Thinking about moving your website to WordPress? Whether you’re upgrading, switching hosts, or merging multiple sites, the process can feel overwhelming. Downtime, broken links, data loss, and SEO disruptions are common risks.
That’s where a WordPress migration expert comes in—to handle the heavy lifting and make your transition smooth.
Here’s a comprehensive roadmap to help you figure out the nuances of a successful WordPress migration while avoiding common pitfalls.
And if you’re looking for expert assistance, Multidots offers industry-leading WordPress migration services to ensure a seamless, secure, and efficient transition with minimal downtime. Our team of experts handles everything from data migration to performance optimization, so you can focus on what matters most.
Why WordPress migration requires a strategic approach
Migrating a WordPress website involves database transfers, URL restructuring, plugin compatibility checks, and ensuring that SEO rankings and site functionality remain intact. Without proper planning, you risk:
- Data loss from incomplete backups or misconfigured databases.
- SEO issues such as broken links, lost rankings, and missing metadata.
- Downtime that impacts visitors and revenue.
- Performance issues due to server incompatibilities or misconfigured caching.
Let’s explore key strategies to make your WordPress migration as smooth as possible.
Step-by-step guide for a flawless WordPress migration
1. Pre-migration planning:
Before initiating the migration, a thorough assessment and backup plan are essential. Here’s how:
Conduct a website audit
- Identify all plugins, themes, and custom configurations.
- Check for outdated plugins or themes that may not be compatible with the new server.
- Review database size and optimize it by removing unnecessary revisions and spam comments.
Choose the right migration method
- Manual migration (for advanced users): Ideal for those who want full control over the process, including database exports and file transfers.
- Plugin-based migration (for standard sites): Use tools like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or WP Migrate DB to automate the process.
- Hosting provider migration (for minimal effort): Many premium hosting providers, such as Pagely, Kinsta, offer website transfers.
Perform a full backup
Use tools like UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or Jetpack Backup to create a complete site backup, including:
- Database (posts, pages, user data, and settings)
- Media files (images, videos, and other uploads)
- Themes and Plugins (to retain customizations)
Check Server Requirements
Ensure your new hosting provider meets the necessary requirements for WordPress, including:
- PHP Version: Recommended PHP 8.0 or higher for better performance.
- Database Compatibility: MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+
- Sufficient Server Resources: Enough RAM, CPU, and disk space to handle your traffic and plugins.
2. Migration execution:
Once the planning phase is complete, follow these steps to execute the migration efficiently.
Method 1: Using a WordPress migration plugin
The easiest way to migrate a site is via plugins. Here’s a step-by-step guide using Duplicator:
- Install and activate Duplicator on your current site.
- Create a new package (including database and files).
- Download the package and upload it to the new server.
- Run the installer.php script on the new domain.
- Update permalinks and re-save settings in WordPress.
Best for: Small to medium-sized websites with standard configurations.
Method 2: Manual migration (For advanced users)
For full control, use these steps:
- Export the database: Use phpMyAdmin to export your WordPress database as an SQL file.
- Transfer website files: Use FTP/SFTP (e.g., FileZilla) to copy the entire WordPress directory to the new server.
- Create a new database: On the new host, create a blank database and import the SQL file.
- Update wp-config.php: Modify database credentials to match the new hosting environment.
- Adjust URLs: Use a search-replace tool (e.g., WP-CLI, Better Search Replace) to update old URLs.
- Flush permalinks: Log into the new WordPress dashboard and update permalinks.
Best for: Large websites, custom setups, or sites with high traffic.
Handling large and complex migrations
For enterprise-level or high-traffic sites:
- Use incremental backups to migrate in batches.
- Set up a staging environment for testing.
- Optimize database queries and caching settings post-migration.
- Implement load balancing to distribute traffic efficiently.
If you are an enterprise client looking to get your WordPress site migrated seamlessly with zero downtime and enhanced performance, our expert migration services ensure a hassle-free transition.
