Let’s face it, the thought of having to move your blog to a new web host is probably giving you headaches before you even start.

But here’s the thing, web host migrating doesn’t have to be a painful experience.

If you’ve been putting off the desire to move your WordPress blog to a better host just because it seems like a hassle, then worry not. We’ve got 3 useful tips that will make migrating your WordPress blog a whole lot easier.

Best part? You don’t have to be a web developer wiz to know how to do this!

Tip #1: Search up on web hosts (and if they offer migrating services)

The first thing you need to do before migrating your web host? Finding a new web host of course! While any web host with PHP 5.2.4 or higher and MySQL 5.0 or higher can work with WordPress, it doesn’t mean you can choose any old web host.

We recommend the ones that offer a migration assistance service for free (or for a small fee). Rather than doing all the tasks yourself (setting up a new database, editing the wp-config.php file, etc.), using the migration host service from web hosts will save you from a lot of work.

For example, SiteGround is offering free WordPress migration service to new users.

All you need to do is to submit your website transfer request through their setup wizard. Their support agents will do the rest.

If you are still on the lookout for a new WordPress host, take the time to research and see which company offers the best web hosting for WordPress.

Tip #2: Backup your site using WordPress plugins

So now you’ve chosen your new WordPress hosting plan. Unless you plan on starting from scratch, you’re going to need a backup of your blog to upload and export to the new host.

WordPress offers plenty of awesome plugins that lets you create backup files for your blog which you can then export and upload to your new host. 

Here are a few plugins on WordPress that we recommend:

All-in-One WP Migration

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for your WordPress blog backup and migration solution, look no further than the All-in-One WP Migration plugin.

As the name suggests, the plugin offers all the options you’ll need for archiving your blog’s data into a single file. What’s great about this plugin is that you can customize what type of data you wish to keep (such as spam comments or media library) and where to export to. 

Duplicator

Offering great versatility for backing up your WordPress blog, Duplicator is a great choice if you need a backup plugin that’s simple while still having plenty of options.

The plugin basically creates a “package” of your site’s data which you can download for migrating or for safekeeping. What’s great about the Duplicator is that they provide an Archive file which holds all the data and an Installer file to re-install your blog’s data. 

BackupGuard

While not as versatile compared to the other two, BackupGuard offers a simpler interface to create your blog’s backup files.

Their pro subscription offers automatic backup, 24/7 emergency support, direct integration with cloud storage devices and they can even help with full-on site migration by taking care of all the heavy lifting.

For a step-by-step guide on how to use them, click here!

Tip #3: Make sure you update your DNS

When you have transferred your site completely, you’ll need to update the DNS of the domain name so that it leads back to the new host.

To update your DNS, you don't need to modify the .htaccess file. Just log in to the domain registrar for your WordPress, head to the DNS section, and change the two name servers to the new one that’s given by your web host.

Let’s say your DNS is from GoDaddy, then your nameservers would be:

NS41.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
NS41.DOMAINCONTROL.COM

Now, you need to update it so it points to InMotion’s nameservers instead. You then change it to:

NS.INMOTIONHOSTING.COM
NS2.INMOTIONHOSTING.COM

Viola! Your migration is complete. Of course, you need to endure some propagation time that your domain might experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 3 useful tips to help make your WordPress blog migration easier. If you come across any problems with your WordPress migration, you can get help from WordPress experts too. What did you think of the tips? Did it help you at all? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Lavi Perchik on Unsplash