How to Transfer a Website to a New Hosting Without Downtime

Preparation for the transfer

It is necessary to prepare before starting the transfer: create a backup of the website, choose a reliable hosting, and check all technical aspects related to the domain and SSL certificates.

1. Creating a backup

Backing up is mandatory when you transfer a website. It protects your data and allows you to return to the initial state in case of unforeseen issues. Most control panels, such as cPanel or DirectAdmin, allow you to create a backup with just a few clicks. For more control, you can use FTP to download files to your local computer or store the backup on another server.

2. Choosing a new hosting

The choice of hosting provider has a significant impact on the success of the transfer. Your new hosting should meet all the technical requirements of the website, including sufficient memory, support for PHP, and MySQL. It is also important to read customer reviews and learn which support is offered by the provider.

3. Checking the domain and SSL certificates

Having made the transfer, you will need to update the DNS records to redirect traffic to the new server. If your website uses an SSL certificate, make sure it can be transferred to the new hosting or, if necessary, order a new certificate.

Transfer process

A well-planned transfer will help ensure the website runs smoothly on the new server.

1. Transferring website files

Using FTP or SSH, you can download all website files from the current hosting and then upload them to the new server. At first glance, the process seems simple, but in some cases, there may be issues with access rights that complicate the transfer.

2. Transferring the database

The next important step is transferring the database, which contains user data, settings and content. Usually, the database is exported using phpMyAdmin or MySQL and imported to the new server. After the transfer, it is important to configure the settings for proper database connection on the new server.

3. Updating configuration files

Configuration files, such as wp-config.php (for WordPress) or config.php, need to be updated to establish a connection with the new database. For other CMS platforms, the procedure may differ, so check your system’s documentation.

It is also important to check the htaccess and other configuration files, as even a small error in them can cause issues with the website's functionality.

4. Updating DNS records

Before changing DNS records, administrators can deploy a copy of the website on the new hosting to test its functionality. Only after this can the DNS records be changed to direct traffic to the new server. DNS changes can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours, depending on the provider. To avoid downtime during this process, temporary URLs can be used or changes can be made to the hosts file on your computer to test the website’s operation on the new hosting.

Post-transfer check

After the transfer is complete, it is important to ensure that the website is functioning correctly on the new hosting.

1. Functionality testing

You need to test all key features of the website: forms, registration process, database functionality, and other interactive elements. This ensures that the website operates smoothly without any errors after the transfer.

2. Error checking

Check for any errors and, if found, resolve them. Among other things, there might be issues with file access permissions or incorrect configuration settings.

3. Checking redirects

A website transfer can impact SEO, so it is important to check the functionality of redirects, 404 errors and URLs. This will help maintain the site's rankings in search engines and ensure proper navigation for users.

Recommendations for choosing transfer tools

There are many website building platforms, each offering its own tools to simplify the transfer process. Below, there is a comparison table of solutions for several popular platforms such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal:

*Note: These prices are current as of the time of writing and may change.

*The use of these tools does not guarantee that the website will function 100%.

For users who have chosen hosting with administrative support, the website transfer process is greatly simplified as all technical aspects are handled by the provider's team, ensuring the reliability and continuity of the website's operation.

Hostiserver offers full website migration support, completing all steps quickly, professionally, and free of charge for our clients, guaranteeing the stable operation of your website on the new hosting.

However, if you decide to transfer the website yourself, use the tips provided below.

Tips how to minimize downtime during the site transfer

To avoid or minimize website downtime during the transfer, it is recommended to:

1. Lower the TTL of DNS records: Before changing DNS records, reduce the TTL (Time to Live) value to 5-10 minutes. This will speed up the DNS update process and reduce downtime.
2. Use a temporary domain or subdomain: Set up the website on the new hosting using a temporary domain or subdomain to test its functionality before changing the main domain.
3. Plan the site transfer during low traffic periods: Perform the transfer during hours when website traffic is lowest to minimize the impact on users.
4. Automate the site transfer process using special tools: Use universal migration solutions that support various CMS platforms or even custom websites.

In general, transferring a website from one hosting to another without interruption is a complex process that requires experience and technical knowledge. Without proper planning and accuracy, you risk facing site downtime, data loss or decreased performance. So, if you lack experience in website administration, it is better to consult professionals for the transfer process.