How to Move Your Website to a New Hosting Provider
Moving an existing website to a new hosting provider may sound complicated, but the process can be broken down into several manageable steps.
A typical website migration involves moving website files, databases and sometimes email accounts, followed by DNS changes.
1. Choose Your New Hosting Plan
Before starting the migration, choose a hosting plan that provides enough resources for your website.
Consider:
- Storage
- Bandwidth
- Databases
- Email accounts
- Website traffic
- Application requirements
2. Back Up Your Existing Website
Always create a backup before migration.
Depending on your website, this may include:
- Website files
- MySQL databases
- Email data
- Configuration files
- DNS records
Keep the backup until the new website has been fully tested.
3. Transfer Your Website Files
Website files can be transferred from the old hosting account to the new hosting environment.
For PHP/MySQL websites, make sure the required files and configuration settings are transferred correctly.
4. Transfer the Database
If your website uses a database, export the database from the old server and import it into the new hosting environment.
WordPress websites, for example, depend on their database for posts, pages, settings and other website information.
5. Configure the New Hosting Account
After transferring the files and database, configure the new hosting environment.
This may include:
- Creating databases
- Setting database credentials
- Configuring domains
- Creating email accounts
- Checking PHP settings
- Installing SSL
6. Test Before Changing DNS
This is an important step.
Test the website before directing visitors to the new server.
Check:
- Homepage
- Contact forms
- Login
- Images
- Database functionality
- Links
- Mobile layout
7. Update DNS
Once the new website is working correctly, update your domain’s DNS settings to point to the new hosting provider.
DNS changes may take some time to propagate.
8. Keep the Old Hosting Temporarily
Do not immediately cancel your old hosting account.
Keep it available until you are confident that the website and email are working correctly on the new server.
Need Migration Assistance?
If you are moving an existing website to IndiaAccess, migration assistance can help make the process easier.