Changing your web hosting doesn’t have to be a costly or complicated process. Transferring your website to another web hosting can be done smoothly and without any financial burden.
In this article, I will walk you through the steps to transfer a website from one web hosting to another for free, ensuring a seamless transition that minimizes downtime and preserves your site’s functionality.
I will cover everything from choosing a new Web host and backing up your site, to transferring your files and database, updating your domain settings, and testing the new setup.
How Long Does it Take to Transfer a Website from one Web Hosting to Another?
The average time for a standard transfer is approximately 30 minutes and up to 3 hours (for example, when transferring from one server to another).
However, a lot of planning has to be done directly, weeks or months – depending on the location.
If you have a small site and a simple web design, you can complete the whole process in a few hours.
And if you are down to a bigger site with a more complex design, it could take days or weeks.
In these cases, it is important to have a plan and allocate time to make the migration work properly. Trying to speed up the process can result in lost data, broken links, and other issues that can negatively affect your site’s traffic and search rankings.
Most companies estimate 20 business days for website migration for medium to large websites.
This period is necessary to avoid major problems and gives companies some wiggle room if something unexpected happens.
6 Steps to Transfer a Website from one Web Hosting to Another
Below is a YouTube video tutorial on how to transfer a website from one Web Hosting provider to another and also followed by 6 Steps for a successful website migration.
1. Choosing a New Web Hosting
The first step in transferring your web hosting is to choose a new web host. You can often find reputable hosts that offer a free migration service or trial periods. Research various web hosting providers to find one that suits your needs.
Check for features such as uptime guarantees, customer support, and scalability. Once you’ve chosen a new web host, sign up for their service.
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2. Backup And Export Your Website’s Files
Before making any changes, it’s essential to have a backup of your website. This includes all your website files, themes, plugins, and media.
Most web hosting providers offer a backup tool in their control panel. Log in to your current web hosting account and navigate to the backup section. Export all your website files into a compressed format (like a ZIP file) to ensure you have a complete backup. Save this backup file to your local computer or cloud storage.
3. Get Your Database Backups
Your website’s data is stored in a database, and it is important to back this up as well. Access your current web hosting account’s database management tool (like phpMyAdmin) and export your database.
This process typically involves selecting your database and choosing the export option. Download the exported file, usually in SQL format, and save it along with your website files.
4. Moving the Files and Database to your New Web Hosting
With your backups secured, it’s time to move everything to your new web hosting provider. Log in to your new hosting account and use the file manager or FTP client provided to upload your website files.
Next, access the new web host’s database management tool and import your SQL database file. Make sure to create a new database and user if required, and update your website’s configuration files with the new database details.
5. Redirect Your Domain to the New Server
Once your files and database are in place, you need to point your domain name to your new web hosting server. This involves updating your domain’s DNS records to reflect the new web host’s nameservers. Log in to your domain registrar’s account, locate the DNS management section, and update the nameserver entries as provided by your new web hosting provider. Changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally.
6. Testing and Review
After the DNS changes have been made, it is essential to test your website thoroughly. Check all pages, links, and functionalities to ensure everything works as expected. Look for any issues with missing files or broken links.
It is also a good idea to monitor your website’s performance and loading times. If you encounter any problems, consult your new hosting provider’s support team for assistance.
Other Ways to Change Your Website web Host
If manually transferring your website seems overwhelming, there are alternative methods you can use.
Transfer Your Website Using a Plugin
For those using WordPress, various plugins can simplify the migration process. Plugins like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration can handle the backup and transfer of your site’s files and database. Install the plugin on your existing site, follow the plugin’s instructions to create a backup file, and then install the same plugin on your new web hosting account to restore the backup.
Request a Migration from Your New Web Hosting’s Support Team
Many web hosting providers offer free migration services as part of their package. Reach out to your new web host’s support team and request a migration. Provide them with the necessary details and access to your current web hosting account. The support team will handle the migration process, including transferring files and databases, and configuring your new web hosting environment.
FAQs on How to Transfer a Website from one Web Hosting to Another
1. How Do I Know if I Need to Transfer My Web Hosting?
There are several signs that it might be time to transfer your web hosting:
– If your site is consistently slow or experiencing downtime, it may be worth exploring other hosting options.
– If your current host’s support is unresponsive or unhelpful, consider switching to a provider with better service.
– If your hosting plan no longer meets your needs or lacks necessary features, upgrading to a new host can be beneficial.
– If your current hosting is too expensive or doesn’t offer good value for money, finding a more affordable option could be advantageous.
2. How Do I Choose a New Web Hosting Company?
When choosing a new web hosting company, consider the following factors:
– Look for a host with a strong track record of uptime and reliability.
– Ensure the provider offers responsive and helpful customer support.
– Compare the features offered, such as storage, bandwidth, email accounts, and security options.
– Choose a host that allows for easy upgrades as your website grows.
– Evaluate the cost of hosting plans and any additional fees for features or services.
