Migrating Your WordPress Site To A New Host With Duplicator

Migrating a WordPress website to a new host can seem daunting, but the Duplicator plugin simplifies the process significantly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you migrate your site seamlessly:

Step 1: Install and Activate the Duplicator Plugin On Your Current Host

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for “Duplicator” in the plugin directory.
4. Click Install Now and then Activate the plugin.

Step 2: Create a Backup Package

1. Go to Duplicator > Packages in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click Create New to start building a package.
3. Follow these steps in the wizard:
   • Name Your Package: Use a descriptive name for your backup.
   • Scan Your Website: The plugin will analyze your site. Ensure all checks are green or yellow (warnings can usually be ignored).
   • Build the Package: Click Build and wait for the process to complete.
4. Once the build is complete, download both the Installer file and the Archive (a .zip file containing all site files and the database).

Step 3: Prepare Your New Hosting Environment

3.1: Access Your Hosting Control Panel

1. Log in to your new hosting account.
2. Navigate to the Control Panel (cPanel) or the database management section provided by your host.

3.2: Create a New Database

1. In cPanel, locate the MySQL Databases section.
2. Create a Database:
   • Enter a name for your database (e.g., wordpress_site).
   • Click Create Database to save it.
3. Create a Database User:
   • Scroll down to the MySQL Users section.
   • Enter a username and a secure password.
   • Click Create User.
4. Assign User to the Database:
   • In the Add User to Database section, select the user and database you just created.
   • Click Add.
   • Grant the user ALL PRIVILEGES and click Make Changes.

3.3: Note Down Database Credentials

You’ll need these details when running the Duplicator installer:

• Database Name: The name you assigned to your new database.
• Database Username: The username you created.
• Password: The password for the database user.
• Database Host: Typically, this is localhost, but some hosts may provide a specific server address.

3.4: Upload Files to Hosting

With the database set up, proceed to upload the Duplicator installer (installer.php) and the archive file to the root directory of your website (e.g., /public_html).

Step 4: Run the Duplicator Installer

1. In your browser, go to http://yournewdomain.com/installer.php.
2. The installer will launch. Follow these steps:
   • Validation: Ensure the archive and server pass validation checks. Fix any errors before proceeding.
   • Setup: Enter the database details for your new host:
     • Database Name
     • Username
     • Password
     • Test the connection to ensure it works.
   • Install: Click Next to import the database and files. This process overwrites existing data in the new host.
3. Follow any additional steps, such as updating the site’s URLs.

Step 5: Finalize and Test Your Website

1. Update Permalinks:
   • Log in to the WordPress admin area on the new host.
   • Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes to refresh permalinks.
2. Test Your Site:
   • Check the front end and back end of your website to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
   • Verify links, images, and plugins are working correctly.

Step 6: Update DNS Settings

1. If necessary, update your domain’s DNS settings to point to the new host. This involves changing the domain’s nameservers to those provided by your new hosting provider.
2. Allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.

Need Help With Your WordPress Migration?

At Swamp Rabbit Media, we specialize in making WordPress migrations seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re moving to a new host, consolidating multiple sites, or upgrading your infrastructure, our expert team handles the entire process with precision and care. From database setup to ensuring no downtime during the transition, we prioritize preserving your website’s functionality, performance, and data integrity. Trust us to manage the complexities so you can focus on what matters—growing your organization. Let Swamp Rabbit Media be your partner in creating a smooth migration experience and a stronger online presence.