If you’ve ever had to relocate your WordPress website from one hosting provider to another, you probably know the hurdles accompanying such a task. Moving a site can be overwhelming, mainly when maintaining your SEO rankings and overall performance.
Fret not, as in this blog post, we will guide you through a reader-friendly, step-by-step process for both manual and automatic (using plugins) migration of your WordPress site from one cPanel to another. Through this process, you can keep the SEO-friendliness of your website and safeguard its performance.
- Manual vs. Automatic WordPress Migration: Which Should You Choose?
- 11 Steps Manually WordPress Site Migration
- 8 Steps Automatic WordPress Site Migration Using Plugins
Manual vs. Automatic WordPress Migration: Which Should You Choose?
When migrating your WordPress site, you have two primary options: manual and automatic migrating using plugins. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs, technical expertise, and SEO goals. In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision for a smooth, SEO-friendly migration.
Manual Migration
Manual migration involves manually transferring your website’s files and database from one hosting account to another. This process requires a certain level of technical knowledge and hands-on experience with tools like FTP clients, cPanel, and phpMyAdmin. Here are the pros and cons of manual migration:
Pros
- Control: Manual migration gives you complete control over the process, allowing you to ensure everything is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
- Customization: If your website has unique or complex configurations, manual migration enables you to tailor the process to fit your specific requirements.
- No dependency on plugins: With manual migration, you don’t need to rely on plugins, which may only sometimes work as expected or may conflict with other plugins on your website.
Cons
- Time-consuming: Manual migration can be lengthy, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the steps involved or have a large website.
- Technical expertise required: To perform a manual migration, you need a good understanding of web hosting, FTP, databases, and other technical aspects.
- Risk of errors: Manual migration leaves more room for human error, leading to data loss, broken links, or other issues that can negatively impact your SEO.
Automatic Migration Using Plugins
Automatic migration involves using specialized WordPress plugins to automate the transfer of your website’s files and database. Popular plugins like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, and Migrate Guru can streamline the migration process and make it more accessible for users with limited technical knowledge. Here are the pros and cons of automatic migration:
Pros
- Ease of use: Automatic migration plugins simplify the process, making it easier for users with limited technical knowledge to migrate their websites.
- Faster process: Migration plugins can significantly reduce the time required to transfer your website, especially if you have a small to medium-sized site.
- Lower risk of errors: Using a plugin can minimize the risk of human error as it handles the migration process.
Cons
- Limited control: Automatic migration plugins may not provide the same level of control as manual migration, which could be a concern if your website has unique or complex configurations.
- Dependency on plugins: You’ll be relying on a third-party plugin, which may not always work as expected, may conflict with other plugins, or may not be updated regularly.
- Large websites: Some plugins may struggle with large websites, leading to timeouts, incomplete migrations, or other issues.
If you have a good understanding of web hosting and website management, manual migration may provide you with more control and customization options. However, if you’re less experienced or prefer a more streamlined process, automatic migration using plugins may be the better choice.
11 Steps Manually WordPress Site Migration
Manually migrating your WordPress site can seem daunting, but with the proper guidance and careful planning, you can successfully move your website without compromising its performance.
Step 1: Backup your existing WordPress site
Before starting the migration process, create a backup of your existing WordPress site. It includes backing up all your website files and the database.
I. Backup website files:
To back up your website files, use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your current hosting account. Download all the files from the public_html folder (or the folder containing your WordPress installation) to your local computer.
II. Backup database:
Log in to your current hosting account’s cPanel and access phpMyAdmin. Select your website’s database, click the Export tab, and choose the Quick export method. Select SQL as the format and click Go to download a copy of your database.
Step 2: Create a new database on your new hosting account
I. Log in to the cPanel of your new hosting account.
II. Navigate to MySQL Databases and create a new database. Please take note of the database name, as you’ll need it later.
III. Create a new database user and assign a strong password. Take note of the username and password.
IV. Add the new user to the new database and grant All Privileges.
Step 3: Import your database to the new hosting account
I. Log in to the cPanel of your new hosting account and access phpMyAdmin.
II. Select your newly created database and click the Import tab.
III. Click Choose File and select the SQL file you exported from your old hosting account earlier. Click Go to import the database.
