So, you’ve decided to migrate your website to WordPress. It’s a logical move for people who want to take advantage of its optimal usability, consistent designs, wide range of plugins and improved SEO. However, you must complete a successful migration that ensures your website functions as well, or better, than it did on the old platform.
However, a website migration poses its share of risks. If components aren’t properly migrated, it can reduce website rankings making your company difficult to find online. It can also lead to functionality errors that makes your organization lose credibility.
A WordPress website migration checklist can be valuable in this application. It ensures nothing gets left behind as you migrate from platform to platform. It will guide your efforts to provide optimal results on your new server.
If you’re looking for expert help with the transition, Red Spot Design is a top-rated WordPress Web Design Company that can assist with both the design and technical aspects of your migration.
1. Choose the Right Hosting Provider
One of the first things to do is find a hosting provider. You may be happy with the provider you are currently using, and to be clear, you can switch platforms and keep your hosting provider. However, if you are unhappy with your provider, or want to look into your options, now is a great time to do so as your site is already in flux.
When choosing a hosting provider, look for the following characteristics:
- Ensure the Hosting Provider Meets Your Needs: Your hosting provider should meet your needs in terms of features, bandwidth, security and scalability. Key features to look for include data centers, migration options, domain name, and custom emails.
- Reviews and Reputation: Look at online reviews to ensure the provider offers excellent service.
- Money Back Guarantees and Free Trials: Choose a provider that offers these guarantees so you can test out the service risk-free.
- Customer Support: The platform should offer excellent customer support via email, chat, phone, and online tutorials.
- Hosting Type: There are several hosting types to choose from, including general web hosting, Virtual Private Server Hosting, Cloud Hosting, and Dedicated Hosting, each offering various levels of reliability. WordPress stands out offering its own hosting service, designed to boost your website's performance.
2. Set Up a Temporary Domain
The next important step is to set up a temporary domain which allows you to make changes to your website without impacting is public-facing version. It also eliminates the need to change the site’s DNS so you avoid downtime and enjoy a seamless transition.
Go Daddy and other platforms provide temporary domains specifically for WordPress sites so users can work on and preview their sites without impacting the DNS. They may provide the support you need during your migration.
3. Inform Your Team and Stakeholders
Your team and stakeholders should be aware of any changes to a new server. It may be best to consult with them before updating servers to get their input in the decision-making process. Regardless of the approach, they will need to be aware of changes that could impact operations and may require some training as teams adjust to new systems.
You may also want to warn customers about migrations to new systems. Although the goal is to avoid downtime, disruptions may occur. Alert them that your site is under construction to preserve your reputation and ensure they can plan their purchasing behavior accordingly.
4. Preparing Your New Hosting Environment
The hosting environment is the infrastructure that supports your website. You can ensure it’s ready for the transition through the following processes:
Install WordPress on New Server
Installing WordPress on a new server prior to migration creates a clean isolated environment that supports a smooth transfer. Follow this step-by step-process to ensure success.
Download WordPress hosting at WordPress.org.
Unzip the downloaded package and upload all the content to the root directory of the new server. You will need access to your server’s file manager provided by the hosting service to complete this step.
Access your web control panel to create a new MySQL database for your WordPress installation, and a new user name for access.
Open the wp-config.php file for configuration. Edit your setting to match your data base details as follows: DB_Name- Your database name, DB_User- Your database User Name, DB_Password- Your database password, DB_Host- Your database server address.
To run the WordPress installation, open your web browser and access you domain. The prompts will instruct you to enter your site title, admin, username, password, and email. Then select the database connection details you entered in wp-config.php and click Install WordPress. You should be directed to the login page where you can enter your access information and get to work.
Verify PHP and MySQL Versions
Verifying PHP and MySQL ensures compatibility between the two versions supporting optimal performance in web development. It boosts security and helps you update new features and diagnose and troubleshot issues. It’s one of the best practices ensuring a stable and suppored environment.
Here is what the verification process entails:
PHP Version:
Open your terminal or command prompt and type ‘php -v.’
Create a file named ‘phpinfo.php’ with the following content: <?php phpinfo(); ?> and access it through your web browser.
SQL Version:
Command Line:
Client version : Type mysql -V
Server version: Type mysqld -V
SQL Query
Connect to your MySQL server
Run the following queries: SELECT VERSION (); SHOW VARIABLES LIKE ‘version’; SELECT variable_value FROM information_schema.gloable_variables WHERE variable_name=’version’
php MYAdmin
Log into php MyAdmin
The MySQL version is displayed in the “Database server” section
Check File Permissions
File permissions dictate who can access and manage your site’s files, preventing hacking, malware, and ensuring your site’s integrity. To check your file permissions, you must:
Access your WordPress files by logging into your hosting control panel. Then navigate to the WordPress directory to find the specific file or folder you want to modify.
