WordPress migration without the drama
Migrate WordPress without losing anything or going offline
Moving your WordPress site to another host? Do it yourself with this guide, or tell me and I'll do it: site, database, email and domain come across, free, and your page never stops being online.
Already know what you need? WordPress hosting · Web hosting
Two ways to move your WordPress
Do it yourself: the guide
Back up, export, import at the new host, switch the DNS last. If you know your way around WordPress, it's an afternoon's work. The steps are below.
Or I'll do it for you
No appetite for wrestling with plugins? Give me the access details and I'll move everything for free. Your old site stays online until the new one runs properly.
Nothing gets lost
Posts, images, plugins, design, email and domain all come along. Afterwards I check the site page by page before switching over.
Migrate WordPress in 6 steps
This is how it goes if you do it yourself. Anyone who knows WordPress can manage it in an afternoon. The key point: build everything at the new host first and switch over last, so your site is never down for a second.
- 1
Take a full backup
Download all files over FTP or SFTP (the whole wp-content folder) and export the database from phpMyAdmin. A migration plugin such as Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration packs both into a single archive.
- 2
Prepare the new hosting
Create the database at the new host and install a clean WordPress, or upload the migration archive. Note the database name, user and password.
- 3
Upload files and database
Upload the saved files and import the database. If you're going the plugin route, the import tool does both in one go.
- 4
Adjust wp-config.php
Put the new database credentials into wp-config.php (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST). Without this step WordPress can't find its content.
- 5
Test on a temporary address
Open the site through a temporary address or via the hosts file before the domain moves. Click through it: home page, menus, images, contact form, login.
- 6
Point the domain via DNS
Only once everything works, point the domain at the new server via DNS (A record or nameservers). Once DNS has propagated the move is done, with no downtime for your visitors.
Sounds like too much fiddling? I'll do the whole move for free, without downtime and without risk for you.
Migrate it yourself or let me migrate it
| Point | You do it | I do it |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | several hours: export, import, DNS | none, I handle it |
| Risk if something breaks | the site can go offline | parallel migration, no downtime |
| If something gets stuck | you're on your own in a forum | you message me on WhatsApp |
Doing it yourself is perfectly feasible if you know WordPress. What I take off you is the work and, above all, the risk.
Data protection as standard, no surcharge
The servers are in Germany and the data processing agreement under Art. 28 GDPR is included. That suits law firms, accountants and anyone handling sensitive data.
All prices net (+ VAT). Cancel monthly. Free WordPress migration included. Servers in the EU.
Frequently asked questions about WordPress migration
How do I migrate WordPress myself?
In short: take a full copy of the files and the database, upload it to the new host, adjust wp-config and finally point the domain at the new server via DNS. A migration plugin takes much of that off your hands. If you're not sure, I'll do it for free.
Will my site go offline during the migration?
No. I build the site in parallel at the new host and only switch over once everything works. Your visitors notice nothing.
Do plugins, design and media come along?
Yes, all of it. Posts, pages, images, themes, plugins and settings arrive exactly as they were. After the move your site looks just like before.
What does the migration cost?
Nothing. The migration is free whether you pay monthly or yearly. Site, database, email and plugins come across at no surcharge.
How long does a WordPress migration take?
Most sites are moved within a few hours. For large shops or lots of mailboxes I allow more time and agree the switch-over moment with you.
What about my email and my domain?
They come too. I move the mailboxes with all the old mail before switching over, and the domain transfer carries no surcharge. If you'd rather leave the domain where it is, that's fine as well: changing the DNS is enough.