Step 4: Upload your website files to the new hosting account
I. Connect to your new hosting account using an FTP client like FileZilla.
II. Navigate to the public_html folder (or the folder where you want your WordPress installation) and upload the files you downloaded earlier from your old hosting account.
Step 5: Update the wp-config.php file
I. Locate the wp-config.php file in the folder where you uploaded your website files on your new hosting account.
II. Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor and update the following lines with the new database information:
define('DB_NAME', 'your_new_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_new_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_new_database_password')III. Save the changes and close the file.
Step 6: Update the DNS records
I. Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel.
II. Update the nameservers or DNS records to point to your new hosting account. This process may vary depending on your domain registrar, so refer to their documentation for specific instructions.
III. DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours, so your site may not be immediately accessible after updating the records.
Also Read: How to Optimize Your Browser Rendering for Good Speed
Step 7: Test your migrated site
I. Once the DNS propagation is complete, visit your website to ensure everything is working correctly.
II. Test your site’s functionality, including forms, plugins, and other features, to confirm that everything is operating as expected.
III. Check for broken links, missing images, and any other errors that might have occurred during the migration process.
Step 8: Set up redirects (if necessary)
If you have changed your domain name or the structure of your URLs during the migration, it’s essential to set up proper redirects to avoid broken links and maintain your SEO rankings.
I. Install a redirection plugin like Redirection or Simple 301 Redirects on your new WordPress site.
II. Configure the plugin to redirect old URLs to the corresponding new URLs, ensuring that your visitors and search engines can access your content without any issues.
Step 9: Update internal links
I. Log in to your WordPress dashboard on the new hosting account.
II. Use a plugin like Velvet Blues Update URLs or Better Search Replace to update internal links, ensuring they point to the new domain or the correct URLs on your new hosting account.
Step 10: Verify your website with Google Search Console
I. Log in to Google Search Console with your Google account.
II. Add your new website URL as a new property and verify your ownership using the recommended method.
III. If you’ve changed your domain name, use the Change of Address tool in Google Search Console to inform Google about the change.
Step 11: Monitor your website’s performance and SEO
After completing the migration, monitoring your website’s performance and SEO rankings is crucial to ensure everything is running smoothly and promptly addresses any potential issues.
I. Use Google Analytics to monitor your website’s traffic and user behavior.
II. Use Google Search Console to monitor your search engine rankings, crawl errors, and any other issues related to your website’s SEO.
III. Regularly review your website’s performance and make necessary optimizations to maintain and improve your SEO rankings.
Manual migration of your WordPress site can be a complex process. Still, by following this step-by-step tutorial, you can successfully transfer your site without compromising its performance or SEO rankings. Test your site thoroughly, set up proper redirects, update internal links, and monitor your website’s performance post-migration to ensure a seamless transition and maintain your website’s success in the long run.
8 Steps Automatic WordPress Site Migration Using Plugins
Migrating your WordPress site using plugins can be a straightforward and efficient way to transfer your website from one hosting account to another. Automatic migration using plugins is especially suitable for those with limited technical knowledge or those looking for a quicker migration process. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the entire automatic migration process using a popular plugin, All-in-One WP Migration.
Step 1: Install and activate the All-in-One WP Migration plugin on your existing WordPress site
I. Log in to your WordPress dashboard on your current hosting account.
II. Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for All-in-One WP Migration.
III. Install and activate the plugin.
Step 2: Export your WordPress site
I. In your WordPress dashboard, go to All-in-One WP Migration > Export.
II. Click on Export To and select File from the dropdown menu. The plugin will prepare your website for export, including your files and database.
III. Once the export process is complete, click the Download button to save the exported file (.wpress) to your local computer.
Step 3: Install and activate the All-in-One WP Migration plugin on your new WordPress site
I. Set up a new WordPress installation on your new hosting account. Make sure it’s a clean installation with no additional content or customizations.
