Learn How to Migrate a Local WordPress Installation to a Web Host
To help you learn how to migrate a local WordPress installation to a web host, I will introduce you to some WordPress plugins, including Duplicator, WPvivid, and All-in-One Migration. When one desires to transfer a locally installed WordPress site to a web host, the process may appear intricate. However, with the appropriate expertise, this task can be simplified, and each of the tools involved can prove to be invaluable.
We need to understand what a local WordPress installation is to initiate this process. A local WordPress installation is, in essence, a locally hosted website on your personal computer. This approach allows you to make and experiment with your website’s changes without affecting your live website, which is often hosted on a web host. By using local installations, you can save a considerable amount of time and avoid unnecessary potential mishaps.
Choose a WordPress Migration Plugin
This step is very easy, you only need to choose one of the WordPress migration plugins listed below. Read the description for each plugin below to decide which one best suits your needs and skill level. We absolutely love both of these plugins, but neither of them works flawlessly in every situation, so if one does not work for you we recommend trying the other. You may also want to check out Essential WordPress Plugins for Every Website for a list of WordPress plugins we use on almost every site we create for our clients.
Duplicator:
This is an excellent plugin for migrating websites and is very easy to use. However, you will need to upload the files to your host using the file manager in their control or an FTP program like FileZilla (32bit), FileZilla (64bit), or FileZilla for Mac OS X. After uploading the files, you visit the page http://www.YourDomainURL.com/install.php, and Duplicator will walk you through the process of migrating your site in less than five minutes.
All-in-One Migration:
You must install WordPress on your web host to use the All-in-One Migration plugin. However, you can use this plugin to upload the files, so you will not need to use an FTP program to upload the files. Most web hosts have a utility that will install WordPress for you, which makes the process very easy. Log in to your WordPress site, install the All-in-One Migration plugin, and use the plugin to upload your files and migrate your site.
WPvivid Backup Plugin:
The WPvivid All-in-One Backup & Migration Plugin for WordPress is a reliable, versatile tool offering backup and migration features. It allows scheduled and selective backups compatible with cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3, alongside one-click migration for effortless transfer of your WordPress site between hosts.
“Developing your WordPress site locally and migrating the finished site to a web host will save you time and money. Local website development also ensures your site looks and functions perfectly before it goes live.”
Watch Our YouTube Video “How Do I Migrate My WordPress Website to a New Web Host?”
Install All-in-One Migration
In your WordPress dashboard look in the menu on the left side of the page. Hover over “Plugins” and select Add New. In the search box type All-in-One Migration. Click the install button and wait for it to finish installing, then click the “Activate” button. Now you will see a link to the plugin in the menu on the left side of your dashboard.
Click All-in-One Migration, then Export and then follow the instructions below.
Export to file as shown in the image below.
The plugin will create a file containing your entire site, including the database. After it starts you need to stay on the page and wait for it to finish.
Download the file when it is finished (see image below).
Now log in to to the WordPress site you created on your web host and import the file you just downloaded, using the All-in-One Migration plugin.
You just migrated your local site to a web host using the WordPress All-in-One Migration plugin. Your password and user name will be the same as they were for your local site. Please make sure your password is strong to avoid being hacked.
Install The Duplicator Plugin
The makers of the Duplicator plugin have created a very good and detailed quick start guide that walks you through the entire process and explains everything very well, so we recommend visiting their site to learn how to use this plugin.
How to Successfully Migrate Your Website using the WPvivid Backup Plugin
Website migration can be a complex task, but it can be simplified with the right approach and tools. This article will guide you through migrating your website using the WPvivid Backup Plugin. This plugin offers a user-friendly solution that ensures a smooth transfer without data loss or downtime.
Download the WPvivid Migration, Backup, and Staging Plugin for WordPress.
Understanding the WPvivid Backup Plugin
The WPvivid Backup Plugin is specifically designed for WordPress websites and provides a range of features to facilitate website migration. It allows you to create comprehensive website backups, including files, databases, plugins, themes, and settings. The plugin is compatible with various hosting environments and offers an intuitive interface for easy navigation and configuration.
Preparing for Migration
Before initiating the migration process, it is crucial to make the necessary preparations. Start by creating a backup of your website using the WPvivid Backup Plugin. Verify the backup files to ensure their integrity and completeness. Additionally, ensure that the new hosting environment meets the requirements of your website.
Installing and Configuring the WPvivid Backup Plugin
Begin by installing the WPvivid Backup Plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory. Once installed, configure the plugin settings according to your preferences. Customize backup options, such as frequency and storage locations, to suit your needs.
