Hupspot Guide to Safe WordPress Search and Replace

Many site owners migrating from one domain or platform, such as Hubspot to WordPress or vice versa, need to run a database search and replace without corrupting critical data. Doing this correctly protects URLs, media links, and serialized data while keeping your website stable and secure.

This step‑by‑step tutorial is based on the process outlined in the original Hubspot blog article about WordPress database search and replace and explains how to perform the same flow safely on your own site.

Why Use a Hubspot-Style Method for WordPress Search and Replace?

Running a raw SQL query to replace values in your WordPress database can be dangerous. The Hubspot approach focuses on using a specialized script designed for search and replace in a way that respects how WordPress stores data.

Using a careful, Hubspot-inspired process helps you:

• Avoid data corruption in serialized arrays and objects.
• Update domain names during site migrations.
• Fix mixed-content issues after moving to HTTPS.
• Change file paths after moving uploads or altering directory structure.

Instead of editing your database manually, this process uses a dedicated tool to handle replacements in a safer, more controlled fashion.

Before You Start: Precautions Recommended by Hubspot

Just like in the Hubspot tutorial, you should take strong precautions before touching your database. A single mistake can take an entire site offline.

1. Back up your WordPress database

Create a full database backup using your hosting control panel, a backup plugin, or command line tools. Store the backup in a safe location, such as cloud storage or version control.

• Export the database via phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.
• Verify the SQL dump file is complete and not corrupted.
• Label the backup clearly so you can restore it quickly if needed.

2. Work in a staging environment

The Hubspot walkthrough emphasizes testing on a staging or development copy of your site first. This reduces the risk of breaking your live production website.

• Create a staging subdomain, such as staging.example.com.
• Clone your WordPress files and database to the staging environment.
• Run search and replace on staging, confirm results, then repeat the process on production once everything looks correct.

Download the Recommended Search and Replace Tool

The original Hubspot article demonstrates a popular open-source script made specifically for WordPress database search and replace. The script is designed to:

• Understand how WordPress stores serialized data.
• Process all core tables and custom plugin tables.
• Allow you to do both dry runs and live rewrites.

From the source article at Hubspot’s guide to searching and replacing a WordPress database, you can follow the link to download that script to your local machine.

Upload the Script to Your Server

After downloading the PHP script recommended by Hubspot, connect to your server and place it where it can access your WordPress database.

1. Connect with FTP or file manager

Use your host’s file manager or an FTP/SFTP client to reach the document root of the site where WordPress is installed.

• Locate the folder that contains wp-config.php.
• Confirm that your WordPress core files and directories are present.

2. Place the search and replace script

Upload the script file (often named something like search-replace.php or similar) into the same directory as wp-config.php. This allows the script to read your existing configuration and connect to the correct database automatically.

Run the Hubspot-Style Search and Replace Interface

Once the script is uploaded, you can run the interface directly in your browser and follow steps similar to those outlined by Hubspot.

1. Access the script in your browser

In your address bar, enter the URL to the script, such as:

https://yourdomain.com/search-replace.php

The script will detect your WordPress configuration and display a user interface that lets you set up search and replace rules.

2. Enter search and replace values

A typical Hubspot-inspired use case is changing a domain name after migration, for example:

• Search for: http://old-domain.com
• Replace with: https://new-domain.com

You can also use it for paths, directory names, or other text values used in your WordPress content and settings.

3. Choose tables to update

The script will list every table in your WordPress database. You can:

• Select all tables to perform a full-site update.
• Select only specific tables (for example, wp_posts or wp_options) if you want more precision.

Following the Hubspot method, most migrations call for selecting all tables, as many plugins store URLs and settings in their own tables.

Use a Dry Run Before Making Permanent Changes

A major safety recommendation in the Hubspot article is to run a dry run (or test run) before executing real changes.

1. Enable a simulation mode

Look for an option such as “Dry Run” or “Run as Preview Only” in the script’s interface. When enabled, the script will:

• Scan the database.
• Show how many fields it would update.
• Avoid saving any permanent changes.

2. Review results carefully

After the dry run, review the report:

• Confirm that the number of matches looks reasonable.
• Check that the script is targeting the intended domain or text.
• Ensure there are no unexpected tables or values in the report.

If anything looks off, adjust the search and replace values and run another preview until the results match your expectations.

Execute the Real Search and Replace Operation

Once you are confident from the dry run, follow the safe Hubspot methodology to apply actual changes.

1. Disable dry run mode

Uncheck the preview option so the script will write updates to the database. Double-check your entries:

• Search string is correct and fully qualified.
• Replacement string includes protocols (for example, https://).
• Selected tables are the ones you want to modify.

2. Run the live process

Start the operation and wait for the script to complete. When finished, it will display a summary of how many entries were changed in each table.

Do not close the browser tab until you see confirmation that the script has completed its work.

Verify Your Site After Following the Hubspot Process

After applying search and replace, validate that the site behaves as expected. The Hubspot style of testing focuses on both front-end and back-end checks.

1. Check public pages

• Load your homepage and key landing pages.
• Click menus, internal links, and media files.
• Confirm that URLs in the browser bar show the new domain or updated path.

2. Check the WordPress admin area

• Log in to the dashboard.
• Open Settings > General to confirm Site Address and WordPress Address are correct.
• Test common plugins and forms to ensure they still function.

3. Scan for mixed content or broken links

Use a crawler, browser console, or third-party scanner to locate:

• Any remaining HTTP URLs after moving to HTTPS.
• Broken image links or 404 errors.

If you find a small number of remaining issues, you can run another targeted search and replace or fix them manually.

Clean Up: Remove the Search and Replace Script

Following the security advice in the Hubspot guide, you should remove the script from your server as soon as you are done.

• Delete the PHP file from your WordPress directory.
• Clear any cached copies from your CDN or caching plugin.
• Confirm the script URL now returns a 404 or access denied message.

Leaving the script on your server could expose your database to unauthorized changes if someone discovers the URL.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are uncomfortable working directly with database tools, or if your site runs complex plugins, consider bringing in expert help. Agencies and consultants experienced with WordPress migrations, Hubspot integrations, and domain changes can greatly reduce risk.

For example, you can consult a technical SEO and migration specialist at Consultevo to plan, test, and execute a secure search and replace strategy tailored to your site architecture.

Summary of the Hubspot-Inspired Workflow

To recap, the safe process adapted from the Hubspot article for performing a WordPress database search and replace includes:

1. Backing up your database and working in staging first.
2. Downloading and uploading a WordPress-aware search and replace script.
3. Configuring search and replace rules through a browser interface.
4. Running a dry run to preview changes.
5. Executing the live operation once results look correct.
6. Testing your site thoroughly afterwards.
7. Deleting the script from your server to protect security.

By mirroring this well-documented Hubspot approach and respecting best practices for backups, staging, and cleanup, you can safely update your WordPress database during migrations, rebrands, and other major site changes.

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