Uploading a Local WordPress Site to the Server

Step 1: Selecting Hosting Provider

If you’re a WordPress developer, you may have faced the situation of uploading a local WordPress site to the server. This can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are doing it for the first time. However, there’s no need to worry, as the process is actually very simple and easy to follow.

The first step you need to take is to choose a hosting provider that suits your needs. You must consider various factors such as speed, reliability, security, and uptime. Popular hosting providers include Bluehost, Siteground, and HostGator.

Step 2: Preparing Your Site for Upload

Before uploading your website to the server, you should prepare it by cleaning up your database, compressing your files, and optimizing your images. You can use plugins such as WP-Optimize and WP Sweep to clean up your database, and Imagify and Smush to optimize your images. Compress your files using WinRAR or 7-Zip to make them faster to upload and reduce their size.

Step 3: Creating a New Database and User in cPanel

The next step is to create a new database and user in cPanel. You can log in to cPanel and navigate to the MySQL Database Wizard. Follow the instructions to create a new database and user. You should keep note of these details because you will need them later.

Step 4: Exporting Your Local Database

The next step is to export your local database by using the Export feature in phpMyAdmin. Open phpMyAdmin in your local environment, select your database, click on Export, and choose the SQL format, then select “Quick” and click on “Go”. A copy of your database will download.

Step 5: Uploading WordPress Files to the Server

Use an FTP client such as FileZilla to upload your WordPress files to the server. Connect to your server using your hosting account credentials, navigate to the public_html folder, and upload your WordPress files. You must upload your files in the same directory structure as your local environment.

Step 6: Importing Your Local Database to the Server

To import your local database to the server, use the Import feature in phpMyAdmin. Then, select your new database, click on Import, and upload the SQL file downloaded in Step 4. Finally, click on “Go” to import your local database into your server.

Step 7: Updating the wp-config.php File

Now, you need to update the wp-config.php file. This file contains your database login credentials. Update it to point to your new database. Open the wp-config.php file in the public_html folder, and update the database name, username, and password with the credentials you created in step three.

Step 8: Updating Site URL in the Database

The final step is updating the site URL in the database with the Search and Replace plugin. Install the plugin and go to Tools -> Search and Replace. Enter your local site URL in the Search for field and your server site URL in the Replace with the field. Click on “Run Search/Replace”, and the plugin will update all instances of your local site URL in the database.

Conclusion

By following the above steps, you can upload your local WordPress site to the server without any hassle. Remember always to back up your site before making any changes, and thoroughly test it before making it live. If you face any challenges along the way, don’t hesitate to contact your hosting provider’s support team for assistance.