If you’re not happy with the service you’re getting from your existing web host, you find a better deal elsewhere, or your online business outgrows your current host, you have every right to look elsewhere. Your sole worry should be transitioning from one web server to another as smoothly and painlessly as possible.
Finding a new web host suitable for your needs is the first step in making the switch. You probably already know what to look for, but let’s review the most important considerations before making a final decision. Check out the storage space and transfer rates your new plan will give you. It’s wise to buy more bandwidth than you need, considering your site’s traffic demands could increase. Verify that the new web host provides access to the same software and features available on your old host. Ask tech support if any included software or scripts have been installed and configured. It would be disappointing to finish the website migration process to discover that some features are broken because the advertised software wasn’t activated or installed. All these things are crucial, guaranteeing that you won’t have to repeat the process of switching web hosts anytime soon.
Get on board with the new hosting package. Sign up for the new one with around two weeks left on your current hosting plan. I know it sounds like a no-brainer. Because of this, your site’s users and customers will experience as little disruption as possible during the transfer process, and you’ll have time to fix any problems.
I assume you have regular backups of your website that you should update. If you haven’t already, you should begin here. The safest option is to have a copy of your website burned onto a CD and kept in a secure area. Your website’s files, photos, directories, and databases will be backed up.
Transfer the website’s files to the hosting company’s servers.
Now comes the testing phase. Most web hosts will let you examine your site in preview mode before it goes live. Check the site’s appearance and functionality on the new server with this function.
Construct your e-mail accounts on the new server as you would normally. Don’t forget to jot down the new POP3 and SMTP you’ll use.
Marking the web pages on your new web server to identify them from the old one is a brilliant idea if you haven’t modified the appearance of your website in conjunction with the relocation. Updating your DNS information is the next step to proceed with migrating your website.
You should switch your name server at this time. Despite your eagerness to make the switch, giving your visitors is best. Customers advance notice that you’ll soon be switching web hosting providers and apologize in advance for any disruptions that may occur during the switch. You already know how crucial this announcement is to the reputation of your online company.
You can now request that your registrar update your DNS settings or make the necessary updates yourself.
You can now relax as the DNS changes spread to every DNS server. The whole effect may not be visible for up to 72 hours. However, you may notice a difference almost immediately.
The last thing to do is to modify your e-mail client to use the updated POP3 and SMTP information.
Congratulations! You have successfully switched web hosts. To your new endeavor, best wishes!
Calin Indre edits the budget web hosting directory HostPinPin ([http://www.hostpinpin.com]). HostPinPin.com helps webmasters, and regular people locate a suitable web host. Offering a variety of web hosting resources, including articles, suggestions, reviews, price comparisons, a free web hosting guide, a free hosting quote, a web hosting lexicon, and more.
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