Learn the essential steps for migrating a website to a new host and domain, including secure backups, database transfers, and serialized URL updates.
Discover how to handle DNS propagation and 301 redirects to preserve search ranking authority.
Create a backup
Before you start anything, you need to back up all of your website files and data. Depending on the situation, you can use the transfer tools offered by your provider, special plugins if you use platforms like WordPress, or save the files manually. For manual file transfers, FileZilla is a free option.
Refresh connection settings
If the website address was purchased from a different registrar than the hosting company, the relevant connection settings need to be updated. This change usually takes 24 to 48 hours to take effect everywhere.
Transferring files and data to the new space
Once you have the backups, you upload them to your new site. For WordPress websites, transferring files and databases is easy with special plugins.
Securely update links
As your website changes address, the links within the database need to be updated as well. You shouldn't use simple text replacement tools as they can cause problems with the stored data. Instead, you need to use special tools designed for this job.
Visitor redirection
To avoid losing visitors to your old address, you should set up a proper redirect so that they are automatically redirected to your new address. You should also use Google's special tool to notify them of the move. The old hosting and redirects must remain active for 180 days to maintain your site's position in search results.
Final operational checks
Upon completing the transfer, make sure your new site uses secure encryption, update the addresses in traffic measurement tools, submit a new sitemap, and check for broken links.
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