MIGRATION

Website migration guide: move hosts with less risk

A calm migration starts before DNS changes. The goal is to have a tested copy ready before visitors are sent to the new server.

Make a complete backup

Keep a copy you control. Include site files, databases, and any configuration you would need to rebuild the site.

Inventory email and DNS

Website moves can affect more than the website. Record DNS entries and understand where business email is hosted before changing nameservers or records.

Test the new copy

Check important pages, forms, logins, checkout flows, images, redirects, and SSL. Fix problems before the public cutover when possible.

Change DNS carefully

DNS changes take time to reach everyone. Keep the old hosting active during the transition so late arriving visitors still have somewhere to go.

Verify after the move

Test from multiple networks, watch error logs, confirm forms and email, and keep the old account until you are confident the migration is complete.

Do not forget redirects and analytics

Keep existing URL paths stable where possible. If URLs change, map redirects before launch so visitors and search engines do not land on missing pages.

After the move, check analytics, Search Console, forms, checkout, login flows, and other integrations that depend on the production domain.

When host assisted migration helps

A provider migration service can reduce manual work, especially for standard hosting setups. Ask what it covers before assuming email, DNS, custom applications, or every domain will be moved.

Hosting.com currently promotes migration assistance. Confirm the scope for your account before scheduling the cutover.