Are you planning to migrate the WordPress site to a new host or server and feeling a bit unsure about how to start? Don’t worry—you’re not alone!
It’s never easy to finish WordPress site migration without sweaty palms or goofing up. Even the best of developers had nightmares when they had to migrate a WordPress site. While a misstep might not always mean starting from scratch, it could lead to serious setbacks or issues that need careful resolution. You must do this process with caution and thorough planning to ensure a smooth transition.
This is why we’ve come up with this exhaustive WordPress migration checklist & guide so that you’ll be able to migrate the WP site to a new host without messing up and confidently, too!
Table of Contents
What Is WordPress Migration
WordPress migration is the process of moving a WP site from one hosting environment to another. It involves transferring the core files, site databases, installed themes & plugins, and configurations. Depending upon the size of the site, successful WordPress migration can take hours or even weeks.
When one plans to migrate a WordPress site the ultimate goal remains to ensure the live site functionalities are not hampered or no data loss takes place.
Check out this video to learn more about WordPress migration.
When You Need to Migrate a WordPress Site
WordPress migration could be the need of the hour in different situations such as:
- Switching Hosting Providers – To move to a faster, more secure, or cost-effective hosting provider.
- Changing Domain Names – If you rebrand or shift to a new domain name.
- Upgrading to a Better Hosting Plan – When your current hosting plan can’t handle your site’s traffic, requiring an upgrade.
- Moving from a Local Server to a Live Server – Often necessary when developers build a site locally and later move it to a live environment.
- Testing or Staging Sites – Agencies often migrate websites between staging (testing) and production (live) environments.
Your WordPress Migration Checklist
As mentioned above, WordPress migration is a task that is not simple—it needs your full attention, especially if it’s your first time. From preparing a site for migration to observing it post-migration, tons of things demand your undivided attention when you plan to migrate to WordPress without performance drop.
This is why, we’re going to break up this WordPress checklist into three parts- Pre Migration Checklist, During Migration Checklist, and Post Migration Checklist
Pre Migration Checklist
Before you start the actual WordPress migration, here is what you should consider.
| Checklist Item | Importance |
| Backup Your Website | Ensures you have a secure copy of your site in case anything goes wrong during migration. |
| Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins | Ensures your site is running the latest versions, reducing compatibility issues during migration. |
| Test Your Website’s Current Performance | Helps you compare performance before and after migration to see if improvements are made. |
| Export Your Database | Provides an up-to-date copy of your site’s content, settings, and configurations for migration. |
| Prepare a New Hosting Environment | Ensures that your new hosting environment is ready for the migration, preventing downtime. |
| Note Down WordPress Login Credentials | Ensures you have access to the admin dashboard and the database during and after migration. |
| Check PHP Version and Server Compatibility | Ensures the new server supports the required PHP version and configurations for WordPress. |
| Prepare SSL Certificates (if needed) | Ensures your site will remain secure after migration, especially if you’re switching domains or hosts. |
| Test Website on Staging (optional) | Helps ensure everything works in the new environment without affecting the live site. |
During Migration Checklist
Once you’ve started your journey of migrating WordPress site to a new host, you need to follow certain protocols so as not to break things in the middle. This stage is crucial to ensure the site reaches its destination smoothly.
| Checklist Items | Importance |
| Deactivate Caching & Security Plugins | Prevents caching or security plugins from interfering with the migration process, ensuring smooth data transfer. |
| Migrate Database, Files, and Media | Ensures that all essential data, files, and media are moved to the new environment, keeping the site intact. |
| Change DNS Settings (if applicable) | Updates the domain’s DNS records to point to the new hosting server, ensuring visitors reach the new site. |
| Verify File Transfer Completion | Confirm that all files, themes, and plugins have been transferred correctly to avoid missing content. |
| Check File Permissions | Ensures that the files and directories have the correct permissions on the new server to prevent access issues. |
| Test Site’s Loading Speed | Ensures the site’s performance is optimal during the migration process and checks that there are no slowdowns. |
| Verify Database Connections | Ensures that the new site is properly connected to the database, preventing site errors after migration. |
| Review and Adjust Settings | Checks and adjusts the site’s settings (such as permalinks or media directories) to match the new hosting environment. |
| Check for Errors and Warnings | Helps identify and fix any issues or errors that might appear during the migration, ensuring the site functions properly. |
Post-Migration Checklist
So you’ve migrated the WordPress site to a new server successfully? Congrats; but the job is half done. Below-mentioned post-migration checklist will help you keep everything sorted afterwards.
