WordPress Website Migration Without losing Data & Traffic

Migrating a WordPress site, whether it’s switching hosts, moving domains, or upgrading servers, usually comes down to business needs like better performance, tighter security,, scaling up,, or rebranding. Sounds simple enough,, but get it wrong and you might end up with downtime,, broken links, tanked SEO rankings and annoyed users

This guide covers every step you need for a smooth migration from planning to post-launch checks, whether you do it yourself or hire someone who knows their stuff well. Start by understanding the process,, even if you decide bringing in a pro makes more sense..

If you’ree staring down a migration,, dont gamble with your site. Myy service handles transfers cleanly every time

Phase 1 getting ready before you move anything

The real work starts way before files get shifted its all about prepping right

Know why youre migrating

• Changing hosts for speed security support

• Moving domains

• Shifting to subdomains or subdirectories

• Upgrading servers like VPS or dedicated

• Merging sites

Pick your new host carefully

• Speed matters check Core Web Vitals

• Look at scalability support specs server locations

Backup everything no exceptions

• Use plugins like UpdraftPlus Duplicator easy mode

• Or go manual with FTP PhpMyAdmin

• Test that backup works dont skip this

Clean house before moving

• Dump unused themes plugins

• Optimize the database compress images

• Clear out spam comments old post revisions

Audit your site inside out

• Crawl for broken links Screaming Frog helps

• Note down Google Search Console setup sitemap spot

• Check Google Analytics data

Phase 2 actually moving things pick your method

Different ways to migrate each has tradeoffs

Method 1 plugins easiest for most people

• Duplicator All-In-One WP Migration work well free versions have size limits

• Steps export import update URLs pretty straightforward

Method 2 manual moves for big complex sites

• Export DB via PhpMyAdmin grab files via FTP upload to new host import DB tweak wp-config.php update URLs

Method 3 let the host handle it

• Some hosts offer free migrations pros cons vary

Phase 3 after the move check everything twice

Make sure nothing broke SEO stays intact

Update DNS watch propagation times

• Tools like WhatsMyDNS help track it

Test every part of the site

• Pages posts forms logins shopping carts if youre selling stuff

• Links images media load right? No broken stuff

SEO stuff you cant skip

• Update internal links if URLs changed resubmit sitemap in Search Console set up 301 redirects for old URLs fix mixed content errors SSL must work everywhere HTTPS only no exceptions run another broken link check

Performance checks

• post-move speed test with PageSpeed Insights GTmetrix keep Core Web Vitals from dropping tweak caching on the new server

Once everything works trash the old site but only after DNS fully updates

Dont forget third-party integrations

• update Google Analytics email tools payment gateways APIs

Common problems how pros fix them

• white screen database errors redirect loops slow speeds permalink issues mixed content warnings

Why hire someone migrations get messy fast especially if downtime costs money

• Pros handle zero downtime keep SEO safe secure your data optimize speed troubleshoot surprises save you time

• Dont risk going DIY pay once for peace of mind

What my service includes

• audits planning zero downtime moves data integrity checks post-migration SEO fixes support

Need a smooth move schedule a free consult