Transferring a website to a new hosting location can seem daunting, but with the right steps and preparation, it can be a smooth process. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to transfer your website to a new hosting location.
The first step in transferring your website is to backup your site. This will ensure that you have a copy of all of your files and data in case something goes wrong during the transfer process. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to backup your site, or you can manually download all of your files and database through FTP or cPanel.
Once you have a backup of your site, you will need to update your DNS (Domain Name System) settings. This will point your domain name to the new hosting location, allowing your visitors to access your site on the new server. You will need to contact your current hosting provider and your domain registrar for instructions on how to update your DNS settings.
It is important to note that DNS changes can take some time to propagate, so be sure to wait for at least 24 hours after making the changes before proceeding to the next step.
The next step is to upload your site’s files and database to the new hosting location. You can do this by using an FTP client like FileZilla or by using the file manager in cPanel. If your new hosting provider offers a website migration service, you can use that as well. Once the files are uploaded, you will need to import the database to the new server. This can be done through a tool like phpMyAdmin, which is usually provided by the new hosting provider.
After your files and database have been uploaded and imported, you will need to update the database connection settings in your site’s configuration file. This will allow your site to connect to the new database and display the content correctly. You can access this file through the file manager or FTP client and make the necessary changes.
Once the database connection settings have been updated, you will need to test your site to make sure it is working correctly. This includes checking that all of the links and images are working, that the forms are submitting correctly, and that any other functionality is working as expected.
If you encounter any issues during the testing process, you can use the backup copy of your site to restore the site to its previous state. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the backup on your computer or another location as a safety measure.
After you have confirmed that your site is working correctly, you can cancel your old hosting account. It is important to note that you should only cancel the old hosting account after you have confirmed that your site is working correctly on the new server.
In conclusion, transferring your website to a new hosting location can seem daunting, but with the right steps and preparation, it can be a smooth process. By making a backup of your site, updating your DNS settings, uploading and importing your files and database, updating the database connection settings, testing your site and cancel old hosting account. With these steps, you can successfully transfer your website to a new hosting location and ensure that your site continues to run smoothly.