Website Migration Checklist: Moving to a New Host Without Losing Traffic

Moving a website is straightforward when it is planned, and stressful when it is not. This checklist covers the main steps for a host or platform migration.

Before the move

• Take a full backup of files and the database, and store a copy away from the old host.
• List your pages, redirects, forms, plugins and integrations.
• Note your DNS records, especially email records, before changing anything.
• Lower the DNS time-to-live value a day or two ahead, so changes spread faster.
• Choose a quiet time for the switch.

Build and test the copy

• Copy the site to the new host.
• Keep the copy hidden from search engines while testing.
• Test pages, forms, checkout, logins and image loading.
• Check that email sending still works.

Switching over

• Take a final backup and pause content changes during the switch.
• Update DNS to point to the new host.
• Confirm the SSL certificate is installed and the site loads over HTTPS.
• Keep the old host active until everything is confirmed.

After the move

• Check redirects and fix any broken links.
• Make sure the site is not set to block search engines.
• Submit the sitemap in Google Search Console and watch for errors.
• Check email, forms, analytics and scheduled tasks.

Have a rollback plan

If something goes wrong, you should be able to point DNS back to the old host while you fix the problem.

Protect accounts during a move

You do not need to share your hosting passwords. Use delegated access, and read how to move hosting without downtime and how to transfer a domain.

We can handle the move for you. See our migration and redesign service.