Take a look at how Multidots helped Howmet Aerospace enhance its $6 billion digital ecosystem by migrating from ASP.net to WordPress VIP, improving performance, scalability, and global reach while ensuring GDPR compliance.
3. Post-migration checklist:
After transferring your WordPress site, perform the following quality checks:
Verify website functionality
- Check for missing images, broken links, and plugin conflicts.
- Test forms, logins, and checkout processes.
- Ensure third-party integrations (email services, analytics, CRMs) work correctly.
Update DNS and domain settings
- Change your domain’s nameservers to point to the new hosting provider.
- Monitor DNS propagation (which can take up to 48 hours).
Run a full SEO audit
- Ensure 301 redirects preserve link equity.
- Verify robots.txt and XML sitemaps.
- Update Google Search Console and Google Analytics settings.
- Check canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues.
Enable caching and security features
- Use caching plugins like WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache.
- Enable SSL (HTTPS) and security tools like Wordfence or Sucuri.
Mitigating downtime during migration
- Use load balancers to distribute traffic.
- Enable maintenance mode with a user-friendly message.
- Schedule migrations during low-traffic hours to minimize impact.
Rollback and recovery plan
- Keep backups for 7 days post-migration.
- Maintain access to the old hosting provider as a failover.
- Implement a contingency plan in case of unexpected issues.
Seek a professional WordPress migration service
While many website owners can handle migration with the right tools and planning, some scenarios require expert assistance to avoid major risks. You should consider hiring a WordPress migration service provider if:
You run a high-traffic or enterprise website:
- Large-scale websites with thousands of pages, complex databases, and custom integrations need a carefully managed migration to prevent downtime and data loss.
- Businesses that rely on continuous uptime, such as eCommerce stores, membership sites, and SaaS platforms, cannot afford migration errors.
Your website has custom code & complex functionalities
- If your site relies on custom themes, heavily modified plugins, or unique server configurations, professional developers ensure that everything functions seamlessly post-migration.
- Custom APIs, third-party software integrations, and advanced caching mechanisms need expert handling.
You need to migrate between different hosting environments
- Moving from shared hosting to VPS, cloud hosting, or a dedicated server often requires server optimizations and compatibility checks.
- Migration across different infrastructures (e.g., cPanel to a managed WordPress host can be tricky.
SEO is a major concern
- If your website has strong search rankings and backlinks, you don’t want to risk SEO losses due to misconfigured redirects, broken URLs, or missing metadata.
- Professionals handle 301 redirects, canonical tags, XML sitemaps, and Google Search Console updates to preserve SEO performance.
You lack technical expertise or time
- If you’re unfamiliar with FTP, MySQL databases, DNS settings, and server configurations, hiring experts will save you time and frustration.
- Business owners who need a hassle-free migration without dealing with technical roadblocks should let professionals handle the process.
If any of these challenges sound familiar, don’t hesitate to bring in a trusted WordPress migration expert to handle the process for you.
Pro tips for a hassle-free WordPress migration
- Schedule the migration when user activity is minimal to reduce downtime impact.
- Before going live, test everything on a staging server to catch errors early.
- Use uptime monitoring tools like UptimeRobot or Pingdom to track any downtime.
- Even after a successful migration, retain backups for rollback if needed.
Wishing you the best for your WordPress migration
WordPress migration doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By following a strategic approach, leveraging the right tools, and conducting thorough post-migration testing, you can ensure a smooth transition. Whether you opt for a DIY migration or seek professional assistance from Multidots, prioritizing careful execution is the key to success.
Migrating a WordPress site requires expertise, especially for complex or high-traffic websites. At Multidots, we specialize in seamless WordPress migrations from:
- Sitecore to WordPress
- Drupal to WordPress
- AEM to WordPress
- Django to WordPress
- HubSpot to WordPress
- Umbraco to WordPress
- Joomla to WordPress
- Any CMS to WordPress
Contact Multidots today for a consultation!