Moving a website from one hosting to another can seem like a complicated and risky task. Every year, thousands of Bulgarian businesses face the need to change hosting provider due to poor performance, high prices or poor support. Statistics show that over 60% of small businesses in Bulgaria are not completely satisfied with their current hosting.

Fear of data loss, site downtime, or loss of SEO position stops many business owners from making this important move. However, with proper planning and execution, a website migration can go smoothly and without a hitch.

In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to migrate your website safely and efficiently, the critical steps you shouldn't skip, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. We'll also look at specific use cases for different types of sites and platforms.

Preparing for Migration: Planning is the Key to Success

Before you begin the porting process, it's essential to do a thorough audit of your current website. Take a complete inventory of all files, databases, email accounts, subdomains and SSL certificates. This list will serve as your checklist throughout the process.

Choose an appropriate time for the migration. It's best to plan the migration during the lowest traffic period - usually during the weekend or late evening. Let your customers know in advance, especially if you expect a short service outage.

Create a full backup of all data. This includes site files, databases, email messages and all configurations. Use a variety of backup methods - via cPanel, FTP or specialized tools. Keep copies in at least two different locations.

Document your current site settings. Record the versions of PHP, MySQL, modules and extensions used. This information will help you configure your new hosting correctly.

Check the contract with your current hosting provider for termination terms. Some companies have a notice period or early termination fees.

Choosing a New Hosting Provider

Choosing the right hosting provider is critical to the success of the migration and the future performance of your site. Start by analyzing your current needs and future growth plans.

Technical requirements should be your first criteria. Make sure the new hosting supports the same or newer versions of the technologies you are using. Check disk space, monthly traffic, number of email accounts and databases.

Performance is key to user experience and SEO. Look for hosting with SSDs, CDN integration, and data centers near your audience. Page load speed directly impacts conversions.

Security should not be underestimated. Look for providers that offer free SSL certificates, regular backups, malware protection and firewall protection. Also check the frequency of server software updates.

Technical support can make the difference at critical times. Prefer providers with 24/7 English language support and fast response times. Read reviews from real customers.

Price should not be the only factor, but it is important to find a balance between quality and cost. Be careful of prices that are too low - they often hide hidden charges or restrictions.

Step by Step Migration Process

Start by setting up the new hosting account, but don't change the DNS records yet. Install the same version of the CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.) that you are currently using and configure the necessary settings.

Create all necessary databases on the new server with identical user names and passwords. This will make the recovery process much easier. Use phpMyAdmin or a similar tool to import the SQL files.

Upload all files to the site via FTP, SFTP or the new hosting's file manager. Start with the most important directories and then continue with the rest. Check the access rights to the files and directories.

Configure all site settings. For WordPress this includes the wp-config.php file, for other platforms - the corresponding configuration files. Test all functionality locally using a temporary URL or hosts file.

Set up email accounts if you use email hosting. Transfer old messages via IMAP or other appropriate methods. Test sending and receiving emails.

Check all links, forms, payment systems and integrations with third parties. Make sure all API keys and settings are properly configured.

DNS Management and Downtime Minimization

DNS changes are the most critical part of the migration. Lower the TTL (Time To Live) of DNS records at least 24 hours before the planned migration. This will speed up the propagation of changes.

Make changes to DNS records gradually if possible. Start with the subdomains and test each stage. For the main domain, make the changes when everything else is working perfectly.

Use zero downtime techniques if your site is business critical. This may include setting up a load balancer or incrementally redirecting traffic.

Monitor the propagation of DNS changes with tools like whatsmydns.net. Remember that full propagation can take up to 48 hours, although it usually happens much faster.

Prepare a rollback plan in case of problems. Retain access to the old hosting for at least one week after a successful migration.

Specific Considerations for Different Platforms

WordPress sites require special attention to URL structure and plugins. Many plugins store full URLs in the database that need to be updated. Use tools like Search Replace DB or WP-CLI for bulk changes.

For e-commerce sites like WooCommerce or Magento, pay special attention to product images, orders and customer data. Thoroughly test all payment functionality before going live.

Custom developed sites may have specific dependencies on the server environment. Check all .htaccess files, cron jobs and system permissions. Consult the developer if necessary.

Static sites (HTML/CSS/JS) are usually the easiest to port, but be careful with hard-coded paths and external resources that may not work in the new environment.

SEO Considerations and Saving Positions

A properly executed migration should not negatively affect your SEO position. The key is to keep the same URL structure and make sure all pages load correctly.

Set up 301 redirects for all changed URLs. Use the .htaccess file or WordPress plugins to automate this process. Check all redirects with tools like Screaming Frog.

Update Google Search Console with new hosting. Check for 404 errors or other issues that may affect indexing. Submit an updated sitemap.xml.

Monitor SEO metrics carefully in the coming weeks. A little fluctuation in positions is normal, but a significant drop may indicate issues that need to be addressed quickly.

Check the loading speed in the new environment. If it's slower than before, it may affect SEO. Optimize images, turn on caching and other techniques to improve performance.

Post-migration Activities and Monitoring

After a successful transfer, the job is not finished. Monitor the site carefully in the first days and weeks. Check regularly for broken links, browser console errors and form issues.

Test all critical functionality daily in the first week. This includes contact forms, search, user registrations, payments, and any third-party integrations.

Set up monitoring for uptime and performance. Tools such as Pingdom or UptimeRobot can notify you instantly when problems occur. Many hosting providers also offer their own monitoring solutions.

Update all backup procedures for the new environment. Test the restore from backup to make sure the process is working properly.

Document new settings and procedures for future reference. This will save you time on future updates or changes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Website Migration

How long does it take to transfer a website? The time depends on the size and complexity of the site. A simple WordPress site can be migrated in 2-4 hours, while complex e-commerce solutions can take a full day or more.

Will I lose my SEO position in migration? With a properly executed migration, you shouldn't lose SEO position. The key is to preserve the URL structure and set up proper redirects for the changed pages.

What happens if something goes wrong during migration? That's why it's important to have a complete backup and rollback plan. You can quickly rollback DNS records to the old hosting while you resolve issues in the new environment.

Do I need to notify my customers about the migration? If you expect downtime or temporary problems, yes. Otherwise, a well-executed migration should be unnoticeable to users.

Can I do the migration myself or do I need help? It depends on your technical skills and the complexity of the site. For simple sites you can do it yourself with this guide. For business critical sites, we recommend professional help.

How much should I keep the old hosting after the migration? We recommend at least one week to make sure everything is working properly. For critical sites - up to one month.

Will my emails work during the migration? If you are using the same domain for email, there may be a brief interruption. To avoid problems, plan the email migration separately.

What makes migration riskier? Large databases, complex custom functionality, multiple third-party integrations and lack of up-to-date backup increase risk.

How do I test if the migration is successful? Check all pages, forms, features, search and payments. Use tools to check broken links and monitor error logs.

Conclusion: Professional Migration for Peace of Mind and Growth

Migrating a website doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With proper planning, preparation, and execution, you can change hosting providers without losing data, SEO positions, or customers.

Remember that good hosting is an investment in the future of your business. Faster loading times, better security and reliable support will positively impact your sales and reputation.

Need professional help migrating your website? At Studio New Era, we offer secure website transfer as part of our monthly plans from 99 BGN/month. Our experts will take care of the entire process including backup, migration, testing and optimization in the new environment.

Contact us for a free consultation and leave the technical details to the professionals!