| Checklist Item | Importance |
| Test Website Functionality | Ensures all features of the site (forms, buttons, etc.) are working properly after migration. |
| Check for Broken Links | Identifies and fixes any broken links resulting from the migration to improve user experience and SEO. |
| Ensure the Site is Indexed in Search Engines | Verifies that search engines are properly indexing the migrated site, preserving SEO rankings. |
| Test Forms and Other Interactive Elements | Ensures all interactive elements like forms, comments, or e-commerce functions are working as expected. |
| Set Up Redirects (if needed) | Prevents 404 errors and preserves SEO by redirecting old URLs to the new ones if the domain or URL structure has changed. |
| Monitor Site Performance | Keeps track of site speed and uptime to ensure that performance is stable and meets expectations. |
| Check Mobile Responsiveness | Ensures that the site is responsive and looks good on all devices, providing a positive user experience. |
| Update Internal Links (if domain changed) | Fixes any internal links that may have changed due to the migration, ensuring smooth navigation throughout the site. |
| Backup the Site Again | Provides a fresh backup of the newly migrated site for future safety, allowing for a quick recovery if needed. |
WordPress Migration Guide
Developers and agencies can migrate a WordPress site manually and automatically. The manual migration process involves creating the backup of your site, transferring the file databases, and updating the DNS records.
This traditional approach for WordPress migration is erroneous, time-consuming, and likely to have a higher failure rate. In addition, you don’t have roll-back-ability to revert the changes- facility.
Manual WordPress migration requires proficiency with cPanel, FTP/SFTP clients, SQL databases, and WordPress file structures. Non-technical users may struggle with these steps. In short, it’s not a go-to solution.
On the other hand, automated WordPress migration saves time and effort while keeping everything intact and secure. Here is a quick comparison of manual vs. automated WordPress migration for a better understanding.
| Manual Migration | Automated Migration | |
| Time Required | High: Multiple steps (backup, file transfer, DNS updates) can take hours to days, especially for large websites. | Low: Automated tools handle the process within minutes to a few hours, even for large sites. |
| Error Risk | High: Human error (missed files, broken URLs, incorrect SQL imports) can cause failed migrations. | Low: Automated tools have pre-built checks and fallback options to avoid errors. |
| Technical Skills | High: Requires knowledge of cPanel, FTP, MySQL, and WordPress file structure. | Low: User-friendly tools with step-by-step guidance. |
| Downtime | Higher Risk: DNS propagation and errors can result in longer downtime. | Minimal: Many tools provide zero-downtime migrations. |
| Data Loss Risk | High: Mistakes during database import/export can lead to data corruption or loss. | Low: Automated backups are created before the migration begins. |
| Rollback/Undo | None: Manual migration requires redoing the process from the start if issues occur. | Available: Tools offer an easy rollback or restore point in case of issues. |
| Scalability | Limited: Migrating multiple sites at once is impractical and time-consuming. | Highly Scalable: Agencies can handle multiple migrations simultaneously. |
| Security | Risky: Handling files, SQL databases, and sensitive information without encryption poses risks. | More Secure: Many tools use encrypted transfers and secure protocols (like SFTP). |
| Automation & Speed | None: Entire process requires manual intervention at every step. | Full Automation: Tools automate every stage from backups to DNS changes. |
| Customization | Customizable: Agencies have complete control over every migration step. | Limited Customization: Automation tools follow predefined procedures, but some premium tools allow customization. |
| Migration Logs | None: No automatic logging of progress or errors. Troubleshooting issues is difficult. | Comprehensive Logs: Tools provide logs for tracking migration status and identifying issues. |
| Ideal Use Case | Suitable for simple sites, smaller projects, or those requiring full control of every step. | Ideal for agencies managing large-scale migrations, eCommerce sites, or multiple sites at once. |
How to Migrate WordPress Site Automatically
If you’re tasked with migrating a WordPress site to a new host, the best solution is to use InstaWP. The platform provides everything you need—from a migration plugin to managed WordPress hosting—making it easy to complete your WordPress migration tasks efficiently and with confidence.
It makes you well-equipped to migrate single or multiple client sites to any host and even save up to 6K per month on WordPress migration.
But, before we take a deeper dig on ‘how to migrate WordPress site to a new host using InstaWP’, understand one fact: Creating WP staging sites is crucial to ensure WordPress migration to a new hosting provider or domain is simpler and less time-consuming.
