How to migrate your website to a new host safely

Migrating to new hosting doesn’t need to be stressful if it’s done in a clear order. Here’s how a safe migration usually works.

1. Back up everything

Before any move, take a full backup: files, database, media, and any configuration that matters. If your current hosting offers automated backups, use them and confirm you have a recent, restorable copy. Without a backup, one mistake can mean lost data.

2. Move files and database

For WordPress, that means transferring your wp-content (themes, plugins, uploads), plus a full export and import of the database. Paths and URLs in the database often need updating to match the new environment. This is where many migrations go wrong–either the copy is incomplete or the database still points at the old site.

For Shopify, you don’t migrate hosting. The platform hosts the store. If you’re changing domain or moving from another platform, you’re handling domain and data migration, not server migration.

3. Update DNS

Point your domain to the new host by updating DNS (usually the A record and, if used, the www CNAME). DNS changes can take anything from minutes to 48 hours to propagate. Don’t switch off the old host until the new site is verified and DNS has updated for you.

4. Test before switching off the old host

On the new host, check: key pages, forms, checkout or enquiry flows, any critical plugins or integrations, and basic performance. Fix any issues before you make the DNS cutover permanent.

5. Monitor after launch

Once DNS has fully propagated and traffic is hitting the new server, watch for errors, slow pages, or broken functionality. A short period of monitoring catches most migration issues early.

If you’d rather not run the migration yourself, it can be handled as part of website improvement or a WordPress care plan that includes hosting and maintenance.