Perplexing WordPress Website Migration

WordPress is an excellent content management system that enables users to create professional websites without coding knowledge. But what happens when a WordPress user has to move their website from one server to another? This arduous task can be a daunting and highly challenging task, especially for newbies. Nevertheless, there is no need to feel overwhelmed, we have got you covered.

Back up your Website

The first step in migrating your WordPress website is to back up all your files and database. This is essential in case something goes wrong during the process of moving your WordPress website. You can back up your website using a plugin such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.

Striking “Duplicator”

Duplicator is one of the most popular plugins used for moving WordPress websites. This plugin will create a backup of your WordPress website, including all the files and the database. This ensures that you have a complete copy of your website and can move it as it is to the new location.

Export your Database

Exporting your database is an essential step when moving your WordPress website. Go to your hosting account or phpMyAdmin and navigate to the database associated with your WordPress website. Once there, select Export, and you will be prompted to select the format you want your database to be exported in. Select SQL and then click Go to download your database.

Export your WordPress Files

Exporting your WordPress files is the next step. To do this, log in to your web server using an FTP client such as FileZilla. Navigate to the folder where your WordPress installation is and download all the files. Once downloaded, save them in a folder on your local computer.

Create a New Database and User

To move your WordPress website to a new server or domain, you need to create a new database and user. To create a new database and user, log in to your hosting account and navigate to the MySQL Databases section. Here, you can create a new database and add a user to it. Make sure you note down the database name, username, and password, as you will need them during the installation process.

Edit your wp-config.php file

Once you have created a new database and user, you need to edit your wp-config.php file. This file is located in the root folder of your WordPress installation. You can edit this file using an FTP client or by logging in to your web server using cPanel. Add the new database name, username, and password to the appropriate fields in the wp-config.php file, and save the changes.

Import your Database

To import your database, log in to phpMyAdmin on your new server and navigate to your new database. Click on the Import tab and select the SQL file you exported earlier. Click on Go, and your database will be imported into your new server.

Upload your WordPress Files

Once you have imported your database, you need to upload your WordPress files to the new location. You can do this using an FTP client or by logging in to your web server using cPanel. Make sure you upload all the files to the correct location.

Run Duplicator

If you are using Duplicator, navigate to the folder where you saved your files and run the installer.php file. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process. Once the process is complete, your WordPress website should be up and running on your new server or domain.

Conclusion

Moving a WordPress website requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can move your WordPress website with ease. Remember to back up all your files and database before you start the process, select the right plugin, and practice due diligence in editing your files and importing your database. With the right tools and mindset, moving your WordPress website can be a smooth and trouble-free process.