Website migration is an essential process that involves transferring your WordPress website from one hosting provider to another. While hiring professionals for migration can be costly, you can save money by doing it yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step DIY WordPress website migration.
Migrating your website offers several benefits. It allows you to switch to a better hosting provider that offers improved performance, reliability, and additional features. You can also take advantage of better pricing plans or address specific needs for your website. By undertaking the migration yourself, you have complete control over the process and can ensure a smooth transition without relying on external assistance.
Throughout this guide, we will provide detailed instructions and insights to help you successfully transfer your WordPress website. From preparing for the DIY WordPress website migration to updating URLs and troubleshooting any issues, we have you covered. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to migrate your WordPress website with ease.
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of transferring your WordPress website without professional help.
Pre-Migration Preparation
Backup Your Website Files and Database
Before starting the DIY WordPress website migration process, it is crucial to back up your website files and database. This ensures that you have a copy of your website’s content and data in case anything goes wrong during the transfer.
There are two methods you can use to back up your website:
- Backup Plugin: Install a reputable backup plugin, such as UpdraftPlus or Duplicator. These plugins simplify the backup process by allowing you to create a full backup of your website with just a few clicks. You can choose to store the backup files locally or in cloud storage for added security.
- Manual Backup: Alternatively, you can manually back up your website files and database. Access your website’s files using an FTP client and download them to your local computer. For the database, use a tool like phpMyAdmin to export it as an SQL file.
By creating backups, you have a safety net to restore your website if any issues arise during the migration process.
Choose a New Hosting Provider
Selecting the right hosting provider is crucial for a successful website migration. Consider the following factors when choosing a new hosting provider:
- Reliability: Look for a hosting provider with a proven track record of reliable uptime and minimal server downtime. Check online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of their performance.
- Performance: Choose a hosting provider that offers good server speed and performance. This ensures that your website will load quickly and provide a smooth browsing experience for your visitors.
- Scalability: Consider the growth potential of your website. Choose a hosting provider that offers scalable hosting plans, allowing you to easily upgrade as your website’s traffic and resource needs increase.
- Support: Check the availability and quality of customer support. Make sure the hosting provider offers responsive support channels, such as live chat or ticketing systems, to assist you with any migration-related queries or issues.
Research and compare different hosting options based on these factors to find the most suitable provider for your needs.
Set Up the Destination Server
Once you have chosen a new hosting provider, you need to set up the destination server for your WordPress website. Follow these steps:
- Install WordPress: Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation process for WordPress. Log in to your hosting account’s control panel (e.g., cPanel) and locate the WordPress installation option. Follow the instructions provided to install WordPress on the destination server.
- Configure Server Settings: After installing WordPress, configure the server settings for optimal performance. This includes adjusting PHP version, memory limits, and caching settings. Refer to your hosting provider’s documentation or support resources for guidance on optimizing server settings.
Setting up the destination server ensures that you have a clean installation of WordPress ready to receive your migrated website.
Exporting and Importing Your WordPress Website
Export Your Website Files
To transfer your website files to the new server, follow these steps:
- Using a Plugin: If you have a backup plugin installed, it likely has an option to export your website files. Access the plugin settings and look for the export or backup feature. Follow the prompts to create a backup file containing your website files.
- Using FTP: Alternatively, you can use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to manually export your website files. Connect to your current server using an FTP client like FileZilla. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation, select all the files, and download them to your local computer.
After exporting your website files, it’s a good practice to create a compressed file (e.g., ZIP or TAR) for easier transfer. This reduces the file size and makes it quicker to upload to the new server.
Export Your Website Database
Exporting your website’s database is essential for transferring all your content, settings, and configurations. Here’s how you can export the database:
- Using phpMyAdmin: Access your hosting account’s control panel and locate phpMyAdmin. Open phpMyAdmin and select the database associated with your WordPress website. Look for the Export option and choose the SQL format. Click the “Go” or “Export” button to generate an SQL file containing your database.
- Using a Plugin: If you have a backup plugin that includes database backup functionality, use it to export your database. Navigate to the plugin’s settings, find the database backup option, and follow the instructions to create an SQL file.
Exporting the database in SQL format ensures that all your website’s data, including posts, pages, and settings, are preserved during the DIY WordPress website migration process.
