Moving a website to a new host or server is a complex process known as a website migration. Website migration services are professional offerings from hosting companies or specialized agencies that handle this entire technical process for you. Think of it like hiring movers for your house; these services manage all the critical steps, from transferring files and databases to configuring the new server, ensuring a smooth transition without the headaches of doing it yourself.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about website migration services, from planning and preparation to the final flip of the switch. While it might seem technical, understanding the process helps you avoid common pitfalls like lost traffic and broken links, ensuring your move is a success.
Understanding the Scope and Limitations
Before you start packing your digital boxes, it’s crucial to understand what a typical migration includes and, just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Here goes.
What’s Included in a Standard Migration?
The main goal of a website migration is to create a perfect working copy of your site in a new environment. Think of it as a “lift and shift” operation, not a renovation. The scope of professional website migration services usually covers:
Website Files: Copying all your core files, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and scripts.
Databases: Transferring all databases that store your site’s content, user information, and settings.
Configuration: Replicating the necessary server settings to ensure your site functions correctly on the new host.
Essentially, your website’s design, content, and functionality should remain identical after the move. The only thing that changes is the underlying infrastructure.
Common Migration Limitations to Know
It’s easy to assume a migration will cover any and all changes you want to make, but that’s rarely the case. Standard website migration services typically do not include:
Website Redesigns: Any changes to your site’s layout, theme, or branding are a separate project.
Content Overhauls: Rewriting text, adding new pages, or changing your site structure is not part of the move. Plan those improvements post‑cutover with a content mapping exercise.
Domain Name Changes: Switching from
olddomain.comtonewdomain.comis a complex process involving URL updates and redirects that falls outside a basic migration.Platform Changes: Moving from a builder like Wix to WordPress isn’t a simple transfer; it often requires rebuilding the site from the ground up.
Many free migration offers also have limits on the number of sites or the total data size they will move. For example, HostGator’s free migration is only available within the first 30 days of signing up for a new account.
Website Migration vs. Domain Transfer: What’s the Difference?
This is a common point of confusion. Website migration and domain transfer are two completely separate processes.
Website Migration: Moves your site’s files and database to a new server. You keep your domain name and simply point it to the new location.
Domain Transfer: Moves the registration of your domain name from one registrar (like GoDaddy) to another.
You don’t have to transfer your domain when you migrate your site. In fact, it’s often recommended to handle the website migration first. Once your site is stable on the new host, you can then decide if you want to transfer your domain registration for consolidated billing or management. A domain transfer can often take 5 to 7 days to complete. During any registrar change, keep an eye on branded and navigational keywords to ensure users still reach the right destination.
Preparing for a Smooth Website Migration
Proper preparation is the key to a stress free migration. Getting your ducks in a row beforehand prevents delays and ensures the team handling your move has everything they need.
Key Requirements for a Successful Move
Before kicking off the process, you’ll need to gather some essential information and take a few preparatory steps.
Full Backups: This is non negotiable. Always create a complete backup of your website files and databases before anything else. This is your safety net if something goes wrong.
Access to Both Environments: You will need login details for both your old and new hosting accounts.
Keep Your Old Site Active: Do not cancel your old hosting plan or change your domain settings until the migration is 100% complete and tested. Migration tools often need to access the live source site to pull data.
Check Compatibility: Ensure the new hosting environment supports your website’s technology (e.g., the right PHP version, database type, etc.).
Essential Account Credentials You’ll Need
To perform the migration, a service provider will need authorized access to your old server. Be prepared to provide:
Hosting Control Panel Credentials: This is often a cPanel, Plesk, or custom panel login (URL, username, and password).
FTP or SFTP Login Details: This allows direct access to your website’s file system for copying. Creating a temporary, dedicated FTP account for the migration is a great security practice.
Database Access: In some manual cases, credentials for accessing the database directly might be needed.
Always share these credentials through a secure channel, like your hosting provider’s ticket system. Once the migration is complete, it’s wise to change the passwords you shared.