In FTP mode, after right clicking on the file or folder, select “File Permissions”. You will see permissions displayed numerically. 755 is generally recommended for directories allowing the owner to read, write and execute access, and others to read and execute access. 644 sets similar permissions for files.
If you are working with cPanel, you can right click the folder or file, click “Change”
5. Exporting Your Current Website
You may choose to migrate to WordPress from Squarespace, Wix or from WordPress itself. Either way, you will need to export your current website.
Processes are different depending on the server you export from. For example, WordPress allows you to export content as an XML file while other processes are more limited.
In any event, this section will explain the process of exporting your current website for a succinct overview.
Export Database
To export from Squarespace, you must:
Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to Settings- Advanced- Import/Export.
Click ‘Export’ and select the WordPress option.
Download the XML files.
Unfortunately, Wix does not offer a direct export option. Manual migration is the only option. manually copy and paste the content from each page into WordPress. These are the steps to take:
Create a new WordPress site.
Go to each Wix page and copy the content including text and images.
Create a new page in WordPress and paste in the content.
Repeat until the process is complete.
Some plugins, like Lit Extension, automatically migrate from Wix to WordPress. It may be the easiest. solution.
Export Media Files
Exporting media files does not require an extra step. With Squarespace, the files should download in the exported XML.
With Wix, you may be able to cut and paste some media. If you are unable to do so, consider finding the files original source and use that when importing. The Lit Extension plugin may make your life easier.
6. Importing Your Website to a New Host
After exporting your files, you must import them to your new host. The following sections will outline the process.
Upload WordPress Files to a New Server
Log into your new hosting provider’s cPanel and access phpMyAdmin. Select the new database. Then use the import option to import the exported files.
Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress installer directors. Edit credentials such as database name, username, passoword, and host.
Save the files.
Import Database to a New Server
Access the database management tool in your hosting control panel and create a new database.
Log into your new server’s phpMyAdmin and choose the newly created database. Click on the ‘Import’ tab to import your files.
Locate wp-config-php, open the file, and update your database credentials.
Replace Old URLs in the Database
There are two ways to replace old URLs. The first involves using a command line as follows:
Log into your server.
Navigate to the WordPress directory. Change the user name to your shell user.
Test the update.
If all goes well, clear cache results from the search-replace function.
You may also complete this task with a plugin like Better Search Replace. The process is as follows:
Log into your dashboard and activate the Better Search Replace plugin.
Click the ‘Search Replace’ tab under tools.
Enter your current HTTP URL in the ‘Search For’ field.
Enter the new HTTP URL in the ‘Replace With’ field.
Select all fields. Leave ‘Replace GUID’ unchecked.
Check the box Run as Dry Run? and click ‘Run Search/Replace’
Repeat step 6 but this time, leave the Run as Dry Run box unchecked to confirm how many changes were made.
7. Testing and Verification
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to test and verify to ensure your site works properly. Here are some issues to address.
Check Frontend Functionality
The frontend functionality of a website comprises all elements users interact with, including:
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
User Interface
Layout and Design
Navigation
Load Times
Accessibility
Cross Browser Compatibility
The best way to test these elements is to get on your website and use it as any user would. Ensure it displays correctly on various devices. Pages should load quickly as you navigate the website.
Test All Forms and Links
Your website may feature newsletter signups and payment and registration forms. Ensure they work correctly by filling them out and submitting them. Then check if they got to the intended location.
For example, a consumer’s contact information may arrive in the form of an email or be directly imported in a CRM system. Ensure the information arrives securely after it’s entered.
If you have an online store, test your payment forms as well. Make small purchases or donations and check to ensure they get processed and show up in your bank account.
Links should also work sending people to the right place after they click.
Verify Media and Images
Media and images are important components of your website, building engagement, helping users better understand concepts and ideas, and boosting SEO. Ensure they appear where they should be. Play videos to confirm they function properly.
Test Website Speed and Performance
Website speed and site performance are also integral. If you website loads slowly or doesn’t perform well, visitors may bounce to a competitor. Search engines also consider speed when ranking websites
You can test your site speed by loading each page and ensuring they don’t lag. However, you can also use tools on the internet that will reveal your website speed. The ideal load time is 1-2 seconds.
If your site lags, use this opportunity to update it by compressing images and code and limiting external scripts and redirect usage.
8. Post Migration Steps
Now everything has been tested, but you want to ensure that your new site runs as smoothly, or more smoothly, than your old hosting site. These post migration steps will get you there.
Update DNS Settings
DNS settings tell your computer how to translate domain names into IP addresses computers use to communicate. Changing them involves updating your domain name servers to ensure they point at the right IP address. To do this, you must:
Open your device settings and navigate to the internet settings. Find the option for DNS settings, IP addresses, or advanced network settings.
