I’m helping a buddy move their WordPress site from a basic shared hosting plan to a more robust VPS. While I’m comfortable setting up fresh WordPress installs, I’ve never actually migrated an existing site before.
I’ve been doing some research online, but there’s so much conflicting advice out there. It seems like every tutorial recommends a different migration plugin or method.
I’m curious to hear from folks who have actually done this before. What’s your go-to approach for moving a WordPress site between servers? Any tips or pitfalls to watch out for?
I’ve migrated several WordPress sites over the years, and in my experience, migration plugins like All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator offer a practical balance between ease of use and manual control. Using these tools, you can simplify the process significantly: the plugin packages your complete site into one file, which you then import into a fresh WordPress install on your new server. However, be mindful of potential file size restrictions with free versions. I always recommend creating a reliable backup first and thoroughly testing the new server setup before updating your DNS.
hey there! i’ve moved a bunch of wordpress sites and my go-to is usually duplicator. it’s pretty easy to use - just install the plugin, create a package, and upload it to the new server. just watch out for file size limits on the free version. and always make a backup first! good luck with the move
Having migrated several WordPress sites, I’d recommend using a reliable migration plugin like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration. These tools streamline the process by packaging your entire site into a single file, which you can then import to the new server. They’re particularly user-friendly if you’re not comfortable with manual migrations.
However, it’s crucial to create a full backup before starting. Also, be aware of file size limitations in free versions – you might need to upgrade for larger sites. Once migrated, thoroughly test the new setup before updating DNS.
If you’re tech-savvy and want more control, manual migration is an option. It involves exporting your database, transferring files via FTP, and updating configurations. This method requires more technical knowledge but gives you full oversight of the process.
Regardless of the method, always double-check compatibility with your new hosting environment and WordPress version to avoid potential issues.
