Perplexed and Bursting with Wonder: Migrating Your WordPress Site Manually

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS), but transferring your site from one domain or hosting provider to another can be a real headache. This is particularly true if you lack technical skills, which is where this guide comes in – we will take you through the manual migration process step by step!

Two General Methods: Automated & Manual

Before getting into the details, it is important to note that there are two general methods used to migrate WordPress: the automated method with a plugin, and the manual method involving the transfer of the site files and database from one server to another.

While the automated method seems easier as it involves only a few clicks, the manual method is the best option if you want a complete backup, limited access to your hosting account or specific customizations.

Step 1: Back up Your WordPress Site

Before your site’s transfer, you want to back up all the essential data, such as the database, themes, plugins, media files, etc. The WordPress Export tool can export your website’s data into a WordPress XML file, which is a reliable way to create comprehensive backup data for your website.

Step 2: Purchase a New Hosting Plan

Your new hosting service should support technologies like PHP, MySQL, and Apache, which are the foundation for WordPress websites. Consider WordPress-specific hosting plans, shared hosting for small businesses, or VPS/dedicated hosting for significant websites.

Step 3: Create a New Database on Your New Server

Creating a new database involves giving it a unique name, username, and password, and this process takes place on your new hosting’s cPanel dashboard.

Step 4: Upload Your WordPress Site Files to Your New Server

Your WordPress site files can be transferred to the new server using an FTP client like FileZilla. The public_html folder of your new host is where you must upload these files.

Step 5: Edit Your Site’s Database Details

Edit your wp-config.php file on your local computer to update your site’s details.

Step 6: Import Your WordPress Database to the New Server

After importing your SQL database into the new server, the phpMyAdmin tool should display a successful import message. This process can take some time, depending on the size of your database.

Step 7: Update Your Site’s Permalinks

The final step of manually migrating your WordPress site involves updating your site’s permalinks, which are the URLs or links that users use to access pages, posts, and other types of content on your site. Update the permalinks by going to the WordPress dashboard, then navigate to Settings > Permalinks, then click on ‘Save Changes.’

Final Thoughts

Migrating your WordPress site manually can be intimidating, but this guide should make the process more manageable. If you encounter any problems, do not hesitate to contact your hosting provider for assistance.