Ok so you have made the decision to move your website from your current host to a new one. Listed below is a must follow tip list to help you from start to finish, enjoy.
- When moving your website you need to remember to make sure that your new host has the same if not more space available. Lets say you have a website that uses 5 gigabytes of space. Your new host should have 5 gigabytes or more.
- Make sure to ask your new hosting provider if your email and log files count towards your hosting package. Most of the time a host will not give you free space for log files and emails. You’ll either have to purchase more hosting space (if needed) to accommodate your data.
- What is the operating system of your new and old web host? Are they the same or different? This usually only matters if you are moving php and mysql databases. If you have a windows host, your site may break on a linux or macintosh host. Make sure to always purchase the same type of operating system hosting packages to insure you have a working website.
- Many host usually provide various amount of software. However some of the software will either be updated or un-updated. This can cause your site to break, create errors, and not function properly. Make sure that all the software you are currently using on your host will be the same on your new one.
- Email forwarders and responders are gold mine to some. Especially when they are relying on email marketing. Will your new host support your old data? Will they be able to transfer your email data to their servers?
- Find out in advance if your new host can support all your scripts. A lot of web hosting companies offer free scripts with their hosting packages. Compare the ones you are using to the ones available. If you don’t see it, ask them if they could install the script for you. This is crucial if you’re using multiple scripts for a single website.
- Prepare your new web host before you start the transfer. You don’t want to have a bunch of files sitting on your computer and then have something go wrong. Make sure you have your new server up and operational. All the scripts, services, emails should be installed. Make sure to upgrade to the latest software too if possible.
- Prepare yourself to move all your files to your new web host. Do you even know how to move files from one host to another? If not, then look for a tutorial online. Their are millions of tutorials that will show you how to move wordpress, joomla, and drupal sites from host to host. You can also try Youtube to find a vide tutorial.
Use the above steps to quicken your transfer and minimize errors. Good luck, and may your website prosper!