This warrants for smooth functioning of the live site post-WordPress migration, testing out changes safely, if any, avoiding downtimes during site migration, take backup of the live site to prevent data loss. Here is how you can create a staging site for WordPress migration.
Not in the mood to read? Check out this video and master the art of creating WP staging sites.
Once you’re thorough with creating the staging site process, it’s time to begin your WordPress migration journey with InstaWP.
You’ve three methods to migrate a WordPress site with InstaWP.
- Migrate Through a Migration Tool
- Migrate Through a Migration Plugin
- Managed Migration Through WordPress Hosting Support
We’ll cover each use case of WP migration using InstaWP.
Method 1: Migrate Through a Migration Tool
Those looking for fully automatic WordPress migration must try the InstaWP WordPress migration tool. It enables agencies and developers to perform unlimited WP site migrations without downtime and data loss.
This migration tool has a 99.9%% success rate for migrating sites up to 5GB, which is a great number. What makes it worth a bet is its zero set-up, migration to any host, faster way to migrate a WP site, and real-time migration tracking.
How To Migrate WordPress Site Using InstaWP Migration Tool
Migrating a WordPress site to the host of your choice using the InstaWP migration tool is a cakewalk. all you need is the URLs of your source and destination sites.
Note: Before you start using this tool for WP migration, make sure you have a fresh black WordPress instance on the destination.
- Sign up for InstaWP.
- Access the migration tool.
- Enter the source URLs and click on connect.
- Click ‘Connect’ to approve the InstaWP Connect installation request.
- Enter the destination URL and click ‘Connect’.
- Click on the ‘Start Migration’ button.
Method 2: Migrate Through a Migration Plugin
The easiest and fastest way to migrate a WordPress site is to use a dedicated WordPress migration plugin. InstaWP Connect is a great option as the migration plugin allows you to migrate the entire site in one click.
With features like two-way sync, live tracking, staging sites, and many more, this migration plugin automates the entire process for agencies and developers.
How To Migrate WordPress Site Using InstaWP Migration Plugin to Any Hosting Provider
Through this migration plugin, agencies can migrate WordPress sites to any hosting provider, including InstaWP Live and the partnered hosting services of InstaWP.
Here is how you can use this migration plugin.
- Sign up with InstaWP.
- Go to the WordPress Dashboard of your source site.
- Go to Plugins> Add New.
- Type InstaWP Connect in the search field.
- Click on Install>Activate.
- Connect with the InstaWP account.
- Click on ‘Create new staging site‘.
- Select the ‘ Full Staging’ option, enter the site name, and click ‘Next Step’.
- Choose the staging site components and click on ‘Next Step’.
- Once all the components of the staging sites are selected, click on ‘Create Site’ to finish the staging site development.
The live site is successfully migrated to the staging site. You can now host this staging site with:
- InstaWP Live Managed WordPress Hosting
- Partnered Hosting Providers of InstaWP
- Hosting Providers of Your Choice
Method 3: Managed Migration Through WordPress Hosting Support
If you’re using the best managed WordPress hosting service such as InstaWP Live, WordPress migration is a piece of cake. You can request a managed migration and the support team will migrate a site for you. This managed migration is the best way to leave the migration complexities behind and avoid potential risks such as losing data or failed transfers.
Best Practices for WordPress Migration
Let’s assume you’ve already backed your website up, and have chosen your new host. Even if you’ll already have an easier time with InstaWP and InstaWP Connect when it’s time to migrate your WordPress site, keep these easy-to-follow best practices in mind. They’ll help you move your site with little to no hiccups!
Conduct a Pre-Migration Audit
Before you start the migration, thoroughly evaluate your site. Look for outdated content that can be updated or removed, identify plugins that are no longer in use or need an update, and assess overall performance issues. Doing this will help you streamline your site, making the migration process smoother and improving site efficiency post-migration.
Be Careful with Migration Plugins
Migration plugins can help move your files and database, but be extra careful, especially with big websites, since they will be more prone to errors. Back up everything first, and clean up old files and databases you don’t need anymore before you start. Your choice of plugin matters—InstaWP Connect is a safe bet.
Implement a Staging Environment
We’ve already discussed the use of a staging environment earlier—use InstaWP, of course. Since this is a clone of your live website, you can use this to have a backup of your live site. You can also use this to test changes without affecting your live site and catch and fix any issues before you finally go live.
