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If you want to migrate your website to a new web hosting provider safely, the key is preparation, the right tools, and careful execution. You don’t need to be a developer to do it successfully, just follow a structured plan.
Here’s what you need to focus on:
- Back up all website files, databases, and email accounts
- Choose a reliable new host with UK-based data centres
- Use migration tools like Duplicator or FTP for secure transfer
- Test your website thoroughly before updating DNS
- Avoid downtime by keeping your old hosting active
- Update DNS records and verify SEO settings
- Check for broken links, errors, and functionality post-migration
Following these steps will help you migrate with confidence and minimal disruption.
Why Should You Consider Switching Your Web Hosting Provider?
There comes a point when staying with your current web hosting provider does more harm than good. I found myself in this situation when my site’s performance became inconsistent, particularly during traffic spikes.
Pages took too long to load, downtime became more frequent, and customer support responses felt copy-pasted and unhelpful.
When you’re running a business online, your website performance isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity. If your hosting provider can’t keep up, it can directly impact your search rankings, user experience, and conversion rates.
Common Signs It’s Time To Migrate
- Your website loads slowly, especially during peak hours
- Downtime occurs often and unpredictably
- Your host has limited bandwidth, storage, or server resources
- You receive unresponsive or generic support
- You’re paying a premium for outdated hosting features
Benefits Of Changing Hosting Providers
Switching to a more reliable and modern hosting provider can help you take full control of your website’s performance, uptime, and security. Improved hosting can lead to better SEO, faster page speeds, and a stronger user experience.
I noticed a marked improvement in site speed and bounce rates after I moved to a new host with data centres based in the UK. Not only was my website faster, but the server environment was better optimised for the CMS I was using, which in my case was WordPress.
Below is a table that compares some of the key differences I experienced before and after switching:
| Feature | Old Hosting Provider | New Hosting Provider |
| Page Load Speed | 4–6 seconds | Under 2 seconds |
| Uptime | Around 98.5% | 99.99% guaranteed |
| Customer Support | Email only, 24–48 hrs wait | Live chat and phone, 24/7 |
| Data Centre Location | US-based | UK-based |
| Security Features | Basic SSL only | SSL, daily backups, firewalls |
The gains were significant and long-lasting, not just temporary boosts.
What Should You Do Before Starting The Website Migration Process?
Preparation is the most critical stage of any website migration. I learned the hard way during a previous migration when I skipped a few of these steps, thinking everything would be smooth. It wasn’t.
Before migrating, you’ll need to create a structured plan to avoid data loss, downtime, and potential security lapses.
Essential Pre-Migration Tasks
- Create a full backup of your website files, database, and email accounts
- Audit the current site’s structure, including plugins and active services
- Check your SSL certificate status and whether it needs to be reinstalled
- Collect all credentials for your old and new hosting accounts
To help organise your migration plan, here’s a simple table of tasks and who should be responsible:
| Task | Responsible Person | Tool/Method |
| Full site backup | Site Owner or Developer | cPanel, UpdraftPlus |
| Database export | Site Admin | phpMyAdmin |
| Email account migration | IT Team or Admin | Manual export or IMAP sync |
| Plugin and theme list | Developer or Admin | WordPress dashboard |
| SSL certificate review | Hosting provider or Admin | SSL checker or hosting support |
How Can You Choose The Right New Web Hosting Provider?
Selecting a new host is not something to rush. After all, you’re trusting them with the security, speed, and availability of your entire website.
When I chose my new provider, I started by comparing reviews, uptime guarantees, support response times, and server infrastructure. I also used Web Hosting Companies to review and compare UK-based hosts with verified customer feedback.
Key things to look for:
- Location of data centres relative to your primary audience
- Whether they offer free site migration services
- cPanel or custom dashboard for ease of use
- Scalability and upgrade options for future growth
- Built-in security, SSL support, and automatic backups
Here’s a comparison table showing essential features to check when reviewing new hosts:
| Hosting Feature | Recommended Standard |
| Uptime Guarantee | Minimum 99.9% |
| Support Availability | 24/7 Live Chat or Phone |
| Free Migration | Preferred but not essential |
| Daily Backups | Must-have for e-commerce or blogs |
| cPanel Access | Recommended for easy management |
| CDN Integration | Improves global page speed |
| Security Tools | Malware scanning and firewalls |
A hosting consultant I spoke to explained,
“One of the biggest mistakes clients make is choosing a host purely on price. The cheapest plan often lacks performance, scalability, or security features. I always advise clients to check what support and security protocols are in place before making the switch.”
That advice steered me away from a budget host and saved me countless future issues.
How Do You Prepare Your Website Files And Database For Transfer?
Once you’ve selected your new provider and planned your migration, the next step is to prepare your actual site files and database.
This stage involves copying your website’s core components:
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files (if static)
- WordPress or CMS-specific files
- Media uploads, themes, and plugins
- Database(s) for dynamic content
I used FTP (FileZilla) to download all my website files from the old host. Then, using phpMyAdmin, I exported the SQL file of my WordPress database.
If you’re unfamiliar with file structures, it’s good to organise files clearly:
| Folder/File | Purpose |
| /public_html/ | Core website files |
| /wp-content/ | Themes, plugins, uploads |
| .htaccess | Redirects and site rules |
| wp-config.php | Database connection details |
| SQL file (exported) | Database structure and content |
Be careful with the wp-config.php file, especially when updating database credentials later. A simple error here can prevent your site from loading entirely.
