Can I switch web hosting companies without losing my website?
Copy, test, point the domain, keep email working. No downtime if done in that order.
See the templatesThe short answer: yes, and if it is done in the right order nobody visiting notices. The site is copied to the new host while the old one is still running, tested at a temporary address, and then the domain is pointed at the new place. The old host is cancelled last.
What you need from the old host
- The site files, or a backup
- The database, if it is WordPress or similar
- The email settings, if email runs through the domain
- Access to the domain registration, which may or may not be the same company
The order
- Copy everything to the new host
- Test it at the new host's temporary address. Forms, photos, every page
- Lower the DNS time to live a day before, so the switch is quick
- Change the domain to point at the new host
- Check email still arrives
- Cancel the old host after a week
What to ask the new host
- Will you do the move for me? Many will
- Where is the server? UK or EU is simpler for data rules
- What happens if I leave you?
With us
If your site is a plain one we move it as part of the setup, on our own server, with backups. If it is a WordPress site we can host and look after it for £20 a month, or rebuild it as a template site if you would rather be rid of the updates.
See it before you move. Paste your current web address into our importer and we fill a template with your name, words and photos. Nothing is stored and it costs nothing to look.