL feeling sorry for you about the FB page business! PS send banana bread…
Thank you Jessica!
PS: Banana bread on the way.
Congrats on all of this! It makes my stomach hurt just thinking about doing it myself. Techie, I am not!
Missy | The Literal Mom ‘s last awesome post..PMS is Real
Thanks Missy! It was a pain and I’m so glad it’s all done!
Whoa, that sounds like a lot of stress. Here, I brought some tea. This is a blogwarming party, right?
Why thank you, ma’am. And yes, it is! *slurps tea while it’s hot*
I LOVE the new look!!!! You make it all seem so easy. I would totally get lost in all of the techy stuff!
It was relatively easy because I had great help! And thank you!
Love the post! I’ve been thinking about a name change and now you’ve given me plenty to think about.
One thing tho, you can merge your FB Fan pages! I found this out when I had to change the name of my business on a technicality after I submitted my LLC docs. Go to your new page and look for that. You’ll be able to do it from there. You lose all of your posts but it brings over all of your fans! I’d love to tell you how I did it but I stumbled upon it and in my excitement, have managed to forget it all! I’m on my phone but can’t wait to check this out on the laptop!
Sili ‘s last awesome post..The Potty Papers: Epilogue
I did look for a way and nada because my page is a personal blog page. If it was a business, it’d be definitely doable. Sigh. But it’s okay, we’ll get back up to speed soon. Some day.
I wonder if you could change it to a personal business page and then do it
. I’m always looking for sneaky ways to do things!
I’m sure you won’t have problems getting everyone to like your new page. Congrats again!
Sili ‘s last awesome post..Mami the Vote!
If I did, they’d ask for documentation to prove that I am indeed a business and I don’t have that
Oh I adore this!
Congratulations on the move!
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes ‘s last awesome post..Happy happy birthday n°2
Thank you my friend!
It was a little stressful reading this! It reminded me of my jump from blogger to wordpress back in the spring. I had great help with it but AH! Such a pain and your heart is in your throat hoping all goes well. Only bloggers understand what it feels like, I think. Glad your move was successful and you’re settling in. Love the new look!
I did that move too, a year ago and it was a little stressful! Glad this is over. NO MORE. And thank you!!
I love the name and new look. I went through “the change” with my blog this past year and it was hard. All instructions seemed Greek to me. Congratulations on a new direction – good luck!
Deb ‘s last awesome post..Tuesday Archive Link Up – #4
Thanks Deb! Yes, it did all look like Greek, which is why I had Vanita do the hard parts
Love the name and love the little design tweaks!
(Also, I didn’t know Blue Host had a google thing for their e-mail. I just redirect all mine, which is kind of a pain. I will look into that!)
angela ‘s last awesome post..Sand In Our Hair
Thanks Angela!
(Yes they do, I was so thrilled! It was really easy, it took about 4-5 hours for it to work but it worked)
There really is too much information out there!
Congrats on the move! It suits you nicely!
Kimberly ‘s last awesome post..Choosing To Smile
Right?? And thank you! For everything.
Awesome! I can imagine how much of a pain in the ass that would be, but it looks great!
Robin | Farewell, Stranger ‘s last awesome post..Goodbye Wedding Ring
It was but Vanita really took the bulk of the work (and stress) off me so hurrah! And thank you.
Love the new blog! The name is perfect!
Thank you!!
This is great. Love that it’s new but familiar. I’m so glad, that my husband is a tech wizard and knows most of this stuff… I don’t have to worry about hosting issues at all. That’s his gig. I like to tweak my theme myself. It’s a slow process as I’m learning along the way but I love it!
Susi ‘s last awesome post..Picture Perfect Sundays #14
That’s convenient! I wish I could do the design tweaks myself but I’m really crap at these things
I really love your blog name and look! Super cute.
I moved from Blogger to WordPress last September and it was a big pain in my butt!
Heather’s Happenings ‘s last awesome post..It’s A Random Tuesday!
Thanks Heather! I did the Blogger to WordPress move a year ago and it was hard – I lost hundreds of comments. Glad this is all over, no more moving.
Looks great, and I like the new name.
Carolyn ‘s last awesome post..Chewy Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thank you Carolyn, I do too!
You’ve been busy!
Good work, BTW!
Kyla@Mommy’s Weird ‘s last awesome post..Hell’s Kitchen…..
I have, and thank you!
Oh I don’t think I could ever be as brave as you! I think the whole thing is FABULOUS and I take back my original “oh no, don’t do it!” reaction. So glad you took the leap.
If I were to change my blog name I would probably just be a tad cowardly, and start a new one, but maintain the old one.
Anyway – great post my friend.
Ado ‘s last awesome post..Children’s Birthday Party Ideas
I’m glad too. And I can’t imagine maintaining two blogs, one is plenty!
Keeping similar designs was so smart!! It looks great and I am excited for you!
Samantha ‘s last awesome post..A New Day, A Fresh Start
Thanks Sam!