Which Tools Can Help You Move Your Website Safely?
Migrating manually offers the most control, but there are tools designed to make the process safer and quicker, especially for WordPress users.
These are the ones I tested:
| Tool/Plugin | Suitable For | Key Features |
| Duplicator | WordPress | Packages site into single archive file |
| All-in-One WP Migration | WordPress | Drag-and-drop import/export |
| SiteGround Migrator | SiteGround customers | Automated server transfer |
| FTP + phpMyAdmin | Any CMS or custom site | Full manual control |
| ManageWP | WordPress multisite | Clone and schedule backups |
I used Duplicator because it let me migrate the full site, including the database and plugins, into one compressed file. Once uploaded to the new server, the installer script handled everything with just a few clicks.
“Using Duplicator took the stress out of migration. I could test everything locally before switching DNS, which gave me peace of mind.”
How Do You Transfer Your Website Without Experiencing Downtime?
Avoiding downtime during migration is absolutely achievable with the right process. I kept my old hosting active until I was certain the site was working correctly on the new server.
Here’s the timeline I followed:
| Step | Time Required |
| Backup website and database | 30 minutes |
| Upload to new server via FTP | 1–2 hours |
| Import database and test locally | 30–60 minutes |
| Update DNS (Nameservers) | Immediate, but 24–48h to propagate |
| Monitor for propagation completion | Ongoing |
Here’s what helped me avoid any major downtime:
- Keeping the old hosting active during DNS propagation
- Testing the new version of the website via IP address or temporary URL
- Informing users about a potential 24-hour delay in access
It’s crucial not to delete your site from the old host until the DNS change is complete and stable.
What DNS And Domain Changes Need To Be Made During Migration?
Once your website is live on the new server, the next step is updating the domain’s DNS settings. This links your domain name to the new hosting account.
Steps to update DNS:
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Replace existing nameservers with those provided by your new host
- Save changes and wait for global propagation
Propagation can take up to 48 hours. In that window, some users might still access the site from your old server. Here’s a table of common DNS-related settings you might need to adjust:
| DNS Record Type | Purpose |
| A Record | Maps domain to IP address |
| CNAME | Points subdomains to another domain |
| MX Records | Controls email delivery |
| TXT Records | SPF, DKIM, domain verification |
| Nameservers | Directs traffic to your hosting |
If you’re also transferring your domain to a new registrar, it could take several days longer, so plan accordingly.
How Do You Test Your Website After Migration To Ensure Everything Works?
Testing is an essential step I never skip. Once the site is on the new server, it might behave differently due to server settings, PHP versions, or database configurations.
Here’s a short checklist I followed:
- Ensure all pages load correctly
- Confirm forms and contact functions work
- Verify plugin compatibility and theme appearance
- Test page loading speeds
- Check error logs for any red flags
Author’s insight:
“I discovered that my caching plugin caused a conflict after the move. Without testing, I would’ve blamed the host, but the issue was within my configuration. Testing saved me hours of confusion.”
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Migrating Your Website?
There are a few pitfalls that can turn a smooth migration into a nightmare. I’ve experienced a few first-hand, and they were completely avoidable.
- Migrating during peak traffic hours
- Forgetting to back up email data
- Failing to double-check DNS records
- Not testing contact forms and third-party scripts
- Leaving broken links or redirects unconfigured
The more detailed your pre-migration checklist, the fewer surprises you’ll face.
How Do You Ensure Your SEO And Redirects Stay Intact After The Migration?
After migrating, maintaining your search engine visibility is essential. Losing rankings could mean a drop in traffic and revenue.
Steps I took:
- Checked all URL structures remained consistent
- Added 301 redirects for any changed URLs
- Updated internal links where needed
- Submitted a new sitemap to Google Search Console
- Monitored crawl errors for 1–2 weeks post-migration
These efforts helped preserve my rankings and avoided any major SEO fallout.
Conclusion
Migrating your website to a new web hosting provider doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, the right tools, and attention to detail, you can ensure a smooth, secure transition without downtime or data loss.
From backing up your files to testing your site post-migration, every step plays a crucial role. Based on my own experience, taking the time to do it right pays off in performance, reliability, and peace of mind for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Website Migration
What happens to my emails when I migrate my website?
If your emails are hosted with your current provider, you’ll need to set up the same email accounts on the new host or migrate to a third-party service like Google Workspace or Zoho.
Can I move my website without technical knowledge?
Yes, many hosting companies offer free migration services or plugins that make the process manageable even for non-developers.
Will my website experience downtime during the transfer?
If done correctly, downtime can be avoided. Keeping your old hosting active until DNS propagation is complete is key.
How long does it take to migrate a website?
It depends on your website size and method, but most migrations are completed within a few hours to a day.
What is DNS propagation and why does it matter?
DNS propagation is the time it takes for your updated domain settings to spread across global servers. It usually takes 24–48 hours.
Is manual migration better than using plugins?
Manual migration offers more control, but plugins like Duplicator are faster and safer for less technical users.
Do I need to notify search engines after migrating?
Yes, reverify your site in Google Search Console and submit an updated sitemap to help crawlers index your site correctly.