How to Request Site Migration Services
Most hosting companies that offer website migration services make the request process simple. You’ll typically find a “Request Migration” or “Transfer Website” form in your new hosting account’s dashboard.
You’ll fill out a form with your old site’s details and credentials. After you submit it, a dedicated migration team usually takes over, often confirming the details via email and providing an estimated timeline.
The Migration Process: Methods and Timelines
Once you’ve requested the migration, what actually happens? The timeline can vary, and there are several ways to get the job done.
How Long Does a Website Migration Take?
The time frame for a website migration depends on the site’s size, its complexity, and the method used. A small WordPress blog might be moved in a few hours. A large ecommerce store with a massive database could take significantly longer.
However, the biggest factor is often DNS propagation. After the files are moved, you have to update your domain’s DNS settings to point to the new server. This change isn’t instant; it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full 48 hours to update across the entire internet. During this time, some visitors might see the old site while others see the new one.
Because of this, it’s smart to plan your migration during a low traffic period, like a weekend or late at night.
Popular Website Migration Methods
There are three primary ways to approach a website migration:
Professional Services: Let your new host or a specialized agency handle it. This is the most hands off approach and is often free when signing up with a new hosting provider.
Automated Tools: Use built in control panel tools (like cPanel’s Transfer Tool) or dedicated migration plugins. These are great for standard setups and reduce human error.
Manual Migration: A DIY approach where you manually download files, export the database, and set everything up on the new server. This offers full control but requires technical skill.
Deep Dive: Managed WordPress Auto Migration
Hosts specializing in WordPress often provide automated migration plugins that make moving a WordPress site incredibly easy. Companies like WP Engine and SiteGround offer tools that you install on your old site. You then enter an authorization key from your new host, and the plugin packages up your entire site (database, themes, plugins, and uploads) and moves it automatically. It’s often a simple, few click process.
Using a WordPress Migration Plugin
If your host doesn’t offer a managed tool, third party plugins are a fantastic option. Plugins like All in One WP Migration (which has over 5 million active installations) or Duplicator allow you to export your entire site into a single package file. You then install a fresh copy of WordPress on your new host, install the same plugin, and import the package. These plugins are excellent because they automatically handle the tricky task of searching for and replacing old URLs in the database.
A Look at cPanel and Installatron Migration
Many hosts use a control panel called cPanel, which often includes a tool called Installatron. Installatron can import an existing website from another server. You simply provide it with your old site’s URL and FTP credentials, and it connects to the old server and copies the application over for you. This is a powerful, semi automated method for users who are comfortable working within cPanel.
The DIY Route: Manual Migration Steps
For those with technical confidence, a manual migration offers the most control. The process generally follows these steps:
Download all website files from your old server using FTP.
Export the site’s database using a tool like phpMyAdmin.
Upload the website files to your new server.
Create a new database on the new server and import your exported data.
Update any configuration files (like
wp-config.phpfor WordPress) with the new database credentials.Test thoroughly before updating your DNS.
Critical Post Migration Steps and Considerations
The work isn’t over once the files are moved. These final steps are crucial for ensuring a seamless transition for your users and for search engines.
The Final Step: Updating Your DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet’s phonebook. It translates your human readable domain name into a server’s IP address. After your site is copied and tested on the new server, you must log in to your domain registrar and update your DNS records (either the A record or the nameservers) to point to the new server’s IP address. As mentioned, this can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Never skip testing. Before (and after) you update your DNS, you need to rigorously check the migrated site. A good migration service will often provide a temporary URL or a way to preview the site on the new server before going live. Check for:
Broken links, internal links, and missing images.
Functionality of forms, logins, and shopping carts.
Correct display across different browsers and devices.
Page load speed on the new server (use this on‑page SEO checklist as a quick QA pass).
