Migrating your WordPress website to a new hosting provider might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're switching for better performance, lower costs, or improved support, a smooth migration ensures your site stays live and secure.
If you're looking for cheap hosting Pakistan, Webitech’s WordPress Hosting offers reliable, performance-driven plans tailored for your needs.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to migrate your WordPress website step-by-step without losing data or SEO rankings.
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???? Why Migrate to a New WordPress Host?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand the common reasons why website owners switch hosts:
• Slow loading speeds
• Frequent downtime
• Poor customer support
• Outdated server technology
• Expensive renewal rates
If your current hosting isn’t meeting your expectations, migrating is a smart move to ensure growth and performance.
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???? What You’ll Need Before Migration
To prepare for a successful migration, make sure you have:
• Access to your current hosting account
• Login credentials for your WordPress admin dashboard
• Login details for your wordpress hosting provider
• Access to your domain registrar (for DNS updates)
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???? Step-by-Step WordPress Migration Process
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Hosting Provider
Pick a host that meets your website’s needs. Look for:
• 99.9% uptime
• Fast servers (SSD/NVMe)
• WordPress-optimized stack
• Daily backups & security tools
• Expert support
If you're targeting Pakistani audiences, opt for a host offering cheap hosting Pakistan like Webitech WordPress Hosting to save costs while enjoying premium features.
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✅ Step 2: Back Up Your Website
Always back up your site before making any changes. Use plugins like:
• UpdraftPlus
• All-in-One WP Migration
• Duplicator
These tools allow you to download both database and files securely.
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✅ Step 3: Export Your WordPress Site
If you're using Duplicator or similar plugins:
1. Install and activate the plugin
2. Create a new package (full site backup)
3. Download the Installer.php file and Archive.zip
This bundle contains your entire website — themes, plugins, uploads, and content.
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✅ Step 4: Upload to New Hosting
Log in to the new host’s cPanel or File Manager and upload both files (installer.php and archive.zip) to the root directory (usually public_html).
Use FTP if the files are large, with clients like FileZilla.
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✅ Step 5: Create a New Database
Inside cPanel:
1. Open MySQL Databases
2. Create a new database
3. Add a new user and assign it to the database
4. Note down the database name, username, and password
You’ll need this during the installer setup.
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✅ Step 6: Run the Migration Installer
Visit yourdomain.com/installer.php
1. Enter the database credentials from the previous step
2. Start the migration process
3. Update URLs (if changing domain or SSL settings)
4. Test the site preview
Once complete, your WordPress site is live on the new host.
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✅ Step 7: Update DNS Records
Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
1. Find DNS settings
2. Replace the old hosting nameservers with your new host's nameservers
DNS propagation can take up to 24–48 hours, but it's usually faster.
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✅ Step 8: Test Everything!
Make sure to:
• Check for broken links
• Ensure forms and media load correctly
• Test responsiveness (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Confirm SSL is active
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???? Tips for a Successful WordPress Migration
• Use staging environments if your host provides one
• Perform migration during low-traffic hours
• Don’t forget to redirect URLs if your domain changes
• Keep both hosting accounts active until migration is confirmed successful
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???? Should You Use a Migration Plugin or Manual Transfer?
Plugin Migration Manual Migration
Easier & faster More control
Beginner-friendly Better for large or complex sites
May require plugin installation Requires FTP and database access
Choose the method based on your comfort level and site size.
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❓ FAQs About Migrating WordPress Hosting
1. Can I migrate my WordPress site without downtime?
Yes, using backup and restore tools or staging environments ensures minimal or zero downtime during migration.
2. What is the best time to migrate a website?
Migrate during low-traffic hours (late night or early morning) to reduce disruption.
3. How long does a WordPress migration take?
It depends on site size, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours.
4. Do I need technical knowledge to migrate my site?
Not necessarily. Plugins like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration make it beginner-friendly.
5. Will I lose my SEO ranking after migration?
No, if done correctly. Maintain the same domain and URL structure, and set up 301 redirects if needed.