Scope: This article covers changing the domain name only. It assumes that DNS is being handled and the IP address has been changed properly and is now pointing to the server where the website exists. It also assumes the client is using our hosting. 


Step 1 : Cloudways

  • Change the primary domain to the new domain in Cloudways and save changes
  • Change all secondary domains if necessary. Sometimes we will add additional domains to activate a domain name without changing the website domain name. Ensure that the old domain name is a secondary domain. 
  • Double-check SSL settings to ensure the correct domain name is used. Recertify is necessary.  Ensure the old domain name is listed in additional domains. 
  • At this point, the site should be accessible by both names. 


Step 2 : Outside Services

  • Go through each outside service used in the site including, but not limited to the following. Add the new domain to valid domains if such a setting exists:
    • Google Analytics
    • Cloudflare
    • Facebook Pixel
    • Recaptcha Admin
    • Messaging or Chatbot tools


Step 3 : Website

  • Log in to the website
  • Install Velvet Blues Update URLs
  • Do a find and replace of the new domain name