I’m lucky that my husband knows all the tech stuff that I don’t so together we have done many blog transfers and new site setups.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Peace, Love, and Tie-Dye
Lucky you!!
As you know, I love the new name. I tried to click on the link to your new FB page (in the post, not at top) and it says it doesn’t exist. I’ll try the button at top, but you might want to check that.
Lady Jennie ‘s last awesome post..Olympic Efforts
Thanks for the heads up, Jennie! (I do stuff up my links often, don’t I?)
It looks lovely! But, ugh. What a nightmare. I would have run away.
Practical Parenting ‘s last awesome post..Project Happy: Essence of Now
It was tough, especially before I realized I need to get someone to do the move for me. But, she took the brunt of the work and stress off me, fortunately!
Love it!! It looks great. PS Cynthia is great to work with so thank you! She is fast!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf ‘s last awesome post..I want a JCORE Body!
Thanks Christine!
(can’t wait to see your new design!)
Gorgeous, Alison…I love the header, you are ALL of those things and more! Also, it really sounds like a lot of work to change everything around. You are a brave woman
Runnermom-jen ‘s last awesome post..Today I’m Thankful…
Thank you Jen! It was a fair bit of work, but I had help, so it was ok!
Twitter: letters_of_muse
says:
First official blog post on new blog! Yay! And how appropriate it is! =) Great job, and I do like the look and feel. Congrats on the smooth move.
Sandra ‘s last awesome post..Dear Sentimental Schmuck
Thank you, glad you like it!
Oohh, that sounds about right. Now, I am tired! Ha. I just started changing mine too – shorter & easier
Ooh, I want to go see!
First, thanks for the tips! And I LOVE the new name and the new look. Congrats!!!
Natalie @MamaTrack ‘s last awesome post..Tidbits from a Three-Year Old
You’re welcome! And thank you!
I am currently debating a name change. I was on the fence but you certainly convinced me to skip it. I am, however, moving from wordpress.com to self-hosted site but I don’t think that is nearly as stressful. (Please don’t tell me I’m wrong.)
Christie ‘s last awesome post..Enough
If you feel that you REALLY need a name change, don’t let me discourage you, especially if you’re moving to WP.org anyway. The key is to find someone who can make the move for you (I highly recommend Vanita) and you’re all good! I moved from Blogger to WordPress once upon a time and that wasn’t too bad, so I’m pretty sure WP.com to WP.org should be pretty smooth sailing, good luck!
Simply lovely, Alison
Kristi ‘s last awesome post..Between him and her
Thank you, Kristi.
I will never ever change. Unless I get sued for my name, in which case, I might. And that could happen. Looks great. Go you!
Hah, I’m sure you’ll be okay
Hey Girl, the moment i saw the new design, i was like wow, this girl is one smart cookie. it feels the same, like i know it’s Alison’s blog, but it also feels different, like More Alison. LOL. I think it’s wonderful and thanks so much for the shout out! big hugs to you girl! i’m off to write a blog post. it’s been a week, i don’t think i remember how. lol
vanita ‘s last awesome post..Tuesday’s Tear Sheet: New WordPress Design projects
Glad you agree with my rationale for a tweaked design rather than a huge overhaul. I couldn’t have done this smoothly and quickly without your help so THANK YOU!
And then, “you’re done.”
And THEN??
Girl, are you smoking the pots and the pans again.
SOunds like a nightmare, like the kind I’d lose consciousness over.
I will never do it.
I can’t stomach the thought.
It’s gonna be what you see there today, pretty much till the end of time.
xo
LOOKS WONDERFUL: fresh, clean, professional.
Hahaha ‘smoking the pots and pans’ – YES I WAS.
I thought I couldn’t do it either, which is why it took me so long to get round to it. But thank the powers to be that I was crazy enough to forge ahead.
And thank you. xo
I agree with a comment I saw up above: it does seem to be “more like you.”
I think so too. The name, the design – a lot more thought went into this!
Your new digs – just lovely. I love the name. I love that it represents all dimensions of you including the “mama”. So excited for what’s to come from you!
Melanie ‘s last awesome post..Has It Really Been That Long?
Thank you Melanie!
Subtle changes but changes just the same.
Excellent tips. I’ll be sure to never change my blog name. Ever. And yet, you made the transition so gracefully.
I hope you are overjoyed with the results.
Tonya ‘s last awesome post..Cantankerous Again
Your blog name is PERFECT (I’m a big fan of alliteration, can you tell?), so you don’t need to worry about changing. And yes, I am overjoyed!
Twitter: krrobi
says:
Love your new name & new look, Mama A.
Now. Kick. Some. Ass!! xx
My Inner Chick ‘s last awesome post..A Letter To Her Murderer
Ass kicking IS IN THE PLAN!
Love the new name and the little tweaks! I am so excited for you that you made it through the change in one piece. The new name was in my inbox like your Mama Wants This blog and I was thrilled to see it there!
AnnMarie ‘s last awesome post..5 Places I Want to Go Back to
YAY! So glad the email subs are done properly (I did that myself so am relieved). And I’m excited too. Thank you for the support!
