Moving WordPress website to another hosting provider

Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Choose a new hosting provider: Research and select a new hosting provider that meets your needs in terms of performance, reliability, customer support, and pricing. Ensure that the new hosting provider supports WordPress and offers easy migration options.
2. Backup your website: Before migrating your website, it’s crucial to create a backup of your website files and databases. You can use a WordPress backup plugin or manually download your website files via FTP/SFTP. Export your WordPress database using a tool like phpMyAdmin.
3. Set up the new hosting account: Sign up for an account with the new hosting provider and set up your domain if required. Take note of the FTP/SFTP details provided by your new host, as you will need them later.
4. Upload your website files: Connect to your new hosting account using an FTP/SFTP client. Upload all your website files to the appropriate directory on the new server. This typically involves transferring the contents of your WordPress installation folder (usually named “public_html” or “htdocs”).
5. Import your database: Access your new hosting account’s control panel or use a tool like phpMyAdmin to import the database backup you created earlier. Create a new MySQL database and user if necessary and associate the user with the database. Update the database connection details in your WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php) with the new database information.
6. Update DNS settings: If you are changing your domain or DNS settings, you need to update your domain’s DNS records to point to the new hosting provider. This step ensures that users can access your website using the updated DNS information. Depending on your domain registrar, you may need to update the nameservers or configure DNS records manually.
7. Test your website: Once the DNS changes have propagated, visit your website using its domain name or temporary URL provided by your new hosting provider. Ensure that all pages, images, and functionality are working correctly. Test any forms, plugins, or custom functionalities to make sure they are functioning as expected.
8. Update WordPress settings: Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard on the new hosting provider and update the “Site URL” and “WordPress Address (URL)” under the “Settings” > “General” section. This step ensures that WordPress is aware of the new website URL and prevents any redirect issues.
9. Monitor and resolve any issues: After migrating your website, monitor it closely for any issues such as broken links, missing images, or other errors. Update any internal links or file paths that may have changed during the migration process. Check your website’s performance and ensure that all plugins and themes are up to date.

That’s it! By following these steps, you should be able to successfully migrate your WordPress website to a new hosting provider. Remember to thoroughly test your website after the migration and keep a backup of your old website files and database for some time, just in case.