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Changing your web hosting provider can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with an established website. From choosing the right new host to ensuring a smooth data transfer, it’s crucial to manage every step carefully to avoid disruptions or data loss. While the process can seem intimidating, it can also offer significant improvements in performance if done right.
To help you make the transition as seamless as possible, here are 10 key steps to follow when changing your hosting provider.
1. Choose the Right Web Hosting Provider
Thorough research is crucial when selecting a new web hosting provider. Each host has its unique advantages and limitations, so it’s important to choose one that best meets your website’s specific needs. Consider the key features such as pricing, server uptime, storage capacity, website loading speed, server configuration, and available services. Make sure to align these factors with your website’s requirements to ensure a smooth transition. While switching may be daunting, you don’t want to settle for a provider that doesn’t meet your current or future demands.
2. Backup and Transfer Your Website Files
Backing up your website files, including images, videos, plugins, and web pages, is a critical step to avoid data loss during the transition. Some hosting providers offer built-in backup and migration tools, but if your new host doesn’t provide these services, you’ll need to migrate the files manually. This process requires an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client like FileZilla, Cerberus, or Titan FTP Server. Download the FTP software and follow the on-screen instructions to back up your files to ensure everything is transferred securely.
3. Backup Your Website Database
Your website’s database holds essential data such as user login details, order histories, and other vital information. It’s crucial to back up this database before transferring it to your new host. Most hosting providers use phpMyAdmin for managing and exporting databases. Before transferring the database, ensure that the exported file’s config.php file is compatible with your new hosting environment. This step ensures that all your site’s functionality remains intact after the migration.
4. Import the Backup to Your New Database
After creating a new database on your new hosting provider, you can proceed to import the backup file using phpMyAdmin. During the import, be sure to check for any error messages and confirm that the process completes successfully. If an issue arises and the files fail to import correctly, it could result in a corrupted database. In such cases, you’ll need to overwrite the previous upload by re-uploading the files. If you run into difficulties, it’s a good idea to contact your new hosting provider for assistance.
5. Provide the Authorization Code to Your New Hosting Provider
When transferring your domain name to your new hosting provider, you’ll need an authorization code (also known as an EPP code) from your old host. This code authorizes the transfer of your domain to the new provider. Expect the approval process to take about 6 to 7 days. During this time, you won’t have full access to your domain at the new provider. Once the transfer is approved, your new host will take control of the domain and finalize the move.
6. Update Your DNS Records to Point to Your New Host
Once your database migration is complete, the next step is to transfer your domain name system (DNS) to your new hosting provider’s servers. This involves pointing your domain to the new host’s nameservers. You’ll need to unlock your domain and provide the new host with the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) code to make the switch possible. Since your website is already live, it’s important to finalize the domain transfer as soon as possible. If your previous provider still has a record of your domain, their support team can assist you with transferring it to your new host.
7. Check for Broken Links and Other Errors
When altering your website’s permalink structure or moving content to a new location, it’s common to encounter broken internal links. These can also occur if content is relocated without proper redirects in place. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly test all existing web pages and links for accessibility.
Additionally, ensure that your email system is functioning properly. An active email account is essential for maintaining client trust and reinforcing your brand identity. This step is particularly important to prevent customer dissatisfaction and avoid losing potential clients due to communication issues.
8. Conduct a Final Test
Before completing the migration, run a final, comprehensive test of your website. Some problems might be missed during the transfer, so it’s essential to identify and resolve any remaining issues before deactivating your old hosting account.
Use a temporary URL to preview your site and check its performance. Many web hosting providers offer staging environments or development platforms, which are excellent tools for testing your site before making it live. This ensures that everything is functioning as expected.
9. Allow Time for DNS Changes to Propagate
After switching web hosting providers, it may take some time for your website modifications to appear across the internet. DNS changes typically take 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate. Additionally, you might notice some variation in page load speeds as your site adjusts to the new host’s infrastructure. Be patient during this period as the changes take effect.
10. Close Your Previous Hosting Account
Once your website is fully migrated and running smoothly with your new host, it’s time to close your old hosting account. Doing this promptly will help prevent any unnecessary charges or subscriptions from continuing.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Switching web hosting companies requires careful planning to ensure the safety of your data and minimize risks during the migration. By following these steps and choosing the right hosting provider, you can successfully manage the transition and improve your website’s performance without compromising data security.
