Are you thinking of migrating your WordPress blog ? There are risks when migrating your WordPress blog from one host to another such as website downtime and data loss. If you need help migrating to a new host or deciding which backup extensions to use, read this post. These awesome tips will help you migrate your WordPress blog more easily and are less intimidating!
Let's face it, the thought of having to move your blog to a new host is probably giving you headaches before you even start.
But there is one thing, web host migration doesn't have to be a painful experience.
If you've fought off the desire to move your WordPress blog to a better host just because it seems like a problem, then don't worry. We have 3 awesome tips that will make migrating your WordPress blog much easier.
The good news ? You don't have to be a web developer to know how to do it!
Tip # 1: Finding hosts that offer the migration service
The first thing you should do before migrating your web host? It is of course to find a new host! While any web host with PHP 5.2.4 or higher and MySQL 5.0 or higher can work with WordPress, that doesn't mean you can go with any old web host.
We recommend those who offer free migration assistance service (or for a small fee). Rather than doing all the tasks yourself (creation of a new database, modification of the wp-config.php file, etc..), using web hosts migration hosting service will save you a lot of work.
For example, SiteGround offers a free WordPress migration service to new users.
All you need to do is submit your website transfer request through their setup wizard. Their support agents will do the rest.
If you are still looking for a new WordPress host, take the time to research and see which company offers the best Web hosting For WordPress.
Tip # 2: Back up your site using WordPress plugins
So now you have chosen your new WordPress hosting plan. Unless you're planning to start from scratch, you'll need a backup of your blog to upload and export to the new host.
WordPress offers many great extensions that allow you to create backup files for your blog, which you can then export and upload to your new host.
Here are some extensions on WordPress that we recommend:
All-in-One WP Migration
If you're looking for an all-in-one solution for your WordPress blog backup and migration solution, look no further than the extension All-in-One WP Migration.
As the name suggests, the extension provides all the options you will need to archive your blog data in a single file. The great thing about this plugin is that you can customize what kind of data you want to keep (like spam comments or the media library) and where to export.
Duplicator
Offering great versatility for backing up your WordPress blog, Duplicator is a great choice if you need a backup extension that is straightforward while having a lot of options.
The plugin essentially creates a "bundle" of data from your site that you can download for migration or for backup. The great thing about the duplicator is that they provide an archive file that contains all the data and an installer file to reinstall your blog data.
BackupGuard
While not as versatile as the other two, BackupGuard offers a simpler interface to create backup files for your blog.
Their pro subscription offers automatic backup, 24/7 emergency support, direct integration with cloud storage devices and can even help with a full site migration taking care of all the big jobs.
For a step-by-step guide on how to use them, click here!
Tip # 3: Make sure to update your DNS
When you have completely transferred your site, you must update the DNS of the domain so that it redirects to the new host. To update your DNS, log in to the domain registrar for your WordPress, head to the DNS section, and change both nameservers to the new one given by your host.
Let's say your DNS comes from GoDaddy, so your name servers would be:
Now you need to update it to point to the Inmotion nameservers instead. You then change it to:
Here ! Your migration is complete Of course, you have to support some propagation time that your domain might encounter.
So there you have it, 3 awesome tips to help make migrating your WordPress blog easier. If you are having issues with your WordPress migration, you can also get help from WordPress experts. What did you think of these tips? Did it help you? Let us know in the comments!
