Switching to a low-cost web hosting service among top 10 cheap web hosting is similar to moving into a new house. Moving to another location is messy as well as challenging. Transferring your existing website in a seamless manner will need some planning, so that it does not get converted into a tragedy.
Step by step guide to switch web hosting services
Make a backup
Backup everything you can, especially those databases your site relies on. Save minimum 2 copies of the backup files. Store them separately, so that one can be archived and other can be used to work on. Remember, it is easy to copy over these files, while making changes. This can simply mess the existing data, so never ignore to save and store a couple of backup copies separately.
Switching to another host means the backup files must be made from Databases server and FTP server. Majority of hosts don’t give remote access to Database server, which can be a tough task to download the databases files. If you use open source software (Joomla or WordPress) at the backend then built-in functions or plug-ins can help to download backup within minutes.
Use notepad to note old server configurations. It will assist you to make alterations on new host server, saving the confusion of moving to and fro between hosts. Backup the server logs to be referred to later on because log statistics differ from one host to another.
Collect odds & ends
- Good FTP program
- Server DNS of new host
- Script about new server environment for quick reference
- Temporary URL for site checking, before making DNS changes
- If the host is controlling your domain request them to change DNS, only after you tell them
- Moving the scripts can hinder the working, which makes it necessary to re-install the script, so obtain a copy of script and original installation guide
- Attain server path lists on new server
- In case, you script requires special server programs or modules make sure they are installed
Alert your audience
To preserve your credibility, it is wise to notify your audiences via email about the possible downtime. Social media accounts can be used to alert your audiences about server migration.
When to relocate?
Right time decision is pretty harsh. A little research on your current traffic log is necessary. Highlight the days and time your website had less traffic. Bear in mind that the more your website bounces back the more visitors you lose from social sites and search engine bots. Therefore during highlight time period take DNS changing step.
DNS changing step
Announce your new web host to change the DNS information. The new DNS setting propagation takes 15 min to 24 hours. Few users can see the site from new web server right away but others can see the new changes within 24 hours. Remember to ask your past web host to suspend your account 72 hours, after DNS switch.
Keep check on old server
After your website is transferred and DNS resolved, keep an eye on your old account for two weeks concurrently. Monitor the old server for activity to ensure that no communication is left behind. Once you feel that all the traffic and email is directed correctly to new server then cancel the old server account.
Last step is to update email client to match new SMTP and POP3 settings. Follow these steps to move seamlessly to a new web hosting service.
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