Right click on the network connection you’re using (WiFi or ethernet) and click “Properties”.
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4” and select “Properties”.
Select the option to manually configure DNS server addresses. Enter the preferred and alternate addresses. Save your changes.
Processes vary depending on whether you use an Android or Windows. Research to ensure your update methods align with your device.
Monitor DNS Propagation
DNS propogation is the amount of time it takes for DNS setting changes to reflect across the internet. It typically takes 24-48 hours.
Several online tools will help you check DNS propogation on the internet. These tools work differently,but generally, you can enter your site in the provided field. It will show you if your site has been propogated.
If your site is not propogating quickly enough, consider lowering the TTL value which dictates how long a DNS record can be cached before it needs to be refreshed. You may also contact your ISP and request that they clear their cache.
Enable SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate authenticates a website’s identity and ensures encrypted communication between the web server and browser, supporting secure transmission. It causes your website address to appear as HTTPS rather than HTTP letting users know they are working with a secure site. They will feel more comfortable entering personal information into your browser.
You can transfer your SSL certificate during a web migration as it is tied to the domain, not the server. However, you must first export the certificate and corresponding private key from the old server and import it onto the new server.
To export the certificate, you must:
Open the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) on the old server and add the certificates snap-in.
Locate the certificate by navigating to the certicate store that contains your certificate.
Right click on the certificate and select ‘All Tasks’, then ‘Export.’
Select ‘Yes, export the private key’ in the Certificate Export Wizard.
Set a password to protect the private key.
Save the PPX file that contains the certificate and private key.
Complete the export.
Then import the certificate by following these steps:
Open the MMC in the new server and add the certificate snap-in.
Navigate to the certificate store where you want to install the certificate.
Right click the certificate store and select ‘All Tasks’ and ‘Import.’
Select the PFX file you exported, enter the password you selected, and follow the wizard to complete the process.
Set Up 301 Redirects
A 301 redirect tells browsers that a page has moved to a new location, kind of like when the post office gets a notification that a resident has moved to a new address. It automatically directs the user to the new page so they can stay connected to your company. The tool also maintains your SEO integrity and rankings.
The easiest way to set up a 301 redirect may be to use a WordPress plugin. Popular plugins that can complete the tasks include Redirection, All-in-One WP Migration (AIOSEO), and Yoast SEO. Follow the plugin’s directions and enter the old and new URLs to ensure accurate redirection.
9. Final Checks and Optimization
When it comes to your website, you can’t be too careful. Here are some final steps you can take to ensure your site is working properly.
Test Website on Different Devices
With 95% of people using mobile devices to access the internet, you want to make sure your site displays well on all devices. Images should be well formatted, buttons and text should be easy to use and read, and the site should load quickly regardless of how it’s accessed.
One way to do this is to simply look at your site on different devices. However, there are also online tools that will audit your website on various aspects of SEO including mobile compatibility. It may uncover issues you don’t notice.
Verify Google Analytics and Search Console
Google Analytics provides various SEO insights including website performance, user engagement, conversion funnels, marketing campaign effectiveness, trends, and patterns. It’s a valuable tool during server migration as it ensures your site is performing as well, or better than it was on your previous server.
When migrating servers, ensure the Google Analytics tracking script is properly installed and firing correctly. Verify its data accuracy ensuring it aligns with your expectations. Monitor traffic on the old and new server to ensure a smooth transition.
Seach Console is another valuable SEO tool. Rather than monitoring use behavior and engagement, it focuses on technical aspects of your site’s performance. It also tracks impressions, clicks, click-through rates, keywords, and mobile usability.
After a migration, ensure your Search Console tracks the indexing status of your new site. Look out for duplicate content issues. Ensure the old URLS are redirecting to the new URLs.
Resubmit XML Sitemap
It’s a good idea to resubmit your XML sitemap to search engines after a migration or another major change. Doing so helps search engines understand the change so they can crawl your site effectively.
To resubmit your sitemap, you must:
Sign into your Google Search Console.
Navigate to ‘Sitemaps’ under the Index section in the sidebar.
Navigate to the ‘Add New Sitemap’ field and enter your new URL.
Click the ‘Submit’ button.
Perform a Full Site Backup
It’s advisable to perform a entire site backup before and after server migration. Conducting a backup ensures you can return the original state if anything goes wrong during migration. Backup afterwards to verify your new files will be there if there is an issue with your newly migrated site.
To ensure your backup is successful, determine what data you are protecting. It should include your website files such as HTML, CSS, Java, and the images and content that make up your website. If your website uses a database, like MySQL, you should back it up as well. It will contain your user accounts, posts, and other dynamic data.
