Ensuring a smooth and seamless website migration requires meticulous planning and execution. Whether you’re moving to a new host for improved performance, security, or design features, following a detailed checklist is crucial to avoid disruptions.
Here at Organik Web, our website migration services can make such a transition even easier. However, we understand there can be a lot of questions about how the process works. This detailed website migration checklist will walk through everything you need to know about a site migration.
What to Provide
Login to the Current Hosting Provider
We require access to your current hosting provider to initiate the migration. This includes all essential logins and credentials, enabling us to download your website’s files and databases accurately. Access to these details helps us ensure a smooth transition and preserves your website’s functionality.
Additionally, having this information readily available allows for minimal disruption during the migration. It’s essential for the team to have control over these elements, making it easier to monitor and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the data transfer process.
Login to Where the DNS is Managed
Your DNS (Domain Name System) settings are crucial for routing your domain name to the right IP address. By having access to where your DNS is managed, we can ensure a seamless switch once the site is ready on the new host. This will keep your website accessible without any noticeable downtime.
Managing DNS settings also means we can swiftly make changes if any problems come up. This proactive approach ensures that your website’s traffic and connected services, like email, function without interruption, maintaining a positive user experience throughout.
Difference Between Hosting and DNS
It’s vital to understand the distinction between hosting and DNS. Hosting refers to the server where your website’s data, like images and text, are stored. On the other hand, DNS acts as a directory, linking your website’s domain name to its hosting location, ensuring people reach the right site when they type in your URL.
This distinction is crucial because both play unique roles in the site migration process. Knowing how each component functions makes it easier to comprehend the migration plan and ensures that you are better informed about the steps being taken.
Pre-Migration Preparation
Backup Your Current Website
Creating a full backup of your existing website is non-negotiable. This includes files, databases, and any associated data to protect against data loss. Backups provide a safety net, allowing us to restore your site if something unexpected happens during migration.
We use robust backup methods to ensure data integrity. By having multiple backup copies, we minimise risks and can quickly revert to the original setup if needed. This precaution is essential for a hassle-free migration and ensures your website’s security.
Check Domain and DNS Settings
Before migrating, documenting your existing DNS settings is essential. This ensures that if adjustments need to be reversed, the settings can be restored effortlessly. Knowing the original DNS configuration saves time and frustration during troubleshooting.
Additionally, reviewing the domain settings ahead of time prepares us for any hurdles related to domain propagation. Making these checks helps streamline the migration and allows for faster updates once the new website is live.
The Migration Process
Set Up the New Hosting Environment
Setting up a reliable hosting environment is the first practical step. We install WordPress or your chosen content management system on the new host and configure the necessary databases. This initial setup ensures the new environment is ready to receive your website data.
Our team carefully adjusts the hosting settings to match your site’s requirements. By creating a tailored environment, we lay the groundwork for optimal performance and security, making the transition as seamless as possible.
Transfer WordPress Files
Transferring files is a meticulous task that requires attention to detail. We use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the host’s file manager to move your website’s files. This method ensures every element of your website, from images to style sheets, remains intact.
We double-check the file permissions to ensure nothing breaks on the new server. This stage ensures your site structure and visual elements are perfectly preserved, providing a consistent look and feel for your visitors.
Migrate the Database
Database migration involves exporting your current data and importing it to the new host. We use tools like phpMyAdmin to handle this step efficiently, ensuring all content, user data, and configurations are moved correctly. Updating the wp-config.php file with the new database credentials ensures a proper connection.
Database migration is crucial for maintaining the functionality of your site. We run tests to ensure everything is working, from user logins to content uploads, ensuring the site performs as expected.
Test the New Site
Testing is a critical step in the website migration process. By modifying your local hosts file, we preview the new site setup – known as a staging site – and rigorously check forms, plugins, and navigation elements. This ensures that everything from your site’s media files to user accounts functions seamlessly.
Thorough testing also includes checking for broken internal links and media elements. This step allows us to catch and fix potential issues before your site goes live, ensuring a perfect user experience.
Update DNS Settings
Once testing is complete, we update the DNS settings to point to the new host. This change ensures that when users type in your domain, they reach the new site. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, but we aim for minimal downtime.
Updating DNS records for connected services, like email, is also handled to ensure they remain uninterrupted. This comprehensive approach guarantees that every aspect of your website and its services is covered.
Clear Caches
Clearing caches is vital for displaying the latest version of your site. We clear WordPress caches and purge any connected CDNs, like Cloudflare, to ensure visitors see the updated content. This step resolves any lingering display issues caused by cached data.
Cache clearing also helps improve site performance post-migration. We ensure that all cached elements are refreshed, making your site faster and more efficient for your users.
Verify SSL Certificates
Installing SSL certificates on the new host is essential for maintaining secure connections. SSL certificates encrypt user data, providing peace of mind for visitors and boosting SEO rankings.
We test SSL functionality to make sure your site remains secure from launch. This final step ensures compliance with security standards, protecting both you and your site visitors.
Post-Migration Checks
Run Speed Tests
Speed tests are conducted using tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights. These tests help us identify performance bottlenecks and suggest optimisations like image compression and lazy loading to enhance user experience.
By monitoring loading speeds, we ensure that your website is as efficient as possible. We make necessary adjustments to meet site speed and performance expectations, which is crucial for retaining visitors and improving SEO performance.
Set Up Backups
Configuring regular backups on the new host is a proactive measure. We set up automated backups to protect your data, ensuring you can easily recover from any issues in the future.
Backups act as a safety net, giving you peace of mind that your site data is secure. We also educate clients on how to access and manage these backups for ongoing site maintenance.
Verify Analytics and Tracking
Reconnecting Google Analytics and other tracking tools such as Google Search Console is vital for ongoing performance monitoring. We ensure all data points are being tracked accurately, allowing you to analyse visitor behaviour.
This verification step ensures that no valuable data is lost during migration. We also update any tracking code locations if needed to maintain data integrity.
Update Third-Party Services
Notifying external services about the new hosting environment ensures continued integration. This includes updating settings for payment gateways, API connections, and email services to prevent disruptions.
Taking the time to inform these services streamlines your website’s operations. It’s an essential step for businesses that rely on third-party tools for functionality.
Choose Organik Web for Efficient Website Migration Services
A successful website migration is all about preparation and thorough testing. By following each step in this checklist, we ensure a smooth transition while helping your website remain well-placed on search engines and maintaining its URL structure.
If you’re planning a migration, Organik Web can help manage the entire process professionally. Choose us for expert website migration services that keep your site running smoothly – contact us today to learn more.