Migrating your website to a new hosting provider is like moving house — it can be exciting, but also nerve-wracking. One wrong move, and you could lose precious data, suffer downtime, or frustrate your visitors.
But here’s the good news: with the right plan, you can move your site without losing traffic, breaking links, or damaging your SEO.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through how to migrate your site to a new hosting provider the right way — whether you run a small blog, an eCommerce store, or a large corporate site.
Before we dive into the “how-to”, let’s clear up what website migration really means.
Website migration involves moving all your site’s files, databases, and configurations from one hosting provider to another. This process includes:
Done right, your visitors won’t even notice the change. Done wrong… well, let’s just say your traffic and search rankings could take a hit.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the hassle, here are common reasons site owners make the switch:
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to pack your bags and move.
Rushing into a migration without planning is a recipe for disaster. Before you touch a single file, follow this preparation checklist:
Look for:
Even if your current host offers automatic backups, manually back up your site.
Download:
Store these backups in multiple locations (local drive, cloud storage).
If you’re running WordPress, Joomla, Magento, or another CMS, ensure your new host supports:
Ideally, migrate during low-traffic periods (overnight or weekends). This reduces disruption for visitors.
Choose your plan and set up your hosting account. Don’t cancel your old hosting yet, you’ll need both accounts active during the migration.
Yes, again. Backups are your insurance policy if something goes wrong.
If you’re using WordPress, plugins like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or UpdraftPlus can automate the process.
Adjust your wp-config.php (WordPress) or equivalent configuration file to match your new database name, user, and password.
Most hosting providers allow you to preview your site before changing DNS records. Use this to test:
Log in to your domain registrar and change your nameservers to point to your new hosting provider.
DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, but it often happens within a few hours.
Once DNS has fully propagated, check:
Only after confirming your new site works perfectly should you cancel your old hosting.
Website migrations can affect your search rankings if you’re not careful.
SEO tips during migration:
If your site has a large database or high traffic, consider setting it into “maintenance mode” during migration to prevent data loss.
On a side note, I once worked with a client who was migrating their e-commerce site while also launching a newzealandcasinos bonus campaign — and timing was everything. Their seamless migration meant no missed sales and zero downtime.
Migration is your chance to upgrade and optimise. Consider:
Migrating your site to a new hosting provider doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With careful preparation, reliable backups, and a methodical approach, you can move your site smoothly, protect your SEO, and even improve your website’s performance.
Think of it as levelling up your online presence — a fresh home for your brand to thrive. The key is to plan, test, and never rush.
At Webprecision, we deliver exceptional web hosting that’s lightning-fast, thoroughly secure, and utterly reliable. By handling all the technical complexities, we free you to concentrate on your core business—driving growth and success. Reach out today to learn how our affordable web hosting solutions can transform your online presence.