The web hosting landscape is dynamic, and a provider ideal for your website’s initial launch may not be the optimal choice for its sustained success. Recognizing this evolving need is critical for businesses with a long-term online presence.
However, transitioning to a new hosting provider can introduce downtime, data loss, and other issues that raise significant business continuity concerns.
Read on as we explore a meticulous 10-step strategy for a smooth transition. Prioritize minimal downtime & uninterrupted operation. Follow these steps for a strategic migration to a thriving, optimized new environment. Let’s dive in!
How to Change Web Hosting Provider?
Here’s how to change the web hosting provider for your website with minimal disruption:
1. Laying the Groundwork: Selecting a New Web Host
A successful website migration hinges on selecting the right hosting provider.
Here are some key considerations you need to take into account when selecting a new web host:
- Free Website Migration: Prioritize providers offering free website migration to simplify the transfer process and minimize downtime.
- Long-Term Value: Look beyond migration ease. Choose a provider known for high uptime, robust security (like SSL), and user-friendly website management tools.
- Assess Hosting Options: Explore the different hosting plans offered by your potential web host. Employ shared hosting for smaller sites, VPS/cloud for high traffic, and managed WordPress for optimized WordPress hosting.
- Check Reviews: Leverage user reviews on Trustpilot, G2, Google My Business, or the web host’s website to gain insights into their performance, support quality, and user experience.
2. Safeguarding Your Website: Take Backups
Before you begin migrating your website, it’s crucial to prioritize creating thorough backups. Ensure you back up two critical components:
- Website Files:Â These include essential elements like HTML, CSS, and image files that form the foundation of your site.
- Database:Â This repository houses all dynamic content such as posts, pages, and comments.
There are two primary methods to create backups:
- cPanel Backup:Â Access your hosting provider’s cPanel, locate the Backup section, and initiate a Full Website Backup. Download the generated file. Additionally, use phpMyAdmin within cPanel to export your website’s database.
- WordPress Plugin:Â For WordPress sites, install and activate a plugin such as “All in One WP Migration.” Utilize the plugin’s export feature to create a compressed backup file of your entire website.
By ensuring these backups are comprehensive and up-to-date, you’ll safeguard your website’s data integrity throughout the migration process.
3. Establishing the Foundation: Create a New Database
After securing website backups, you need to create a new database to house your website’s content. The steps include:
- Navigate to your new host’s cPanel and locate the Databases section, specifically MySQL Databases.
- Click “Create New Database” and assign a name for your database. Proceed by clicking “Create Database”.
- Create a dedicated username and password to safeguard your database.
4. Database Integration: Import Website Content
This step involves importing the database backup file. To import databases:
- Access phpMyAdmin within your new hosting provider’s control panel.
- Select the newly created database.
- Navigate to the Import section and select “Choose File.” Locate and choose the database backup file.
- Click “Go” to initiate the import process. This action populates your new database with your website’s content, ensuring a seamless transition.
5. Updating Database Credentials: Link Dynamic Websites
This step applies solely to websites built on Content Management Systems like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. Downloaded website files retain references to the old server’s database. Here is how you will update these references:
Locate the specific file corresponding to your CMS:
- WordPress: wp-config.php
- Joomla: configuration.php
- Drupal: settings.php
Utilize a text editor to identify and replace instances of the old database name, username, and password with the corresponding credentials you established during the new database creation process.
6. Uploading Your Website: Seamless File Transfer
This step establishes the foundation for your website’s online visibility on the new platform. Below are three common upload methods:
- cPanel Integration: Leverage the user-friendly control panel (cPanel) to navigate to the “public_html” directory and upload your downloaded website files.
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP): For FTP users, FileZilla provides a robust solution. Establish a connection using your new host’s credentials and upload files to “public_html” via drag-and-drop or the upload feature.
- WordPress Plugin (Optional): For WordPress sites, consider a plugin like “All in One WP Migration” to streamline file and database upload using the downloaded export file from your old site.
7. Verifying Your New Website: Check for Errors
Following the upload process, meticulous testing is crucial before officially switching your website to the new host. Here is a checklist to ensure a smooth transition:
- Performance, Content, and Functionality: Evaluate website speed, proper display of content (images, design), and functionality of forms and interactive elements.
- Broken Links & Responsiveness: Identify and rectify any broken links or issues with mobile responsiveness.
- Error Pages: Ensure proper display of 404 pages (page not found).
- Common Migration Issues:Â While thorough testing is ideal, minor issues can arise during migration. Here is a quick reference to address some common problems:
- 404 & Redirects: Utilize Google Search Console to identify broken pages and implement redirects using .htaccess file modifications.
- Database Errors: Review database credentials and re-upload if necessary. Leverage phpMyAdmin’s repair functionalities or WordPress’ auto-repair option for more complex issues.
8. DNS Migration: Ensuring Seamless TransitionÂ
The final step involves updating your Domain Name System (DNS) records. DNS translates user-friendly domain names into IP addresses, ensuring visitors reach your website’s new location on the migrated hosting server. The steps include:
- Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel,Â
- Navigate to DNS management,Â
- Locate your domain’s A record and replace the IP address with your new host’s IP.
It can take a few minutes to up to 48 hours for global internet infrastructure to reflect the change. Once complete, your website will be accessible through your domain name on the new platform.
9. Maintaining Email Continuity: Configure Email
To utilize email addresses tied to your domain name, modify your domain’s MX records within your domain registrar’s control panel.
You can replace the existing IP address with the one provided by your new web hosting provider. This ensures seamless email delivery to your new email accounts.
10. Completion: Cancelling Old Web Hosting Account
Once you have successfully migrated your website to its new hosting environment, you can cancel your old web hosting account to optimize ongoing costs. Most web hosting providers offer user-friendly cancellation options within their client portals. You can also contact their customer support in case you face issues.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to changing web hosting providers, it’s crucial to follow a systematic approach to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition. Make sure you make sure you prioritize thorough testing at each step, from backups to DNS migration, to catch any issues early.
By doing so, you’ll mitigate risks and ensure your website remains accessible and fully functional throughout the entire migration process.
Team up with Crazy Domains to ensure a seamless transition and expert support for your web hosting migration needs. Our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum performance for your online presence.
Start your journey to a better hosting experience with Crazy Domains today!
