How to Seamlessly Migrate Your WordPress Site to a New Host

Imagine this: your WordPress site is running slow, your hosting provider is unresponsive, or you’ve simply outgrown your current plan.

The idea of migrating to a new host might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether upgrading for better performance or switching to a more reliable provider, moving your site can be easier than you think.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to migrate a WordPress site to a new host with zero downtime and maximum efficiency so you can focus on what really matters—your content and audience.

Ready to make the move? Let’s dive in!

When to Switch WordPress Sites to a New Host

Here are some cases when it becomes important to migrate your WordPress site to another host:

1. Slow Website Loading: Your host needs to handle your traffic demands. Poor management can affect the speed and performance of your website. In fact, a study by  Aberdeen Group states that 40% of consumers leave the site if it takes more than three seconds to load.
2. Frequent Downtime: If you are experiencing regular outages, you need a good host. This will keep your audience coming back and enhance your SEO rankings.
3. Not Scalable: When your business expands, it might outpace the hosting abilities of your present host. Therefore, opt for a scalable hosting provider.
4. Poor Customer Support: Lagging or unhelpful responses may leave you in the lurch when there are technical issues. Seek out 24/7 expert support.
5. Security Issues: If your host does not have a strong security system, you may have to face the risk of threats.

What to Do Before Migrating a WordPress Website

Learn what to prepare so you don't get stuck during migration. Follow these best practises:

1. Take Your Website's Back-up: Download a total copy of WordPress files and databases with the use of plugins and manually using methods in the control panel.
2. Confirm Compatibility: Ensure the hosting supports WordPress's version with every specific set of plugins or theme.
3. Test Site on Existing Issues: Fix errors on the current site before switching.
4. Secure Login Credentials: Be ready with your FTP/SFTP details, database info, and WordPress admin login to log in immediately.
5. Inform Your Audience: If you're going to face minor downtime, give them advance notice so they know what's happening.

How to Choose a New WordPress Host

Choose the right hosting provider. Here's what to consider when choosing your next site host:

1. Performance and Uptime Guarantee: High-speed servers should be provided, and the minimum uptime offered should be 99.9%. The servers should be optimised for enterprise-grade performance.
2. Scalability: Opt for a host that can grow with your business, whether it's managed hosting, VPS, or dedicated servers.
3. Security Features: Find advanced security features, including SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and malware scanning. Choose the best hosting solutions with robust security measures against cyber-attacks.
4. Customer Support: Go for a host that offers support 24/7 through different channels such as chat, email, or phone.
5. Pricing and Value: Compare the different tiers of service. Ensure your chosen plan will cover all your needs without hidden fees.

How to Migrate WordPress Site to New Host: The Ultimate Migration Guide

Let us learn how to migrate a WordPress site to a new host using these step-by-step processes of five proven methods of migration:

Process 1: Manual Migration

Manual migration allows you complete control over the process. This is why technical users with expertise in WordPress file structures and databases prefer it. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Backup Your Website

• Use phpMyAdmin to export your database.
• Download all site files using FTP clients or your hosting provider's File Manager.
• Check that all the important files like wp-content, plugins, and themes are copied.

Step 2: Configuration of the New Host Environment

• Log in to the control panel of the new host.
• Create a new database, login ID, and password within the database management.

Step 3: Transfer the Files to the New Host

• Transferring the files using an FTP client or the file manager provided. They need to be in the right folder.

Step 4: Update wp-config.php

• Edit the database details to mirror the new host environment.

Step 5: Update DNS

• Change the DNS settings and redirect it to your new host.
• Monitor site accessibility as you wait for up to 48 hours of DNS propagation time.

Process 2: Staging Site Migration

Migration of a staging site allows testing changes in a controlled environment with no hassle. Follow these steps to do it:

Step 1: Create a Staging Site

• Utilise the built-in staging tools offered by your hosting provider.
• Install your live website on a development environment for staging.

Step 2: Testing Your Site

• Test how themes, plugins, and features are working on your site.
• Use tools to spot broken links, page load time and security bugs.

Step 3: Deploy from Staging

• Then, deploy the development site to production.
• Use the hosting platform's tools to sync changes with minimal downtime.

Process 3: Plugin-Based Migration

For starters, migration plugins will simplify the migration process, and not much technical know-how is needed:

Step 1: Install a Migration Plugin

• Go to your WordPress dashboard and download a migration plugin.
• Activate the plugin to begin the process.

Step 2: Create a Backup Package

• Create a backup of your entire website using the features of the installed plugins.

Step 3: Upload the Package to the New Host

• Upload the storage of the entire package after installing the same plugin on your new host.

Step 4: Run Installer

• After restoring your site to the new host, you must follow the plugin migration wizard.
• Test for errors and verify that everything functions as expected.

Process 4: cPanel/Plesk Migration

Hosting control panels like cPanel and Plesk have built-in migration tools, which make the process much easier.

Step 1 : Backup Your Website

• Use the Backup Wizard in cPanel or Plesk.
• Generate a full backup.
• Include all databases and configurations.

Step 2: Restore the New Host

• Restore the backup to your new hosting account using the restoration feature found in the control panel.
• Verify the process is completed without any errors.

Step 3 - Test Functionality

• Test your site to ensure everything—design, database queries, and functionality— functions correctly.
• Remove inconsistencies immediately.

Process 5: FTP Transfer

FTP transfer is best suited for larger websites and is a manual method that only advanced users should use

Step 1: Download all Files

• Use an FTP client and connect it to your existing host.
• Download all themes, media, and plugins to your storage.

Step 2: Upload to New Host

• Connect to your new hosting account through FTP.
• Upload the files to the new directory.

Step 3: Migration of Database

• Use phpMyAdmin and export the database from your current host.
• Import the database to the new host environment with the help of a similar tool.

Step 4: Configure wp-config.php

• Use the new hosting settings after changing the database credentials in your wp-config.php file.
• Ensure the file permissions are correct so unauthorised people do not access the file.

What to Do After Migrating Your Website

After the migration is done, follow these steps:

1. Test your website for broken links, errors, flaws, missing images, and functionality issues.
2. Resave permalinks within the WordPress admin to ensure your URL structure is correct.
3. Check SEO settings, meta tags, and redirects.
4. Check website performance and use Google PageSpeed Insights to measure and improve the performance.
5. Install SSL certificates and enable the site on the new host with security plugins.
6. Schedule regular backups with your new hosting provider.
7. Check that email accounts associated with your domain are working properly.
8. Inform your audience of possible downtime if necessary.

Wrapping

If you face issues with your WordPress site, it is best to migrate it to a different host. If you have identified that a host has failed, you must immediately choose a reputable provider and switch hosts. You can trust hosting solutions like Vodien that ensure a smooth transition.

Vodien offers customised hosting solutions to improve performance, security, and scalability. If you are ready to take your website to the next level, talk to us today and experience enterprise-grade hosting that sets you up for business success.

Sign up today and make migration a breeze!