Webmasters cringe at the thought of moving, even for hosting unlimited bandwidth. But if you follow these 6 easy steps, your move will be less hectic and worrisome. Changing hosting companies is like moving from one home to another; it can be over-whelming and have many unforeseen problems. I have completed the task many times and have good news for you. I have found that domain name server changes are going through very fast these days. Mine have been taking an hour or less.
1. Backup Everything. If you have been consistent with backing up your files, you have the protection you need, but I am asking you to backup again. Backup everything you used to create your original site and do not forget your database if your site uses one. Save at least two copies; store them on different media (hard drive, flash drives, etc.). One copy is for you to work with, and the other as an archive. Do not underestimate how easy it is to copy over these files as you make changes or simply mess it up. Store one copy of your files on a "flash drive" and put it in a drawer until an emergency.
2. Prepare Your Toolbox.
A. Find a file transfer protocol program which you should have by now.
B. Sign up for your new service and get your new domain name server information.
C. Print out the new servers information for quick references.
D. Get the temporary URL on your new host so you can check your site before you make a domain name server change.
E. If you have your host control the move of your domain, please let them know not to change your domain name server until you tell them to.
F. If you run scripts, get a copy of the original installation guide and the script. Sometimes after moving the scripts just do not work right so you might need to install the script from scratch. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as new releases of scripts while you are moving or release incompatibilities with new releases of other scripts.
My personal preference is to create a sub-folder and load my scripts fresh, upload all the latest releases of plug-ins, etc. so I have the latest of everything when I start to move the content. This is a little more work, but I will have eliminated release incompatibilities before I move the content. Get a list of all the server paths such as Perl, and home directory on your new server. If your script needs special modules on the new server or programs, make sure they are installed and where. Even though these might be covered before you ordered the account with the hosting unlimited bandwidth "Live Chat" Technical Support, it may be helpful if you reconfirm the day of moving.
3. Inform Your Visitors and Customers: It is a good practice to keep all visitors and current customers informed of the move to hosting unlimited bandwidth server. In fact, you can use the move as a chance to let them know how you want to improve their experience on your website. If you run a e-store and if there is any downtime, this helps assure your customers you have not fled with their money. Provide your visitors and customers with a alternate email address for the days of the move to the hosting unlimited bandwidth service. It is also a quality management step to give visitors updates on the progress of the move. Ask your visitors to report any issues to you to help with a smooth transition.
4. Last minute moving day action items: Schedule the move at a time where there is the least visitor traffic and disruption to your business. Backup again just before you do the move so you will have the latest data. Start by creating your custom error pages onto the new hosting unlimited server. Display a reminder note about the move to a new unlimited bandwidth web hosting service. Do not forget to remove the reminder later. Next upload the most visible parts of your old site first. For example, move the main pages then move the less important posts and pages, such as "About". As a further precaution, if your site is very large, you may want to move groups of posts and pages over different days and move the least critical first. Just ensure you always do a backup before you do any moving. To check on the progress, use the temporary URL to visit as many pages as you can of your new site.
5. Changing Domain Name Server to new servers: When you determine that the files you have moved are functioning properly, change your domain name server to the new server. This typically takes about 24-48 hours so you have time to make some minor changes if need be. However, like I said earlier, I have found that domain name server changes are going through fast these days. Mine have been taking an hour or sometimes less. You might want to also take this time to modify your old error pages to inform your visitors of the move and give a new URL if there are URL changes. To help you determine if the domain name server has resolved, make a few small change on the new pages to differentiate between the old and the new.
6. Monitor the new site and check on the old site: After you have moved and the domain name server resolved on the hosting unlimited bandwidth server, do not release the old account yet. Keep it for at least two weeks running concurrently. Go back and check the old servers for activity. Check your old email account and if you have a web based contact method on the old server check to see if any communication is left there. Once you are comfortable all email and traffic is correctly directed to the new hosting unlimited bandwidth server, you may cancel the old account.
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