Transferring a WordPress site can at first appear as a daunting process, but when procedures and techniques have been followed then it is actually an easy process. Before you are able to change the hosting provider or relocate to a different domain, it is important that you learn how to migrate WordPress site. However, it is for this reason that this guide will take the following approach with keen emphasis on clarity.

Why Would You Migrate WordPress Site?

It will still be useful to get acquainted with why one may need to transfer to a WordPress site before proceeding with the process. Some common reasons include:

  • To Change the hosting provider to improve site performance.
  • Domain renaming: The act of renewing one's website for branding reasons.
  • Integration of sites into a single WordPress base.
  • Converting to a better web host for WordPress site.

Every case can be unique in terms of approach, however, the key processes to migrate WordPress site stay the same.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate WordPress Site

Backup Your Current WordPress Site

The first step which must be taken before making any change involves duplicating your current WordPress site. This makes sure that every file and every theme & plugins & database you have is backed up securely in case some misfortune happens during migration.

To back up your WordPress site:

  • The migration plugin to use for WordPress is UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration.
  • It is critical to backup your site’s files and the database onto your computer.
  • It is even more important to save the backup in multiple locations to avoid losing it due to some reason.

Choose the Right Migration Method

In this context, it is important to know that there are steps one can take when one wants to migrate WordPress site to new host or domain. These include:

  • Manual migration: Introducing the activity of downloading and uploading files by yourself.
  • Using a WordPress migration plugin: Simplifying the structure.
  • Assisted migration: Some of the hosting providers provide a migration service.

That is why the simplest and most effective of them all is to use a WordPress migration plugin. These include Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration, which makes the process easy while avoiding issues to migrate WordPress site.

How to Migrate a WordPress Site Manually Within Easy Steps

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually migrate your WordPress site by following these steps:

Step 1: Export the Database

  • Log in to your hosting service provider’s web interface and navigate to the phpMyAdmin tool.
  • Select your WordPress database.
  • Once you are through with it, there is a button known as Export; you click on it and save it on the computer.

Step 2: Transfer WordPress Files

  • Make sure that you employ an FTP connection to your website, and you are encouraged to use a FileZilla connection.
  • It is essential to download all the files located in the WordPress root directory.
  • Transfer them to your new host or domain account.

Step 3: Edit the wp-config.php File

  • In the wp-config. Php file, replace the details of the database with the new server’s details.

Step 4: Import the Database to the New Host

  • To do this, go to your MySQL database through your new hosting account and access phpMyAdmin.
  • Databases created by exporting databases should be imported.

Using a WordPress Migration Plugin

If you want to take a shortcut, you are able to migrate WordPress using a migration plugin. These plugins are all self-explanatory and will take all the effort for you and make it smooth.

Step 1: Install a Migration Plugin

  • Select an appropriate plugin out of All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator plugins.
  • Download the plugin from the WordPress platform and run this on your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Export Your WordPress Site

  • Utilize the plugin for exporting your website.
  • Click the Export button to save the exported file on your computer.

Step 3: Import to New Host or Domain

  • Migrate WordPress website to new host or the new domain.
  • Select the plugin to import the site that you exported earlier.

Update Domain Name and URLs

When you migrate WordPress website to new domain, it is necessary to alter the domain records within the database. Here’s how:

  • A plugin called Better Search Replace will help replace old URLs with new domains.
  • Access your phpMyAdmin using the CPanel, search for the wp_options table, and change the site URL and the home URL values.

Test Your Migrated Site

It is also equally important to check if everything is going well after migration, for instance, by checking links and other important functions of the website. Check for the following:

  • Broken links: Do not forget that all existing internal and external links should also be checked and corrected if necessary for good user experience as well as SEO.
  • Image and file paths: Media files should be checked to make sure that all of them are being loaded correctly.
  • Performance: Check how fast or slow the website loads when hosted on the new server.

Final Steps After Migration

Once you migrate WordPress site completely, there are a few final things to take care of:

  • Update DNS settings: Redirect your domain to the new host.
  • Test forms and plugins: Check that every link is clickable and that all buttons and other interactive items are operable.
  • Set up email: If your hosting provider offers email services, then create any email addresses related to the domain you’ve registered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Migrate WordPress Site

  • Forgetting to back up your site: It is always recommended to have a backup before initiating the migration.
  • Not testing your site post-migration: See that all the features and pages of the site are functioning properly.
  • Not updating URLs: Link inactivity can result in broken links and bad user experience if URLs are not renewed.

FAQs About WordPress Website Migration

Can I Migrate WordPress Site Without Downtime?

Yes, By migrating WordPress through a plugin or when following the steps given above, the possible downtime is negligible.

In How Much Time Can I Migrate WordPress Site?

It progressively takes minutes, depending on the size of the site and the method to be used. For small sites, it is about an hour, depending on the number of pages, while for larger sites, it will take longer.

Do I need technical knowledge to migrate WordPress site?

Fortunately, a WordPress migration plugin makes it quite easy, regardless of your level of experience as a user. But it is important to note that manual migration involves slightly technical skills.

Conclusion

Getting your wordpress site migrated is, in fact, something you do not have to worry about. If configured with the proper WordPress migration plugin and making use of clearly defined procedures, you can easily migrate a site to a new host or domain. Regardless of implementing the migration by hand or utilizing a plugin, always create a backup of your site and verify all changes once you finish the migration.When you want to migrate website to wordpress or need professional Website development, you can contact us at Try Web Design to help you with ease.