GoHighLevel WordPress Hosting Migration Guide
If you are moving a client site from ClickUp task documentation or any other system into the GoHighLevel WordPress hosting environment, it is essential to follow a structured process. This guide walks you step by step through preparing the old site, exporting content and databases, importing into the new hosting, configuring DNS and SSL, and finally testing and going live with minimal downtime.
What You Need Before Migrating to GoHighLevel
Before starting the migration into GoHighLevel WordPress hosting, make sure you have access to all required logins and files. Having this ready prevents interruptions during the move.
- Admin access to the current WordPress dashboard
- Access to the current hosting control panel (cPanel or similar)
- Access to the GoHighLevel agency account and WordPress hosting area
- Domain registrar login (for DNS changes)
- Database access (phpMyAdmin or equivalent) on the old host
Check that your current website is fully functional and that there are no unresolved plugin or theme errors before proceeding with migration to the GoHighLevel environment.
Step 1: Back Up Your Existing WordPress Site
Prior to moving anything into GoHighLevel WordPress hosting, you must capture a complete backup of the existing website. This protects you in case anything goes wrong during the transfer.
How to Back Up Files
- Log in to your old hosting control panel.
- Open the file manager or connect via FTP.
- Locate the WordPress installation directory (often
public_html). - Download all WordPress core files, theme files, plugin folders, and the
wp-contentdirectory. - Save this backup in a safe local or cloud storage location.
How to Back Up the Database
- Open phpMyAdmin (or equivalent database manager) on the old host.
- Select the WordPress database associated with the site.
- Click Export and choose the standard SQL export method.
- Download the SQL file and store it with your file backup.
With these backups complete, you are ready to start preparing the GoHighLevel WordPress hosting space.
Step 2: Create Your GoHighLevel WordPress Site
Inside your GoHighLevel account, you will need to create a new WordPress instance that will receive the migrated content.
- Log in to your GoHighLevel agency dashboard.
- Navigate to the Sites or WordPress hosting section (label may vary).
- Create a new WordPress site or container for the client.
- Note the temporary domain or preview URL provided by GoHighLevel.
- Record the new WordPress admin login credentials that are generated.
Once the GoHighLevel WordPress site has been created, you can begin importing the existing files and database.
Step 3: Import WordPress Files to GoHighLevel
The next step is to move all the files you backed up earlier into the GoHighLevel WordPress hosting environment.
- Access the file manager or SFTP details for the GoHighLevel WordPress site.
- Connect using the provided credentials.
- Upload your WordPress files, making sure to place them in the correct root directory for the GoHighLevel instance.
- If a default WordPress install already exists, replace the
wp-contentfolder and any custom files with your backup. - Confirm that file permissions match the typical WordPress requirements recommended by the platform.
When file upload completes, verify that all theme and plugin folders have transferred correctly into the GoHighLevel hosted site.
Step 4: Import the Database into GoHighLevel
Now that files are in place, import the old site’s database into the new GoHighLevel WordPress database.
- Open the database manager tool provided in the GoHighLevel hosting interface.
- Locate the database created for your new WordPress site.
- Use the Import function to upload the SQL file you exported from the previous host.
- Wait for the import to complete and confirm there are no errors.
- Check that all tables (posts, options, users, etc.) appear correctly in the GoHighLevel database.
After the import, the site data is present in GoHighLevel, but you may need to adjust configuration settings in the WordPress configuration file.
Step 5: Update the wp-config.php for GoHighLevel
The wp-config.php file must point to the correct database details assigned by GoHighLevel.
- Open
wp-config.phpin the root of your WordPress files on the GoHighLevel server. - Update the following values to match the new hosting:
DB_NAME– database nameDB_USER– database usernameDB_PASSWORD– database passwordDB_HOST– database host value provided by GoHighLevel
- Save the file and close the editor.
- Reload the temporary or preview URL of the WordPress site hosted on GoHighLevel.
- Verify that the site loads without database connection errors.
If errors appear, double-check the credentials in the GoHighLevel hosting dashboard and confirm there are no extra spaces or incorrect characters in wp-config.php.
Step 6: Adjust URLs and Permalinks on GoHighLevel
Often the old site used a different domain or path. You must update URLs to match the new GoHighLevel domain configuration.
Update Site URL and Home URL
- Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard on the GoHighLevel hosting.
- Go to Settings > General.
- Update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to the domain that will be used.
- Save changes.
Fix Internal Links and Media URLs
If the old site used a different domain, you may need to replace URLs inside the database.
- Use a safe search-and-replace tool or plugin recommended for WordPress migrations.
- Replace old domain URLs with the new domain that will run on GoHighLevel hosting.
- Test several pages and media files to confirm images and links are working.
Reset Permalinks
- In the WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks.
- Choose your preferred permalink structure.
- Click Save Changes to flush and regenerate rewrite rules.
At this point, the site should be functional on the temporary or live domain configured through GoHighLevel.
Step 7: Point Your Domain to GoHighLevel
Once everything looks correct on the GoHighLevel preview, you can move the live domain to the new server.
- Log in to your domain registrar dashboard.
- Locate the DNS management section for the domain you want to use.
- Update the A record or CNAME record to the IP or target value provided by GoHighLevel WordPress hosting.
- Remove or adjust any conflicting DNS records that might still point to the old host.
- Save DNS changes and allow time for propagation (often up to 24 hours, but usually faster).
While DNS propagates, some visitors may still see the old site. Avoid making new content changes on the previous host during this window.
Step 8: Enable SSL and Security on GoHighLevel
After the domain is pointing to GoHighLevel, configure SSL so the site loads securely over HTTPS.
- In the GoHighLevel hosting panel for the WordPress site, locate the SSL or security settings.
- Request or enable a free SSL certificate if available.
- Wait until the certificate is issued and active.
- In WordPress, ensure your site URL settings use
https://. - Use a plugin or configuration method to force HTTPS on all pages.
Confirm that the browser now shows a secure padlock and that there are no mixed content warnings when using GoHighLevel hosting.
Step 9: Test the Migrated Site on GoHighLevel
Before considering the migration fully complete, thoroughly test the WordPress site running on GoHighLevel.
- Visit key pages, landing pages, and blog posts.
- Test contact forms, funnels, and any integrated automations.
- Check WooCommerce or other e‑commerce components, if applicable.
- Confirm that logins, user accounts, and membership areas function correctly.
- Review menus, widgets, and sidebars for layout or content issues.
Use multiple devices and browsers to verify that the WordPress site performs as expected on the new GoHighLevel hosting environment.
Ongoing Maintenance After Moving to GoHighLevel
After the initial migration, you should continue to monitor and maintain the site hosted on GoHighLevel.
- Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date.
- Run regular backups using tools compatible with the GoHighLevel stack.
- Monitor uptime and performance, especially after plugin or theme changes.
- Review security logs or alerts offered through the hosting panel.
Consistent maintenance ensures that your GoHighLevel WordPress site remains stable and secure for your clients.
Additional Resources for GoHighLevel WordPress Hosting
To deepen your knowledge and troubleshoot more advanced migration scenarios, review the official documentation and expert resources.
- Official step-by-step WordPress hosting migration guide from the provider: GoHighLevel WordPress Hosting Migration
- Agency implementation, migration consulting, and optimization services: Consultevo
Following the structured steps in this guide will help you move any compatible WordPress site into the GoHighLevel hosting environment with reduced risk, predictable outcomes, and a smoother experience for both you and your clients.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.
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