Migrating Your Website to K Kenzie Hosting

Before You Start

Moving your website from another host can feel risky, but with the right sequence of steps, your site can move over with zero downtime and no lost data.

Before You Start

Take a full backup of your current site's files and database from your existing host before making any changes. Even if your current host offers automated backups, download a manual copy yourself so you have it on hand throughout the migration.

Make a note of your current DNS settings, particularly any custom records beyond the basics, such as email routing and subdomains pointing to third party services.

Step by Step Migration

Step 1: Set up your new hosting account. Once your plan is active, you will receive control panel login details in your welcome email.

Step 2: Upload your website files. Use your control panel's File Manager, or connect via FTP, to upload your site's files to the new server. See Managing Files via cPanel File Manager for a full walkthrough.

Step 3: Migrate your database. Export your database from your old host, then import it into a newly created database on your new hosting account. See Creating and Managing MySQL Databases in cPanel.

Step 4: Test before switching DNS. Most control panels let you preview your new site using a temporary URL or by editing your local computer's hosts file, so you can confirm everything works correctly before your domain's visitors are pointed to the new server.

Step 5: Update your DNS. Once you have confirmed the new site works correctly, update your domain's DNS records to point to your new hosting account. See DNS Management: A/CNAME/MX/TXT Records Explained if you need a refresher on what each record type does.

Step 6: Monitor after the switch. DNS changes can take time to fully propagate across the internet. During this window, keep your old hosting account active so there is no gap in service while visitors gradually reach the new server.

After Migration

Once your site has been fully live on the new server for a few days with no issues, you can safely cancel your old hosting account. Keep your final backup on hand for at least a few weeks as a safety net.