Importing Your Website Files and Database
Now that you have exported your website files and database, it’s time to import them into the new server. Follow these steps:
- Transferring Files: Connect to the new server using FTP and navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. Upload the compressed file containing your website files (if applicable) and extract it within the root directory. This will restore your website’s files on the new server.
- Importing Database: Access the control panel of your new hosting account and open phpMyAdmin. Create a new database for your WordPress website. Select the newly created database and choose the Import option. Upload the SQL file exported earlier and click the “Go” or “Import” button to import the database.
Once the files and database are imported, your WordPress website will be ready on the new server, albeit not accessible yet. In the next section, we will cover the crucial step of updating URLs and permalinks to ensure proper linking and functionality.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Checking Website Functionality
After the DIY WordPress website migration, it’s essential to ensure that your website looks and functions as expected on the new server. Follow these steps to verify website appearance and functionality:
- Visit Your Website: Open your website in a web browser and navigate through its pages. Pay attention to the layout, images, menus, and overall design. Make sure everything appears as it should.
- Test Functionality: Test the interactive elements on your website, such as forms, buttons, and contact forms. Verify that they are working correctly and submitting data as intended.
- Fix Broken Links or Errors: Check for any broken links or missing images. Update them with the correct URLs to restore proper linking. If you encounter any errors or issues, troubleshoot them by reviewing error logs or seeking help from online support forums or communities.
Updating DNS Settings
To make your website accessible to visitors using your domain name, you need to update the DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Follow these steps to redirect your domain to the new server:
- Obtain New Server’s IP Address: Contact your new hosting provider and obtain the IP address of your new server.
- Access DNS Settings: Log in to the account where you registered your domain (e.g., domain registrar’s control panel) and locate the DNS management section.
- Update A Record: Look for the A record associated with your domain and update its IP address with the one provided by your new hosting provider. This points your domain to the new server.
- Update Nameservers (if necessary): If you changed your nameservers during the migration process, ensure they are correctly set to the nameservers provided by your new hosting provider. This step may take some time to propagate globally.
- Verify DNS Propagation: Use online DNS propagation checker tools to verify if the DNS changes have propagated. It may take a few hours or even up to 48 hours for the changes to take effect worldwide.
By updating the DNS settings, your domain will direct visitors to the new server where your migrated website is hosted.
Go Live with Your Transferred Website
Once you have completed the DIY WordPress website migration process and ensured the functionality of your website, it’s time to go live by pointing your domain to the new server and verifying its functionality after DNS propagation.
- Pointing the Domain to the New Server:
a. Access Domain Settings: Log in to the account where you registered your domain (e.g., domain registrar’s control panel).
b. Locate DNS Management: Find the DNS management section for your domain.
c. Update Nameservers (if necessary): If you haven’t updated the nameservers during the migration process, ensure that they are correctly set to the nameservers provided by your new hosting provider.
d. Modify A Record: Look for the A record associated with your domain and update it with the IP address of the new server. This step connects your domain to the new server where your website is hosted.
e. Save Changes: Save the changes made to the DNS settings. - Verifying Website Functionality after DNS Propagation:
a. Wait for DNS Propagation: DNS propagation can take some time, ranging from a few hours to up to 48 hours. During this period, the updated DNS information spreads across the internet.
b. Test Website Functionality: After DNS propagation, access your website using the domain name in a web browser. Verify that your website loads correctly, and all its functionality, including links, forms, and media, is working as intended.
c. Check Email Functionality (if applicable): If you have email accounts associated with your domain, test sending and receiving emails to ensure that email functionality is working properly.
d. Troubleshoot Any Issues: If you encounter any issues or errors, double-check the DNS settings, review error logs, and seek assistance from your hosting provider’s support team or relevant online communities.
By pointing your domain to the new server and confirming the website’s functionality after DNS propagation, you have successfully gone live with your transferred WordPress website.
Congratulations! Your WordPress website migration without professional help is complete. You have successfully transferred your website to a new hosting provider, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. Enjoy the benefits of your new hosting environment and continue to manage and grow your website with confidence.
Feel free to refer back to this guide whenever you need to perform a WordPress website migration in the future.