See, I was searching for a term to describe a mess I made since converting from blogger to wp.
Tech idiot…that would be me.
I like your new name. And that you kept what you liked.
Maggie S. ‘s last awesome post..Seige Day 55: One Direction, Sex Ed, and Homeschool
Hello fellow tech idiot!
And thank you, I really loved my old design so I couldn’t imagine discarding it.
LOVE the new look and name! And thank you for the advice. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of changing my blog’s name. “39 For the First Time” was really cute when I was 39 but I’ll be 41 next month and it sounds a little silly–especially since I don’t really talk much about being in my 40′s.
My husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told him I wanted my own URL. He looked at my like I was crazy.
He’s pretty perceptive
Victoria KP ‘s last awesome post..Summertime and the Blogger is…
Thanks Victoria! A domain name is only about $10, easy! Go for it, I say!
Ohmyword that’s such good advice.
Also, I shudder at all of the techy stuff.
But you? You make it look easy!
Way to go, girlfriend!
Galit Breen ‘s last awesome post..The Habit of Friendship
Only because I have awesome friends who know how to move domains
And thank you!
Alison, who was your hose before BlueHost? I’m thinking of switching from iPage (mainly because load time is very slow (even into WordPress/Admin, not just the site itself).
Arnebya ‘s last awesome post..Worldful Wednesday: Head Start Readiness
BlueHost has always been my host. I just had domains purchased and registered with GoDaddy. There are quite a few good hosting companies out there, you might want to do some price research! Overall, BlueHost is pretty good. Very little downtime and support is not bad.
Omg, LOVE!!!! Your new home looks so incredibly beautiful, Alison. Love the color scheme, name, and layout. Beautiful job! I’m sorry to hear about how much of a giant headache that was but you must feel some relief now that it’s all behind you and you have a brand-spankin’ new blog to show off to the world
Charlotte ‘s last awesome post..if money were no object
Thanks sweetie, I do love the new colors! And yes, I am SO relieved it’s all done and dusted. No more moving.
Congrats on the new name and new design—it looks really great. I’ve often thought about having a custom design for my blog, but it still somehow freaks me out. What if I hate it? What should it look like? I honestly don’t know, and it impresses me so much when I see bloggers like you just go for it. Very impressive!
a Book for My Daughter ‘s last awesome post..Relax (Advice from a Wise Seven-Year Old)
Thank you! Don’t freak out about blog designs, because ultimately how it looks is up to you. Work with a good designer who gets your vision and you’re all good!
Vanita is so awesome! I am so happy that it all worked out in the end for you! Your new blog looks great! I look forward to reading more!
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..29 years young
Thank you Jessica! And yes, Vanita IS awesome.
Twitter: ksluiter
says:
I LOVE your new place! Very boy-momish. Good times.
And thank GOODNESS my blog name is pretty all-encompassing. I didn’t think it through at ALL when I quick set it up five years ago!
Katie ‘s last awesome post..The Cottage
Hee, ‘boy-mom-ish’ – yes! I just realized my house has these colors as well!
Lucky you – it’s a really good name, it really is all-encompassing. I had no idea about this blogging stuff so I just went with what popped into my head. The first inkling I had about changing it was when someone told me my blog was blocked at their work place because for some reason, the Internets thought it was some p*rn site!
Twitter: csiracusa
says:
OMG I just decided to fall back in love with my name.
Congratulations on the new digs and new focus…you’ve been a busy lady!
Christine @ Quasi Agitato ‘s last awesome post..I’ve Been Profiled.
Your blog name is kinda awesome
And thank you!
Twitter: chewnibblenosh
says:
Hi Alison! I am so, so, so glad to read an uplifting post about switching blogs around! I’m currently with WordPress.com and must make the .org change soon…very soon. I’m a nervous wreck. I know I can do it, I just need to get up the nerve! I just have visions of everything I’ve worked so hard for falling away from me into Cyberspace. I know that won’t happen, but you know what I mean! Great job with the new blog. It looks wonderful! So glad to bump into you on SITS!
Christine @ Chew Nibble Nosh ‘s last awesome post..Pork Chops with Peach-Ginger Chutney
Thank you Christine, and glad to have bumped into you too! (I’ve been stalking your recipe box)
I think your move will be just fine, don’t worry! It’s far less complicated when you’re not actually moving domains (it’s like moving buildings, while moving from .com to .org is like moving upstairs, you know?) and if you have someone you trust to do it for you, you’ll be okay. Good luck!
Twitter: vidyasury
says:
Your blog looks lovely Alison.
And since I definitely don’t have brass balls, I am very very happy that Vanita is my friend. When I move, she’s going to handle my baby.
Cheers! Came over from Vanita’s
This post rocks!
Vidya Sury ‘s last awesome post..Fifty Shades Of Life
Thank you for coming by, Vidya! Vanita does rock and good luck when you move! Though when she does it for you, you won’t need the luck because she’s awesome.