Steps to Avoid When Transferring a Website

As the needs of your business evolve, it may become necessary for you to transfer your website to another host. Whether the change is due to pricing or growth, transferring your website can present challenges for you and your website visitors.

Your primary concern during your website transfer is to minimize the downtime and problems associated with this transfer. In some instances, it can take up to 72 hours for your website to function after the transfer. If you do not take the correct actions, you can prolong the time it takes to transition.

The good news is there are some actions that you can take in order to eliminate common challenges that are associated with transferring a website. Here are 5 steps to avoid during your website transfer process.

Canceling Your Current Plan Too Early

Transferring your website to another host is a delicate balancing act. If you take action at the wrong times, you can make the process more challenging.

In their excitement to transfer websites to their new host, many website owners will call their current hosts and cancel their plans as soon as they get a new host. Since website hosts remove all data after the subscription has been cancelled, this action can result in a loss of files and data.

The first thing you should do is transfer all of your files to your new host. It is a good idea to backup any data from your website as well. After your website is working properly for a few days on its new host, then you should cancel your subscription with your former host.

Decompressing Your Backup Files

It is essential for you to backup all of your website files before you transition to another host. In fact, your current and former host should use the same type of administration technology. Two types of administration technology are C-Panel and PleskPanel.

You should remember to save all of your website's data in a compressed format. Website host servers will decompress your data after it is received.

Lack of Proper Planning

Transferring your website to another host requires a detailed plan of action. Many website owners commonly believe that it only involves finding a new host.

However, there are a few important details that need to be addressed before you make the move. Two of the most important details to consider are website platforms and time.

If you have a business, you should select a platform that supports the growth plan of your business. This growth plan should address the ecommerce needs, website traffic, product offerings and payment methods. It is wise for you to select a website host that will accommodate the expansion of your business during the next few years.

Timing is important because it can affect the flow and sales of your business. A good time to transition your website is during times that will create the least amount of disruption in your business.

Keeping Old DNS Host Settings

After you have taken the proper precautions of planning and backing up your data, you need to change the DNS server of your domain. New website users may forget to take this important step and keep the old DNS server.

Your new DNS will enable your website to work on its new site. Without a DNS change, your visitors will not be able to access your website. This will result in additional downtime for your website.

Changing your DNS settings is a simple process. Call your new provider and tell the representative to assist you with the process. In many cases, the representatives can change the settings in as little as 5 minutes.

Failure to Monitor Your Site After the Transfer

When your website has been transferred, there is still work for you to do. You must actively monitor your website's performance for several weeks.

Many website owners mistakenly believe that the transition process is complete after the website is activated on their new sites. However, there could be problems in the weeks ahead.

You should monitor your website for the presences of 404 errors. A 404 error indicates that your website could not be found on the server.

Pay close attention to your website analytics tools. If you notice a significant decrease in your website traffic, this might be an indication that your website is having problems.

Transferring your website to a new host does not have to be a daunting task. By taking steps to avoid these common errors, you can seamlessly move your website to another host.