First, you’ll need to install and activate
the Duplicator plugin on your original site.
Then, go to your dashboard and look for the new Duplicator tab.
Click on it and choose the Create New option.
A Duplicator ‘package’ consists of a pair
of files that enable you to set up a clone
of your website on a new server using a standalone
installer.
The plugin lets you create as many of these
packages as you want.
All you have to do is enter a name for identification
purposes, and then click on Next.
At this stage, Duplicator will let you know
if there are any issues with your settings.
It’s normal for a warning or two to pop
up here,
depending on your web host and the size of your site.
If this happens to you, just check the box
that reads Yes, continue with the build process
at the bottom of the page, and then click
on Build.
Now give the plugin some time to work its
magic.
When the process is done, you’ll get the
option to download the two files we mentioned
earlier.
Download them to your computer as you would any other file and keep note of where they’re
saved – we’ll need them again in a moment.
The next step is to upload both of the files
you downloaded to your new server.
To do this, you’ll want to use an FTP client.
If you don’t have one set up yet, I recommend
FileZilla.
You’ll need to log into your new server
via FTP using the credentials you obtained
when you signed up to the corresponding web
host.
Once you’re in, copy both files to your
server’s root directory – which is usually
called either www or public_html – then
proceed to the next step.
Every WordPress website needs a corresponding
database to store its information.
In this step, we’re going to set up an empty
database where your cloned site will reside
in preparation for step number four.
That way, we’ll be able to use the Duplicator
installer to import the contents of your original
site’s database to your new one.
If you’re using a regular web host, you’ll
find several options
related to databases within your cPanel.
We’re looking for the one that reads MySQL Databases.
Once you’re in, look for the section to
create a new database.
Pick a name (something related to your website, preferably) and confirm your choice
by clicking on the Create Database button.
Now, scroll down further until you find the
Add New User section.
Pick a name for your user and a password,
then confirm your choice.
Now, head to the option that reads Add User
to Database, locate the user you just created,
and select your new database from the drop-down
menu.
At this stage, the tool will ask you to confirm
which privileges you want your new user to have.
Make sure to tick the option that says All
Privileges, which will grant full access.
Now, save the name of your database and your
user’s information – you’ll need it in a minute.
Now that both files are on your root server, access your new website
through your browser and add /installer.php to its URL.
This will enable you to access the installer file you downloaded during step #1
and get the cloning process started.
At this stage, Duplicator will tell you if
there are any problems with your files and
ask for confirmation that you want to proceed.
After you click on Next, Duplicator will take a while to unpack your files.
When it’s done, it will ask you to enter
the details for your new database.
Click on Next when you’re ready, and the
plugin will import your old database into your new one.
Finally, Duplicator will ask you to confirm
your ‘new’ site’s URL, installation path, and title.
Fill these fields out and click on Next one
final time.
To wrap things up, the installer will ask
you to update your permalink structure, test
that your cloned website is working correctly,
and delete both the installer and the archive files.
To do so, click on each of the buttons it
shows you
in order and let Duplicator do the work for you.
If you think about adding extra functionalities
to your WordPress clone, check out this video
with 10+ Free Plugins for any website.
See you in the next video.
