How to Transfer a Website: A Step-by-Step Guide


Transferring a website can seem daunting, but it's a common task when switching hosting providers. Whether you’re moving for better performance, cost, or support, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Did you know that 50% of businesses switch hosts within their first two years? In this guide, we’ll show you how to transfer a website smoothly without losing any data or SEO ranking.

(This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

Step 1: Choose Your New Hosting Provider

Before you can transfer your website, you need to choose your new hosting provider. Here are a few reliable and affordable options:

Make sure the new hosting provider offers features that meet your site’s requirements (storage, bandwidth, uptime, etc.).


Step 2: Back Up Your Website

Backing up your website before initiating the transfer is crucial to prevent data loss. This includes all files, databases, and emails associated with your domain.

Backup Methods:

  1. Manual Backup:

    • For WordPress: Use an FTP client to download your website files and access your database via phpMyAdmin to export it.
    • For other CMS: Check your platform’s documentation for manual backup steps.

  2. Automatic Backup:
    Some hosting providers offer automatic backups, making it easier to download a full backup of your website.


Step 3: Set Up Your New Hosting Account

Once you have a backup, sign up with your new hosting provider. Most hosting platforms, like Hostinger and A2 Hosting, offer a user-friendly setup wizard.

Key Steps:

  • Log into your new hosting account.
  • Set up your domain and point it to the new hosting servers (DNS settings).
  • Import your website backup files to the new server.


Step 4: Update DNS Settings

After setting up your new hosting provider, you’ll need to point your domain to your new hosting server. This is done by updating your DNS (Domain Name System) records. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to your domain registrar account (e.g., Kenya Website Experts, Truehost).
  2. Find the section for DNS settings or nameservers.
  3. Replace the old nameservers with the ones provided by your new host.

Nameserver Example:

  • Old nameserver: ns1.oldhost.com
  • New nameserver: ns1.newhost.com

DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.


Step 5: Transfer Files and Databases

Now it’s time to migrate your website files and databases to your new host.

  • For WordPress: Use a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration or manually transfer files via FTP.
  • For other CMS or custom-built websites: Use an FTP client (such as FileZilla) to upload your files to the new host’s server.

For database transfer, export your database from your old host’s phpMyAdmin and import it into the phpMyAdmin of your new host.


Step 6: Test Your Website

Once your files and databases are uploaded, it’s time to test your website to ensure everything works correctly.

Testing Tips:

  • Access your website via the new hosting server’s temporary URL before the DNS fully propagates.
  • Check that all internal links, images, and forms work as expected.
  • Verify that any databases (like your content or e-commerce products) are functioning correctly.


Step 7: Cancel Your Old Hosting Account

After you’ve confirmed that your website is fully functional on the new host, it’s time to cancel your old hosting plan. Make sure you’ve retrieved any important data or emails from your old hosting provider before closing the account.


Conclusion:

Transferring a website doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By following these steps, you can move to a new hosting provider without risking data loss or downtime. Have you found a new hosting provider yet? Start your transfer today with Hostinger, A2 Hosting, or Truehost for smooth and hassle-free migration.

Affiliate Links:

  • Hostinger (Great for affordable plans and easy migration)
  • A2 Hosting (High performance with easy migration tools)
  • Truehost (Reliable local hosting with excellent support)
  • HostPinnacle (Offers free website transfers)

Comments

Post a Comment