How to Minimize Downtime During Migration
The goal of any migration is zero downtime. This is achieved by keeping the old site live until the new site is fully functional and tested. Once DNS propagation begins, some users will hit the old server and some will hit the new one. Since both sites are identical, the user experience is seamless. The only potential for data loss is if new user data (like comments or orders) is submitted to the old site during the propagation window. This is another reason to migrate during off peak hours.
Important Security Considerations
Security should be top of mind during a migration.
Share Credentials Securely: Use your provider’s secure forms or ticket systems.
Use Temporary Access: Create temporary FTP or user accounts specifically for the migration and delete them afterward.
Revoke Access: Change any passwords you shared once the migration is complete.
Re-enable Firewalls: If you had to temporarily disable any security plugins or firewalls to allow the transfer, remember to turn them back on.
Ancillary Services: What About Email?
If you use your hosting provider for your email accounts (e.g., you@yourdomain.com), you need to plan for email migration as well.
Understanding Email Migration Services
An email migration service moves your email accounts, messages, and folders from your old host to your new one. Some website migration services, especially full cPanel transfers, include email migration automatically. However, others treat it as a separate task.
It is critical to clarify this with your provider. If they handle it, they will recreate your mailboxes and sync your old messages. If they don’t, you will be responsible for setting up the accounts and potentially moving old emails yourself. A botched email cutover can lead to lost messages, so this needs to be coordinated carefully with your DNS update.
The Cost of Moving: Website Migration Pricing
The price for website migration services can vary dramatically, from completely free to several hundred dollars.
Free Migrations: Many, if not most, web hosting companies offer at least one free website migration to attract new customers. For most small businesses with a single site, this is the best option.
Paid Migrations: If your free offer has expired, or if you have a very large or complex site, you may need to pay. Fees can range from around $100 to $300 for a standard site. Agencies specializing in complex website migration services may charge more.
DIY Costs: Doing it yourself is free in terms of money, but costs you time. If you make a mistake, the cost of downtime or data loss could quickly exceed the price of a professional service.
Preserving Your SEO is the Top Priority
A website migration is one of the riskiest events for your SEO. If done improperly, you can lose years of search engine rankings overnight. While a technical migration moves your files, a true SEO‑focused migration ensures that all your link equity, rankings, and traffic are preserved. If you’re expanding post‑migration, build topical authority so new pages reinforce existing rankings.
At Rankai, we understand that a successful migration goes beyond just moving files. It involves careful planning, redirect mapping, and a technical SEO audit to give search engines the right signals. If you’re planning a move and want to ensure your organic growth doesn’t miss a beat, book a demo to see how our SEO execution platform can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Website Migration Services
What is the biggest risk of a bad website migration?
The biggest risk is a loss of SEO rankings and organic traffic. This can happen from broken links, improper redirects, or extended downtime, which signals to Google that your site is unreliable. Protecting your SEO is the number one priority.
Can I perform a website migration myself?
Yes, it is possible to migrate a website yourself using manual methods or plugins. However, it carries risks. If you are not technically proficient, you could experience data loss, downtime, or SEO damage. For business‑critical sites, professional website migration services are recommended. If you’re taking a DIY approach after the move, here’s a realistic guide on how to do SEO yourself to prioritize ongoing tasks.
Do all hosting companies offer free website migration services?
Many hosting providers offer a free migration for at least one website as an incentive for new customers. However, there are often limitations, such as a time limit (e.g., within 30 days of signup) or restrictions on the site’s size or platform.
Will my website look and feel different after the migration?
No. A standard website migration is a relocation, not a redesign. Your site should look and function exactly the same on the new server as it did on the old one.
How do I make sure my SEO doesn’t drop after a migration?
The key is careful planning. This includes creating a full URL map, implementing 301 redirects for any changed URLs, performing a technical SEO audit before and after the move, and monitoring tools like Google Search Console for any new errors. Engaging with SEO experts, like the team at Rankai, can ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Also see our guide on how to tell if your SEO strategy is working so you can monitor impact post‑migration.