The Ultimate Website & Hosting Migration Guide

Author

Ark
September 18, 2025

Step-by-Step Instructions for Smooth Site Transfers

Migrating a website from one platform or host to another might sound intimidating, but with the right steps, it can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re moving from WordPress.com to WordPress.org or switching hosting providers, this guide breaks the process down into simple, easy-to-follow stages.

Why Migrate Your Website?

There are many reasons to move your site:

  • Upgrading from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress.org for more control and plugins.

  • Changing hosting providers for better speed, uptime, or pricing.

  • Expanding site features (e-commerce, membership sites, advanced SEO tools).

No matter the reason, careful planning ensures you don’t lose data, traffic, or rankings.

Pre-Migration Checklist

Before starting the move:

  1. Back up your current site (files + database).

  2. Export your content (XML file from WordPress.com or database dump from your host).

  3. List your plugins and themes so you can reinstall them later.

  4. Get credentials ready (domain registrar, hosting, FTP, WordPress admin).

  5. Choose the right host that fits your traffic, speed, and budget needs.

Step-by-Step Migration (WordPress.com → WordPress.org)

  1. Set up hosting & install WordPress.org (usually one-click in your hosting panel).

  2. Export content from WordPress.com → Tools → Export → “All content.”

  3. Import into WordPress.org → Tools → Import → WordPress → Upload XML.

  4. Reinstall themes and plugins (not included in export).

  5. Check media files—re-upload if needed or use a plugin like Auto Upload Images.

  6. Match permalinks to keep old URLs intact.

  7. Test your site on staging or a temporary domain before going live.

Going Live: DNS, SSL & Redirects

  • Update DNS: Point your domain to the new host (allow 24–48 hours for propagation).

  • Enable SSL (HTTPS): Most hosts offer free Let’s Encrypt certificates.

  • 301 Redirects: If needed, set up redirects from old URLs to new ones. WordPress.com also offers a paid Site Redirect service.

Post-Migration Testing & SEO

  • Check that every page, post, and image loads correctly.

  • Test forms, logins, and e-commerce flows.

  • Submit a fresh sitemap to Google Search Console.

  • Monitor rankings, site speed, and visitor analytics.

  • Double-check robots.txt and SEO settings.

Common Issues (and Fixes)

  • Missing images: Re-import media or copy uploads folder.

  • Broken links → Use “Better Search Replace” to fix old URLs.

  • SSL errors: Ensure site URLs are updated too.

  • Slow loading: Enable caching and consider a CDN.

Recommended Tools & Plugins

  • UpdraftPlus → Backup & Restore.

  • Duplicator / All-in-One WP Migration → Full-site migrations.

  • Redirection → Manage 301 redirects.

  • WP Rocket / Cloudflare → Speed optimization.

Final Thoughts

Website migration can feel overwhelming, but if you break it into steps, it’s completely manageable. Think of it as moving houses: pack your content, set up your new space, redirect visitors to the right address, and do a final walkthrough.

With this guide, you can confidently migrate your site—whether it’s a simple blog or a growing business platform—without losing your content, SEO, or visitors.