How to Move Your WordPress Site to a New Server

Are you feeling the need to migrate your WordPress site to a new hosting server? Although it may sound intimidating, with thorough planning and proper execution, you can shift your WordPress site to a new hosting account without any complications or considerable downtime. So, brace yourself and get ready to learn the step-by-step process of moving your WordPress site:

Step 1: Choose Your New Hosting Account

The first step entails selecting a new hosting account by picking out your preferred hosting provider, plan, and registering for a new account. There are various hosting providers in the market, such as SiteGround, Bluehost, and Hostinger. Therefore, conduct thorough research to ensure that the hosting provider you choose meets all your requirements.

Step 2: Move Your Site Files to the New Server

After signing up for your new hosting account, your next move is to transport your website files to the new server, and this can be achieved via an FTP client like FileZilla. Essentially, download your existing files from your current server and then upload them to your new server, which can take a considerable amount of time, particularly if you possess an extensive site with many media files.

Remember to modify the database connection details in your wp-config.php file to reflect the new setting of the fresh server.

Step 3: Export/Import Your Database

The following move is to export/import your database, where you export the current database from your previous server and import it into your new hosting account.

Exporting your database necessitates logging in to your current hosting account, accessing your phpMyAdmin, choosing your database, and lastly, selecting ‘Export’- after selecting the SQL format, press Go, and a file containing your database will appear.

To import your database, log into your new hosting account, go to your phpMyAdmin, choose your database, select ‘Import,’ upload the SQL file you exported earlier, and press Go.

Step 4: Change Your Domain DNS Settings

After moving your site files and database, modify your domain name DNS settings to direct them to the new server ensuring that visitors can access your site on the new hosting server.

To do that, log in to your domain registrar account, access the DNS settings change option, and input the new DNS settings provided by your new hosting account and save the transformations.

Step 5: Test Your Site on the New Server

Before launching your site on the new server, test it thoroughly to verify that everything is functioning correctly.

You can test the site on the new server using the temporary URL provided by your new hosting account, which lets you access your site before the DNS settings amalgamate.

Step 6: Make Your Site Live on the New Server

After testing your site on the new server, configure the DNS settings for your domain name to direct it to the new server. This step may take up to 48 hours for changes to propagate.

During this time, your visitors may experience temporary issues accessing your site or downtime. Therefore, minimize downtime by using a plugin like WP maintenance mode or putting up a maintenance page.

Step 7: Check Your Site After Moving to the New Server

After launching your site on the new server, check it meticulously to guarantee that everything is working appropriately. Confirm that all your posts and pages are accessible and that your media files and links are functioning efficiently. Also, ensure that your site functionalities, such as email notifications and contact forms, are operating seamlessly.

Conclusion

Shifting your WordPress site to a new hosting server can be challenging; however, executing proper planning and following each step carefully can grant you a seamless transition.

Don’t forget these crucial steps: backups, moving your files and database, modifying your DNS settings, testing your site on the new server, and then, finally, launching your site on the new server. After launching your site, double-check everything to make sure it’s working perfectly.