You can backup your website manually or use a plugin. Here’s what each process entails.
Manual Backup:
Use a FTP client or webhosting file manager to download your website files.
Use a tool like phpMyAdmin to export your database to a file.
Save your site files in a secure location. To be safe, store them locally and on the cloud.
Backup Plugins
WordPress and other website platforms offer plugins that automate the process and make it easier.
Configure your plugin to automatically backup your website regularly.
The plugin will store your files locally or on the cloud.
10. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issues may arise during and after the migration. Here are some to be aware of and how to solve them.
Resolving 404 Errors
404 errors occur when users try to access pages that don’t exist. They may occur because the 301 redirect is not working properly in taking users to the new page as required.
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with 404 errors and ‘fix’ your 301 direct. Here are some methods to consider.
Check for Caching Issues
Your browser may be holding on to an older version of the page causing failure in the redirect. You may be able to fix this issues by clearing the cache.
The redirect may not be updated to align with the latest caching software. Clear the server cache or purge the URL from the cache to fix this error.
If you are using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) ensure it is also clearing its cache to align with the redirect.
Verfify Your Redirect Configuration
Make sure the redirect is pointing to the correct URL.
Ensure you are using a 301 redirect which indicates a permanent move.
If you are using multiple redirect rules, ensure they are placed before more general rules in your redirect file.
Ensure that .htaccess overrides are enabled on your server.
Fixing Broken Links
Broken links are likely to occur when switching servers if files are not moved or if the server structure changes making files inaccessible. They can negatively impact SEO and should be addressed immediately.
Use a SEO audit tool like Semrush or Ahrefs to scan your site for broken internal links and external links. If they are identified, you can use a search and replace tool to automatically update URLs. You can also manually update the links to ensure proper navigation.
Addressing Theme and Plugin Conflicts
Theme and plugin conflicts often arise after server migration due to outdated code and incompatible versions. The following step-by-step guide will ensure everything is properly updated.
Ensure plugins, themes, and WordPress core are updated to their latest versions.
Troubleshoot the issue.
If your themes and plugins are still not working properly, switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty Five. If the issue resolves, you may have a problem with your theme.
Deactivate each plugin and reactivate them one by one to determine which is problematic.
Use the Health and Troubleshooting plugin to access a clean environment where you can disable your themes and plugins without affecting your public-facing assets.
Clear Caches: Clear your browser, server-side and plugin caches (if possible).
Ensuring Correct Email Functionality
Email functionality can also be affected after server migration. You may experience issues like incorrect dates and formatting, delivery issues, and lost contacts and calendar items. It’s best to check these immediately before you risk losing important information.
If you find email issues exist, you can fix them with the following steps:
Verify DNS Records
Ensure the Autodiscover record in DNS points to the new record
Verify that the MX (Mail Exchanger) points to the new email server domain
Confirm your SPF, DKIM/DMARC records are properly configured and point to the new server.
Check for Missing Data
Ensure all mailboxes, contacts, calendars and shared resources have migrated successfully.
Review your data looking for missing components that may be causing the issues. Implement a data recovery plan.
User Permissions and Licenses
Ensure permissions are correctly applied to the new server.
Verify all users have the current licenses to use the system.
Confirm shared mailboxes, calendars and contacts are accessible to the necessary users.
SEO Positive and Negative Effects
A server migration should positively affect SEO, mostly from a performance aspect. It should speed up your load time for better performance, minimizing bounce rates. The new server should also reduce downtime improving your company reputation and ensuring customers can access your services and make purchases as needed.
However, a server migration can also have negative SEO effects, especially if the migration is not well-planned. For example, you may experience:
Traffic drops which may occur if your site is temporarily unavailable.
Fluctuations in SEO rankings fluctuations if it takes time for search engines to recognize the new web host.
Indexing issues which are often due to duplicate content, broken links, and other SEO-related problems.
Repetitional damage which may occur if consumers access your site and experience performance issues and poor layout.
Fortunately, you can minimize these migration issues with careful planning. Keep URLs consistent, implement 301 directs, conduct thorough testing, and monitor your SEO metrics. If you encounter issues, address them immediately to minimize damage.
Conclusion
A server migration is a huge undertaking but you can complete it successfully by following a proven method. Identify the best hosting service, export and import your files, and test and verify to ensure the process was completed properly. If you identify issues, troubleshoot them right away.
Remember, although your migration may have been successful, issues can arise at any time, and it’s important to be aware. Continue monitoring your site to ensure optimal performance and maintain it with updates as needed. Back up information regularly so its accessible if data losses occur.
With the right approach, your website will preform at its best upholding your organization’s reputation and providing optimal customer satisfaction.
