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Migrating a WordPress site can involve various steps depending on the complexity of the site and the desired outcome. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Pre-Migration Steps
Table of Contents
- Backup Your Current Site:
Use a WordPress plugin like UpdraftPlus or a service provided by your hosting provider to create a full backup of your WordPress site, including files and database. - Choose a New Hosting Provider (if applicable):
Select a new hosting provider that meets your needs in terms of performance, support, and pricing. - Set Up the Destination Environment:
Install WordPress on the new hosting server. Ensure PHP version compatibility and necessary server configurations.
Migration Steps
Method 1: Manual Migration
1. Export the Database:
In your current WordPress site’s admin panel, go to Tools > Export
to export all content. This exports posts, pages, comments, custom fields, terms, navigation menus, and custom posts.
2. Export Media Files:
Connect to your server via FTP (using FileZilla or similar tools) and download the wp-content/uploads
folder to your local computer.
3. Upload Files to New Server:
Upload the contents of the wp-content/uploads
folder to the same directory on the new server using FTP.
4. Import Database:
Create a new database on your new server and import the SQL file you exported earlier using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.
5. Update wp-config.php:
Update the database credentials in the wp-config.php
file to match your new server’s database settings.
6. Update Site URLs:
In the new database, run SQL queries to update site URLs if necessary:
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = replace(option_value, 'http://oldurl.com', 'http://newurl.com') WHERE option_name = 'home' OR option_name = 'siteurl';
UPDATE wp_posts SET guid = replace(guid, 'http://oldurl.com','http://newurl.com');
UPDATE wp_posts SET post_content = replace(post_content, 'http://oldurl.com', 'http://newurl.com');
7. Test the New Site:
Check if the new site is working correctly. Test navigation, links, media files, and functionality.
Method 2: Using Plugins
1. Choose a Migration Plugin:
Plugins like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or Migrate Guru can simplify the migration process.
2. Backup and Package the Site:
Use the chosen plugin to create a backup of your current site. This typically includes both files and database.
3. Deploy to New Server:
Follow the plugin’s instructions to deploy the backup to the new server. This usually involves uploading the backup file and importing it via the plugin interface.
4. Update Site URLs:
Some plugins automatically handle URL updates, but verify and adjust if necessary using the steps mentioned in Method 1.
5. Test the New Site:
Ensure everything works as expected on the new server.
Post-Migration Steps
- Update DNS Settings (if changing domain):
If you’re migrating to a new domain, update your DNS settings to point to the new hosting provider. - Check Permalinks and Redirects:
Test permalinks to ensure they are working correctly. Set up redirects if URLs have changed. - Verify SEO and Analytics Settings:
Ensure that SEO settings and analytics tracking are correctly configured on the new site. - Monitor for Issues:
Keep an eye on the site for a few days post-migration to catch any issues that may arise. - Delete Old Site (if applicable):
Once you’re sure the migration was successful, delete any old files or databases from the previous hosting provider.
Additional Tips
- Consider CDN and Caching:
If you use a CDN or caching plugins, update settings to reflect the new server or domain. - Stay Organized:
Keep notes of changes made during the migration process for future reference.