Backing Up Your Website
With the WPvivid Backup Plugin set up, you can create a website backup. Access the plugin dashboard in your WordPress admin panel and navigate to the backup section. Choose whether to perform a full backup or select specific files and databases for backup. WPvivid offers flexibility in storing backups locally or utilizing cloud storage services.
Migrating Your Website
You need to set up a new hosting environment to migrate your website. Once ready, upload the backup files to the new environment. Configure the database settings to establish proper connectivity. WPvivid provides a seamless file transfer functionality and offers options for automatic database updates during migration.
Restoring Your Website
Initiate the restoration process using the WPvivid Backup Plugin. Follow the step-by-step wizard to unpack the backup files, restore databases, and recreate necessary files and folders. Verify the restored website for proper functioning, and address any common migration issues with the help of WPvivid’s support resources.
Best Practices for Successful Migration
To ensure a successful website migration, follow these best practices:
- Thoroughly test the migrated website to ensure all pages, links, and functionalities work correctly.
- Update DNS settings to redirect your domain name to the new hosting environment.
- Monitor website performance after migration, checking loading times and server response.
Conclusion
Migrating a website is a critical process, and the WPvivid Backup Plugin offers a reliable solution to simplify the task. Following the steps outlined in this article and adhering to best practices, you can successfully migrate your website using WPvivid. Enjoy a seamless transition to your new hosting environment with minimal disruption.
FAQs
1. Can I use the WPvivid Backup Plugin for non-WordPress websites?
No, the WPvivid Backup Plugin is exclusively designed for WordPress websites and may not be compatible with other platforms.
2. Is the WPvivid Backup Plugin free?
The WPvivid Backup Plugin offers both free and premium versions. The free version provides basic backup and migration functionalities, while the premium version includes advanced features and additional support options.
3. How long does it take to migrate a website using the WPvivid Backup Plugin?
The time required for website migration varies depending on factors such as website size, server speed, and complexity of the migration process. However, the WPvivid Backup Plugin streamlines the process to minimize
the time needed for migration, ensuring efficiency and a smooth transition.
4. Can I schedule automatic backups with the WPvivid Backup Plugin?
Yes, the WPvivid Backup Plugin allows you to schedule automatic backups according to your preferred frequency. You can set up daily, weekly, or monthly backups to ensure regular data protection.
5. What should I do if I encounter any issues during the migration process?
If you experience difficulties or have questions during the migration process, the WPvivid Backup Plugin provides comprehensive documentation and support resources. You can refer to the plugin’s documentation for troubleshooting guidance or contact their support team for further assistance.
To learn more about the WPvivid Backup Plugin and its benefits, visit their website to learn more about the All-in-One Backup & Migration Plugin for WordPress.
Armed with the knowledge and steps outlined in this article, you can confidently migrate your website using the WPvivid Backup Plugin. Enjoy a seamless transition to your new hosting environment while ensuring the safety and integrity of your valuable website data.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of possible settings and uses for both for these plugins but you will find they are very easy to use after going through the tutorials. Both of these plugins are also great for backing up your site, though we prefer UpdraftPlus for backups since you can have your backups emailed to you or sent to your cloud storage account. You can send backups to Google Drive using the free version, but the paid version adds many more cloud storage options like Dropbox.
Summary
- Devlop WordPress Sites Locally
- WordPress Migration is Easy
- All-in-One Migration
- WordPress Duplicator Plugin
Update: 01/07/2018
In this article, we discussed the importance of backing up your WordPress site using multiple methods before migrating, and we want to stress again the importance of doing so in this update.
Recently we moved several of our clients to a new host using our go-to method, backing up the files and database and uploading them to the new host. Restoring your site using this method is a simple and straightforward method that works perfectly in the majority of cases. However, one of the websites did not work correctly after migration.
The home page and many of the other pages worked fine, but upon further inspection, some pages were generating a 500 Internal Server Error. It would have been possible to debug the issue, but it requires developer-level knowledge most users do not possess, and even with that knowledge we may have needed several hours to correct the problems.
How We Resolved the Issues
Resolving the issues was quite simple, we just installed a fresh copy of WordPress and the All-in-One Migration plugin we recommend in this article, uploaded the backup we created, and the site was back up in minutes.
This case is a prime example of the need to use multiple methods of backing up your site before migration, and even as part of your regular backup plan. Because if you have any problems migrating your site or restoring it after an update or getting hacked, most likely you can save yourself hours of work or a lot of money, which you would have paid a developer to debug your site and restore it.
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James Turner
Author/Copywriter
#MyIslandDesigns
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