If you’re helping your clients’ migrate their sites to WordPress due to issues with their current hosting server, you’re making a wise move.
WordPress is among the most popular content management systems (CMS) available today, making it an excellent choice.
The good news is that migrating a site to WordPress isn’t as complicated as you might think.
In fact, WordPress site migration is a relatively straightforward process. There are various methods to achieve this, and we’re here to explore them with you!
1. Manual Migration with Database Delta Deployment
You have the option to manually migrate a WordPress site, including the website’s database, using database delta deployment.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- File transfer: First, you’ll need to download all the website files, including themes, plugins, and media, from the old hosting account. Then, you’ll need to upload them to the new WordPress hosting environment.
- Database move: You’ll also export the website’s database from the old host, and import it into the new host.
- Configuration adjustments: To make everything work seamlessly, you might need to tweak the WordPress configuration file to match the new server’s settings.
- Synchronize changes: This process might involve using database delta deployment techniques to keep databases in sync, and efficiently deploy updates.
This method is well-suited for those with technical expertise in WordPress and server configurations, particularly when precise control over database changes is required.
But, keep in mind that the process can be a bit intense and time-consuming.
2. Backup and Restore Plugins
Backup and restore plugins for WordPress – like Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, and All-in-One WP Migration – are handy tools that simplify the website migration process.
What they do is pretty cool. They help you create complete backups of your client’s website, including files and the database. Once you’ve got everything backed up, all you need to do is install the free WordPress migration plugin on the new server, and use it to restore the website.
What’s even better is that these WordPress plugins are super user-friendly. Even if you’re not a tech pro, you can use a migration plugin to manage the transfer from the old site to a new WordPress domain.
3. URL Rewriting and Search Replace
In a migration that involves URL rewriting and search-replace, you’ll focus on updating URLs and other content references in the WordPress database.
This ensures all internal links and references on your clients’ websites work correctly with the new web hosting provider.
This method is helpful when migrating a website to a new domain, server, or protocol (e.g., from HTTP to HTTPS), and it’s essential to ensure that all internal links and references are updated seamlessly.
4. Professional Migration Services
Professional migration services are offered by companies or individuals who specialize in WordPress website migration.
They handle the entire process, from creating backups to configuring with your new web host.
Professional services are an excellent choice for those who aren’t comfortable with the technical aspects of migration, or who prefer to have experts manage the process.
Benefits of Professional WordPress Migration Services
Professional migration services help take the hassle out of migrating your clients’ sites in the following ways:
- Expertise: Professional migration services are offered by experts at handling migrations to WordPress sites. They’ve been around the block and know how to smooth out the process of moving to a new hosting provider.
- Less downtime: These professionals work efficiently to keep your clients’ websites up and running during the move. That means less interruption to their online presence.
- Your data is safe: Your client’s site data is precious, and professionals take security seriously. They ensure the data is transferred to WordPress files without hiccups or security risks.
- Tailored solutions: Need something specific for the migration? No problem. Professionals can customize their approach to meet your unique needs, whether you’re moving a simple blog or a complex eCommerce site.
- Quality check: Before a site goes live in the new environment, professionals thoroughly test it to catch and fix any issues. It’s a final checkup for the website.
- Tech support: Do you have questions or issues? WordPress experts offer tech support throughout the process and beyond.
- Time saved: When you leave the nitty-gritty technical stuff to the experts, you free up your time to focus more on your clients’ content and strategy.
- Peace of mind: You can relax knowing your website projects are in good hands. Experts ensure a smooth migration, so you don’t have to stress.
- Continuity: They ensure each site’s SEO and user experience remain intact during and after the migration. The site performs well for visitors and ranks higher in search results.
- Post-migration help: Many professional services offer assistance even after the migration is complete. If any issues pop up, they’ll be there to help.
WordPress is a trusted content management system, and the migration process is surprisingly straightforward.
As we’ve seen, you’ve got several options at your disposal. You can go with manual migration, which involves moving your database and all related files yourself. You can also integrate user-friendly plugins for WordPress migration.
The URL rewriting route can make the transition smoother, and your clients’ previous hosting providers might even offer tools to make the move more hassle-free.
And if you’d rather let the experts handle it, professional migration services lend you their expertise to minimize downtime and provide peace of mind throughout the process.
Why Not Let UnlimtedWP Handle Your WordPress Migration?
At UnlimtedWP, we’re a team of WordPress professionals who exclusively partner with digital, design, and web agencies. We take pride in helping specialized digital agencies enhance efficiency, boost profits, and deliver WordPress websites to their clients on time.
With a team of over 100 WordPress experts, 500 managed WordPress and WooCommerce sites, and 2000+ completed projects, we’re your ultimate destination for comprehensive WordPress assistance and website care.
With offices in both Boston, USA, and Ahmedabad, India, we’re perfectly situated to meet your needs no matter where you’re located.
Ready to migrate every WordPress site like a pro? Book your demo call today.
