Hassle-free website transfer to another server - do it right!

The smooth running of a website is now a key factor in business success. When you decide to move your site to another server, you are making a strategic decision that can significantly impact performance, accessibility and overall user satisfaction. In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to seamlessly move your site to a new server. We'll explain what a server is, how it works, and the risks and benefits of moving your site.

What exactly is a server and how does it work?

A server, in an IT context, is a computer or computer system that provides services or resources to other computers, called clients. Server functions may include storing and sharing files, hosting websites, operating databases, providing network resources, and performing other special tasks.

Here are some of the key functions a server can perform:

• Storage and sharing of resources: a server can act as a storage place for files and data, making them available to clients via the network. This includes website files, documents, images or even applications.
• Hosting websites: Web servers are dedicated to hosting websites. They store site files and handle requests from web browsers, delivering content to users.
• Database maintenance: Some servers are designed to handle databases. Performing queries and operations on data, such as adding, deleting or updating information, are common functions of database servers.
• Service delivery: servers can provide a variety of services such as e-mail (mail server) or file sharing (file server).
• Network management: Network servers can perform the function of managing network traffic, providing access to resources or controlling network access.
• Specialised applications: There are also servers designed for specific tasks, e.g. game servers, proxy servers, NoSQL database servers, etc.
• Security and authorisation: servers often include security mechanisms such as firewalls, anti-virus software or authentication and authorisation tools to protect resources and data.
• Physical and virtual servers: servers can be physical machines (dedicated servers) or virtual machines running on a single physical server (virtual machines).
• Communication protocols: servers communicate with clients using various protocols, such as HTTP (for websites), FTP (for file transfer), SMTP/POP3 (for email), etc.

Servers are the foundation of the IT infrastructure, enabling communication and information exchange over the network. Different types of servers perform different tasks, and their configuration and specifications depend on the specific requirements of the services or applications they are to support.

What's worth bearing in mind when changing servers? The most important steps

Moving a site to another server involves physically, manually moving the site files and database from one server to another, usually with a different hosting provider. This may be necessary for various reasons, such as the need for better performance or scalability.

Learn the most important steps to move your site to a new server correctly and securely.

1.  Make a backup: make a full backup of your site files and database. This is crucial so that you have the ability to restore the site in the event of any problems.
   
   
2. Move files and database: copy the site files to the new server. You can do this using FTP, SCP, rsync or other file transfer tools. Also remember to transfer the database to the new server. This usually involves exporting the database from the old server and importing it onto the new one. Tools such as mysqldump for MySQL or pg_dump for PostgreSQL can be helpful. Only then can you be sure that you will not lose valuable data or damage your site. Correctly carried out MySQL databases and ensuring that all other important issues are taken care of also ensures that migration does not have a negative impact on the positioning sites, so you don't have to worry about suddenly losing visibility.
   
   
3. Configuration of environment files: check that the configuration of environment files, such as wp-config.php for WordPress, has been adapted to the new server settings, such as database access data, file paths, etc.
   
   
4. DNS update: update the DNS records to direct the domain to the new server. It may take some time for these changes to propagate.
   
   
5. Testing: test your site on the new server, making sure everything is working correctly. Check site functions, user interactions, forms, etc.
   
   
6. Optimisation: Once you have moved your site, consider optimising its performance on the new server. You can use performance optimisation tools such as caching, file compression or web server settings.

What benefits might there be in deciding to move the site to another server?

A site transfer may be necessary or beneficial to the operation of the site for a variety of reasons.

Here are some of them:

• Performance: A new server may offer better performance compared to the old one. This could include faster CPUs, more RAM, faster hard drives or better bandwidth.
• Price: The prices of hosting services can vary, and migrating a website to a cheaper but equally efficient server can save money.
• Technical support: Different hosting providers offer different levels of technical support. If your current provider does not meet your expectations in terms of customer service, it may be worth looking for an alternative.
• Server functions: Different servers offer different features. If you need access to new technology, extra storage space or other features, you may want to consider switching servers.
• Safety: a new server can offer better security and security management tools. This is particularly important to protect the site from hacking attacks and security threats.
• Scalability: website can be moved, and if it is growing at a dynamic rate, it may need to be moved to a more scalable server that can handle more traffic and resources.
• Problems with current supplier: sometimes the current hosting provider experiences technical problems, server failures, or provides inadequate services, which may prompt a search for an alternative provider.

How do I perform a WordPress site transfer to another server?

If you have a WordPress site, then transferring to another server can be done by yourself if you are not a complete layman when it comes to websites. It can be a relatively simple task, as long as you follow the right steps.

Below you will find a simple guide that will take you through the process of moving WordPress to another server in a few steps:

1. Data backup: Make a full backup of your WordPress site, including files and database. You can use the built-in tools available in the WordPress admin panel or use a plugin.
   
   
2. Database export: Log into the administration panel of your current WordPress site and go to the tools section. Select the export option to create an XML file containing your site's content.
   
   
3. Transfer files to the new server: transfer your files from the old hosting to the new server. Even complex files can be transferred using protocols such as FTP or SFTP. Make sure that all files, including hidden files, are transferred. This includes files HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images and any other media files. Ensure that all these files are copied and transferred to the new server according to their original paths.
   
   
4. Importing the database to the new server: On the new server, create a new database and user with the appropriate permissions. Also import the previously exported database into the newly created database on the new server. This can be done using the tools available in the database administration panel or through tools such as phpMyAdmin.
   
   
5. WordPress configuration update: in the WordPress root folder you will find the file wp-config.php. Configure this file to reflect the new database, user and password settings.
   
   
6. Changing DNS settings: if the site uses its own domain, update the DNS settings to point to the new server.
   
   
7. Testing and configuration: go to the site on the new server and test that everything is working correctly. Check that pages, links and media are available. You can also update the paths in the database if you are using different paths on the old and new server.
   
   
8. Configuration SSL (if applicable): if your site uses SSL, make sure that the SSL certificate is correctly installed on the new server.
   
   
9. Monitoring and optimisation: monitor the site on the new server and adjust the server configuration if necessary. Ensure that all plugins and themes are up to date.

If you are unsure how to perform any of the steps, we recommend consulting your hosting provider's documentation or using their technical support.

Changing server is an important decision - don't act rashly

Before deciding to redirect your domain to a new server, it is always a good idea to carefully analyse your own needs, compare vendor offers and understand the benefits and costs associated with moving to another server. Also remember the importance of making backups before the transfer to avoid losing data in the event of unforeseen problems. Moving to a new server is a task you don't have the time for, or simply don't know how to do? If so, it's better to outsource it to a professional.