Let's say you started up a free blog on Wordpress.com, you've been working hard on it, and now you decided it was a mistake to use the free blogging software and would rather have your own domain name.

How do you move to a new domain?

Step 1. Buy a domain name and CPanel hosting. In general, you should keep your domain name and hosting separate; if something goes wrong with one, it won't affect the other. Many hosts allow you to sign up for a domain name with a registrar along with the hosting. Getting a host with CPanel isn't strictly necessary, but it includes a tool that will make the Wordpress installation extremely easy.

Step 2. Set up Wordpress on your new account. If you went with a Cpanel host, you will have a tool called Fantastico. This tool will give you a list of scripts that can be installed on your account; choose Wordpress and install it in your home directory by leaving the directory field blank. Choose a username and password, as well as email address. Click install, and you're done! If you have a host that does not provide CPanel, they may still offer one click installs of Wordpress. You'll have to check with the host.

Step 3. Download the content from your old Wordpress blog. If you're hosting it at Wordpress.com, go into Tools > Export. Click Download Export File and save it to your desktop.

Step 4. Go to your new Wordpress blog, go to Manage > Import. Scroll to the bottom and select Wordpress. Browse to the file you downloaded, and click Upload file and import. On the next screen click Submit.

Step 5. You're done!

Now the big problem. If you've built up traffic and links to your website, and you switch domains, what happens to all your hard work? You can expect to have to start all over again, from scratch, as far as promotion and traffic building go. There are a few options though.

One thing you can do is ignore the above steps and just use Wordpress's domain mapping software. With this method you purchase a domain name and then keep your blog on Wordpress.com and simply redirect it to your new domain name. For steps, see here. However, be aware that this costs $10 per year, plus the cost of your domain name.

You can also just bite the bullet and do the transfer, and slowly rebuild your audience.