Think About When to Move
Pick a good time to move your site, like when you don’t have many visitors. This way, you lose as few visitors as possible, and only a little of your audience will experience any inconvenience. Also, stop yourself from making changes to your site after you’ve backed it up, so you don’t lose any recent updates.
Plan for SEO and Analytics
Migrating your site can affect your search engine rankings and analytics if you don’t handle things properly. Ensure that all your SEO settings, including meta tags, sitemaps, and redirects, are correctly configured in the new environment. Also, verify that your analytics tracking codes are in place so you can continue to monitor site traffic and user behavior without interruption.
Document the Migration Process
Keep a detailed record of every step you take during the migration. This documentation should include changes made, issues encountered, and how they were resolved. This record is important for future reference, troubleshooting post-migration issues, and can be a helpful guide for any future migrations, especially if you’re going to assign this to a different person.
Review Your Website After Moving
Once you’ve moved your site, check it carefully. Make sure everything looks and works just like it did before. See if your theme still looks the same, or if your plugins work like they’re supposed to. Also, test everything, like comments, forms, and the checkout page, to make sure they’re all working right.
And of course, after migrating, it’s important to reassess your site’s security status. Check for any security vulnerabilities that might happen due to changes in the hosting environment or updated plugins. Check also that all security plugins are functioning correctly and that your site complies with the latest security standards.
By following these simple steps, you can move your WordPress site to a new home with less worry. Taking your time and being careful at each step can make a big difference in how smoothly you migrate your WordPress site to a new host.
Conclusion
Moving your WordPress site to a new host or server is something you can definitely do yourself. Just remember to back up your site, pick the right host, and update everything before you start. Using a platform like InstaWP can make the process easier, especially for setting up a staging site where you can test everything first.
When you’re done with the migration, don’t forget to check how your site works after moving it and keep an eye on it for a little while. And if all this sounds tricky, it’s okay to ask for professional help. With some careful steps and a bit of planning, you’ll have your site up and running on its new home in no time.
FAQs
How can I migrate to WordPress without a performance drop?
To migrate to WordPress without experiencing a performance drop, use a reliable WordPress migration tool, ensure that your new hosting environment is optimized, and conduct thorough testing before switching. Optimize images, leverage caching, and use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to maintain site speed during the transition.
What should I consider during a WordPress site migration?
When migrating a WordPress site, consider factors such as compatibility with the new server environment, database integrity, and URL structure. Use a migration plugin, back up your existing site, and perform a test migration to ensure all content, themes, and plugins function correctly after the move.
What is the WordPress migration checklist?
A WordPress migration checklist should include steps like backing up your current site, choosing the right hosting provider, checking plugin compatibility, updating DNS settings, and testing your new site thoroughly. Ensure that permalinks, themes, and media files are correctly transferred to avoid broken links or missing content.
What are the key steps to migrate my WordPress site to a new host?
The key steps include backing up your entire site, choosing the right hosting provider, updating WordPress and plugins, using a migration plugin, testing the site on the new host, informing your users about the migration, updating DNS settings, and monitoring the site after migration. It’s also recommended to conduct a pre-migration audit and plan for SEO and analytics.
How do I ensure a smooth transition during WordPress migration?
Start by thoroughly backing up your site. Choose a hosting provider that meets your needs in performance and support. Use a migration plugin to simplify the process and test your site in the new environment for any issues. Additionally, keep your old hosting account active temporarily after migration for safety.
Should I use a migration plugin, and what are the precautions?
The use of a migration plugin is recommended as it automates many steps and reduces the risk of errors, especially if you’re not familiar with the process of WordPress migration. However, be cautious if you are using a migration plugin on large websites as they are more prone to errors. Ensure you back up everything and clean up unnecessary files and databases before starting.
What is the importance of a staging environment in WordPress migration?
A staging environment, like one created with InstaWP, is necessary as it allows you to test changes and ensure everything works correctly before going live. This lowers the risk of interruptions or data loss during the migration process and also serves as a backup to your live site.
How do I handle SEO and analytics during migration?
To maintain your SEO rankings and analytics tracking, ensure that all SEO settings, including meta tags, sitemaps, and redirects, are correctly configured in the new environment. Also, verify that your analytics tracking codes are in place to continue monitoring site traffic and user behavior without interruption. This way, you won’t suffer any negative SEO impact.
