There comes a time in many a website owner’s life when he or she will need to transfer their site to a new host. Usually, owners decide to transfer when their site’s traffic has grown so much that their current bandwidth and disk space allowance has become insufficient for their current needs. If you have decided that transferring your website is the right decision for you, the process can be fairly painless if you follow these steps.

Step One – The Basics

First, you should always be cautious when selecting a new web hosting company. Even though low monthly prices seem like a fantastically affordable deal, you should still take the time to thoroughly review the plan’s terms and conditions as well as any extraneous fees. It is also important to select a plan that closely fits your requirements.

Of course, top notch customer service is never a feature on which to compromise. Use a web host that not only offers telephone support but also some type of 24/7 support. Another key feature is the host’s operating system, which needs to be the same as your current host. Finally, make sure the web hosting service you have chosen provides fast Internet connection speeds, quick servers, and minimal downtime.

Step Two – Scripts

Whatever script you are using for your website at the moment needs to be the same as what is offered by your new web hosting company. For example, if you have Perl from your first hosting company and use it on your website, you need to go with one that uses Perl for your second company. Remember, there are numerous scripts that necessitate the use of MySQL, making it a wise idea to choose a company that offers it.

Step Three – Backup

Backing up your website is a regular, must-do task. Always backup every single file on your website because data loss can be unpredictable and always seems to happen when you are not fully prepared. In addition, it is prudent to save your website’s files to a removable disc or pay for a remote data storage service.

Step Four – Testing

Before you even make the switch to a brand new web hosting service, be sure your website is functioning properly. This means that your site should not only be tested by you, but also by someone else from an entirely different computer than your own. Most website creators recommend that site owners test all aspects of their website from images to links; tests should be ran 3-4 times per week to ensure a smooth-running website.

Once you have finished getting your website in order, it is now time to make the switch to the new hosting provider you have located. When the switch is complete, keep a close eye on your website for the next 48-72 hours to make sure there are no issues occurring on your site. As long as you proceed with caution, switching web hosts will be a breeze.

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