Your website is your home on the web. And much like our actual domiciles, sometimes, you need to move. With website migration, this means switching hosting companies or servers. Different types of websites will have different migration needs. If you built yours with WordPress, you’ll need to learn how to migrate a WordPress site.
There are multiple ways this can be done, including automatically with the use of various plugins. However, if you are looking for how to migrate a WordPress site, you most likely are looking to do it manually. Here is a quick and simple guide on how to transfer a WordPress site to a new host.
Select Your New Host
For this, first identify why you are seeking a new host for your WordPress site. Then, look for a new host that specifically combats this issue. For example, if price is what drove you away, look for those that offer a good value. You also need to know what type of hosting you are looking for: shared, virtual private server, or dedicated server. For most smaller businesses, shared will do.
Back Up Your Website’s Files
Migrating a WordPress site to a new host can be tricky, as there are multiple steps where things can go wrong. The last thing you want to do is lose elements of your site. Before you begin the migration process, back up all files. FileZilla is a free tool that makes this pretty easy to do.
Back Up Your WordPress Database
With the files saved and secure, now it is time to move on to the database. This is done through your control panel, which will look different depending on which one you are using. Figure out what panel you have and then Google how to back up that specific database.
Export the Database
The next step for migrating your WordPress site to a new domain is to export the database. For this, you just find the export tab, select the export method, and hit go. Then just save the copy generated.
Create the New Database and Import
The exact process for this step varies a lot based on your panel. However, you will first create the new database, then import the old contents and allow them to override those of the new one.
Upload Your Files to the New Host
For this, you need to find the root folder on your dashboard. Then, you just right-click anywhere within the folder and look for the upload option. Find the folder with your saved files and select it. That’s all you need to do, though you should expect the upload process to take some time.
Update Your wp-config.php File
With all your files uploaded, now it is time to change the wp-config.php file. At this point in the process, it still is configured for your old database, meaning your website is inaccessible. Find your wp-config.php file in the root folder and change the database credentials, then save and close.
Change Your DNS
The final step is to name sure your DNS (domain name server) points to the new host, not the old one. For this, get the correct information from the new host, then follow their configuration process.
It’s just that easy—or complicated, depending on how you look at it. Luckily, you don’t actually need to do all this yourself. Our Atlanta SEO agency is happy to do the heavy lifting for you.
We offer comprehensive digital marketing solutions, including website design. To learn more about our SEO in Atlanta, schedule a call. To discover more about WordPress best practices, read: Your Ultimate WordPress Security Guide.