II. Log in to the WordPress dashboard on your new hosting account.
III. Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for All-in-One WP Migration.
IV. Install and activate the plugin.
Step 4: Import your WordPress site
I. In your new WordPress dashboard, go to All-in-One WP Migration > Import.
II. Click on Import From and select File from the dropdown menu.
III. Choose the exported file (.wpress) you downloaded from your old hosting account earlier.
IV. The plugin will import your website, including all files and the database. Note that this process may take some time, depending on the size of your site.
V. You’ll receive a confirmation message once the import is complete. You may be prompted to log in again with your old WordPress credentials.
Step 5: Update the DNS records
I. Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel.
II. Update the nameservers or DNS records to point to your new hosting account. This process may vary depending on your domain registrar, so refer to their documentation for specific instructions.
III. Note that DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours, so your site may not be immediately accessible after updating the records.
Step 6: Test your migrated site
I. Once the DNS propagation is complete, visit your website to ensure everything is working correctly.
II. Test your site’s functionality, including forms, plugins, and other features, to confirm that everything is operating as expected.
III. Check for broken links, missing images, and any other errors that might have occurred during the migration process.
Step 7: Verify your website with Google Search Console
I. Log in to Google Search Console with your Google account.
II. Add your new website URL as a new property and verify your ownership using the recommended method.
Step 8: Monitor your website’s performance and SEO
After completing the migration, monitoring your website’s performance and SEO rankings is essential to ensure everything is running smoothly and promptly addresses any potential issues.
I. Use Google Analytics to monitor your website’s traffic and user behavior.
II. Use Google Search Console to monitor your search engine rankings, crawl errors, and any other issues related to your website’s SEO.
III. Regularly review your website’s performance and make necessary optimizations to maintain and improve your SEO rankings.
Migrating your WordPress site using plugins like All-in-One WP Migration can quickly and efficiently transfer your website without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Following this step-by-step tutorial, you can successfully move your site while maintaining its performance and SEO rankings. Remember to test your site thoroughly, verify your website with Google Search Console, and monitor your website’s performance post-migration to ensure a seamless transition and continued success.
FAQ
What is cPanel?
cPanel is a popular web hosting control panel allowing users to easily manage their websites and hosting accounts. With its user-friendly interface, cPanel provides a wide range of tools for managing domains, files, databases, email accounts, and more.
Why would someone need to move a WordPress site from one cPanel to another?
There are several reasons someone might need to move a WordPress site from one cPanel to another, including changing hosting providers for better performance, security, or pricing or consolidating multiple websites under a single hosting account.
How long does moving a WordPress site from one cPanel to another take?
The time it takes to move a WordPress site from one cPanel to another depends on various factors, such as
- Website’s size
- The speed of the internet connection
- The complexity of the migration process
Generally, it can take a few hours to a few days.
Will moving my WordPress site to a new cPanel affect my SEO rankings?
Your SEO rankings should not be negatively affected if the migration process is done correctly. However, it’s essential to follow best practices, such as setting up proper redirects, updating internal links, and monitoring your website’s performance to ensure your SEO rankings remain stable after the migration.
How can I ensure my website remains SEO-friendly during migration?
To ensure your website remains SEO-friendly during the migration process, follow the steps outlined in this guide, including backing up your website, updating your wp-config.php file, testing your site, updating DNS records, and monitoring your website and SEO performance.
What tools can I use to monitor and optimize my website's SEO performance?
Various tools are available for monitoring and optimizing your website’s SEO performance, such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Moz, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and many others. These tools can help you identify issues, track your rankings, and implement improvements to maintain and enhance your SEO performance.
How can I improve my website's loading speed and performance?
You can improve your website’s loading speed and performance by implementing best practices such as using a caching plugin, compressing and optimizing images, minimizing HTTP requests, enabling GZIP compression, and using a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
Final Verdict on Move WordPress site from one Cpanel to another
Migrating your WordPress can be a breeze with the proper guidance and a clear understanding of manual and automatic methods. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs. Whichever method you choose, remember that careful planning and execution are crucial to ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining your site’s SEO rankings and performance.
Happy migrating!