If you have not started your blog yet, and want to, please read all about how I started my blog and made my first $1000. It’s one of my best articles and I think you will really like it.
You also might want to check out the 8 FREE Tools every blogger needs to have! I remember what it was like to just start out. Access to great tools, from the get-go, can be really helpful.
So, this article assumes you already have your blog, and you are trying to figure out how to transfer your website to a new host.
My guess is you’re a lot like me: a blogger or business owner who knows the importance of having a professional website, but not exactly a “tech expert.”
A few years back, I ran into a HUGE problem with Bluehost: My website (the one you’re on right now) was frequently down, and it was loading slowly.
I knew I needed to transfer my website to a different host—but I was SO SCARED something would go wrong.
I also was stressed about the never ending volume of plug in updates I was getting. I needed to update them to keep the site safe, but I was always worried one would not be quite right, and it would crash the site.
I had a few problems with updating plugins and I was tired of the drama. I knew I needed to move my site to an all inclusive host that would do all those things for me, and keep my site safe.
In case you’re wondering what transferring web hosts normally entails, according to my favorite new hosting company, there are 4 steps:
- Moving the website’s files.
- Moving the website’s database (if any).
- Configuring your application to work at the new host.
- Pointing your domain’s DNS to the new host.
Um, no.
Here’s How to Transfer Your Website to a New Host the FREE and EASY Way!
 Move your Website to a Professional & Full Service host. Â
My new host SiteGround offers a few great things:
#1. A Migrator Plug-in that literally completes the entire process for you. Here is a screen shot of the instructions. Keep in mind, they require just a little bit of familiarity with WordPress.org back end, Plug-in installation, etc. If you are familiar with those things, this installation will be a cinch. Â
#2. If you are not familiar yet with the WordPress.org back end, or simply don’t want to do the migration, Siteground offers a service for $30 where they will do the entire migration for you.Â
That’s right: a full website transfer service for only $30. Â It’s a great deal!
Let’s talk a little more about SiteGround’s new Migrator Plugin. I have used it and I can attest that Siteground has once again made things super simple for the user. Honestly, this is why I switched over to their hosting plan in the first place. I really enjoy simplicity.
After you sign up for a hosting plan, you will next search for and install their plugin. SiteGround gives you exact instructions during the entire process.
Bam! Install. Activate, and your site is transferred to SiteGround for zero dollars – automatically.
So let’s recap on your options:
Option 1: Purchase any hosting plan from SiteGround and use their Migrator Plug in to auto-transfer your entire site for FREE.Â
Please note, your website MUST be a WordPress site for this option to work.
Option 2: Purchase any hosting plan from SiteGround and pay $30 for them to move your site over for you.Â
If you choose to have SiteGround do your transfer for you, here are the steps:
After you purchase hosting and pay for the website transfer, Submit a website transfer request to the awesome SiteGround Support Team.
Go to SiteGround and log into your account. Then click on the top, right question mark symbol.
From there, follow the steps to contact the Support Team and put in your request.
The support team will begin working on your request.
Now you can sit back and relax and let SiteGround do the work for you.Â
Wait for confirmation that your website has been transferred. Easy peasy.
Will There Be Any Downtime During My Website Transfer?
No, there should NOT be any downtime if it’s done correctly. When SiteGround transferred my website to their servers, I did not experience any downtime.
Here’s What Happened After I Transferred My Website to SiteGround
#1 My website load time got FASTER.
#2 My blog traffic GREW.
#3 My website has NEVER gone down since then!
At least, not that I’ve noticed. With Bluehost, sometimes I’d try to visit my own website and it wouldn’t load. That hasn’t happened since I switched to SiteGround.
4 Warning Signs You Might Need to Transfer Your Website to a New Host
Sign #1: When you try to visit your website, you get an error.
Sign #2: Your website loads slowly.
Sign #3: Your web host’s customer support is terrible.
Sign #4: You need help keeping your site safe by updating your WordPress or plugins.
If you are saying yes to any one of these, my recommendation would be to move your website or blog to SiteGround NOW. I HIGHLY recommend them.
Need help with Other WordPress related issues?
Haha, I feel ya!
Sometimes you just really need a good tech person and when you don’t have one, your blogging life can get a bit stressful.
I have a great guy who has worked on my site a lot and WordPress is his specialty.
I hesitate to tell you who he is, because then he will be too busy for me, but he is awesome, and I know you will love his work. You can feel free to visit his website and contact him directly.
When I Transfer Web Hosts, Should I Transfer my Domain to the New Web Host?
Now, stay with me here, this process has two parts:
- Your website
This is all your files and such, and this is what needs to be transferred to its new “house” (web host) - Your domain (www.yourdomain.com)
This is the “address” to your new “house” and it does NOT have to be housed in the same web host. So, for example, when I transferred my website from Bluehost to SiteGround, I KEPT my DOMAIN on Bluehost. Why? My web guy recommended I do that so I don’t put all my eggs in one basket, so to speak.
So there you have it! That’s the EASY and FREE way to transfer your website to a new host. Head to SiteGround right now and get all signed up .Â
Note: If you are just a hobby blogger, and never intend to make money from your blog, you do not need a host like Siteground
However, if you intend to turn your blog into a business, and make money from your blog, I recommend going as professional as possible. For that…you need SiteGround.