Transferring a website to a new hosting may seem simple: you just have to copy the files, transfer the database, and change the domain settings. However, in practice, all this often results in hours (and, sometimes, days) of downtime, data loss, or even incorrect operation of the transferred web resource. That’s why, to avoid such problems, you should initially understand which steps most often become problematic.
1. Lack of backup
Since many people perceive hosting transfer as a routine task, this often leads to failures when exporting the database and conflicts in the file system structure, and, therefore, to complete data loss. It’s important to understand that without a pre-prepared backup copy, it will be almost impossible to restore the project, so you must take care of a website backup before transferring it with its files, databases, and mail services. Another critical aspect is to save a copy in a third-party cloud storage (and not only on the old hosting).
2. Ignoring server configuration differences
Since each hosting provider relies on unique server environment settings, including PHP and MySQL versions, Apache modules, memory, script execution time limits, etc., when the configuration on the new server is different, the website starts to work unstably or doesn’t load at all. This means that you should carefully analyze the technical characteristics of the new hosting and compare them with the current project requirements. Optionally, you can also perform a test transfer to an intermediate server to ensure compatibility.
3. Forgetting about DNS settings
Hosting migration is impossible without reconfiguring the domain’s DNS records; otherwise, you risk causing downtime. The fact is that updating DNS records can take from several hours to a day, and during this time, users will see the old or unavailable website. Thus, to minimize this period, you need to update the domain settings a few days before the transfer. It’s equally crucial to synchronize the moment of switching with the readiness of the new server – this way, you’ll avoid the period of the website existing in both the old and new versions simultaneously.
4. Transfer without considering SEO
Since search engines take into account the stability and availability of a web resource, even a few hours of downtime can lead to a decrease in its position in search results. These problems can also be caused by ignoring redirects – that is, if the URL structure on the new server changes and the redirects are not configured correctly, search engines will perceive this as a loss of pages. That’s why you have to test the speed and stability of the new server on time, save the established URL structure, reconfigure redirects, and track indexing after the transfer (for example, via Google Search Console).
5. No post-transfer testing
Even if the pre-transfer was performed correctly, this still doesn’t guarantee that the website will work perfectly: problems with incorrect links, failures in the work of forms, or integrations with external services are still real. So, to ensure that your visitors don’t face a bad experience, you should check how web pages are displayed, how their functionality works, as well as how databases and integrations are correct. Particular attention should be paid to fundamental tasks, such as order processing, user registration/authorization, payment processing, etc.
Conclusion
Moving a website to a new hosting is a comprehensive process that requires careful planning and technical preparation. Therefore, if you approach hosting migration strategically, you’ll receive a reliable infrastructure in return, while minimizing the risks of downtime and incorrect website operation.
