How to Properly Change Domain Names for WordPress

Exporting WordPress
1. Log into WordPress on the domain you are currently using. Click 'Export' in the 'Tools' section of the dashboard.
2. Select the filter options you want included in the export, including the start and end date, authors, categories, tags, content types and statuses. By default 'All' will be selected for each filter.

3. Click 'Download Export File.' Click 'Save.' The saved file will be called 'wordpress' with the date, and the '.xml' extension.
Importing WordPress
4. Install WordPress on the new domain. Read the Help page or forums provided by your Web host. Some Web hosts provide WordPress pre-installed. If not, you may have to download WordPress and then upload it to your Web server.
5. Log into WordPress on your new domain. Click 'Import' located in the 'Tools' section of the dashboard. Click 'WordPress.'
6. Click 'Download import file attachments,' then locate your WordPress export file and click 'OK.' The file will be loaded into WordPress.
7. Click 'Import' in the 'Tools' section. Click 'Blogroll.' Type the Web address of your original blog into the 'OPML URL' field. This will import your blogroll to your new domain.
Finishing Touches
8. Notify everyone who has linked to your blog that you are changing domains. Provide them with links to your new domain.
9. Publish a final blog post at your old domain announcing that you are moving to a new domain. Include a link. You can also publish a blog post on the new domain explaining the reasons for the address change.
10. Copy any pictures you use for your blog posts or pages to the new website. You can do this by clicking 'Add New' in the 'Media' section of the dashboard. Change the link in each post by clicking 'Edit' on the post.