Migrating WP Sites

You know how to log into:

WP AdminPHP AdminHost

You understand the structure of WP files.

You know how to export and

import files.

ASSUMPTIONS

Update

‣ Login into your current WordPress site’s Admin panel

‣ Update your site. Themes, plugins, WP Core.

Backup/Export Files

‣ Backup WordPress files

‣ WP-Dropbox Plugin or other

‣ Host backup built-in

‣ Export WordPress files SFTP (not necessary if already on computer - localhost).

‣ Export Database files via PHP Admin Export SQL (to computer).

Create Files

‣ Create a new site on the new host (with a different URL than production site).

‣ 1-click install, staging.

Database

‣ Create a new database via PHP Admin (can use same name as old one).

‣ Delete tables in new DB if one was created for you.

‣ Import sql files to new database on new host.

Import WP Files

‣ If WP files exist, delete before the import. WP-content.

‣ Filezilla, Coda

‣ Import WordPress files from computer to new host via SFTP.

‣ This will take a while. Get a cup of coffee or tea.

Tweaks‣ Check .htaccess file exists on new host (root).

WordPress Codex. (http://codex.wordpress.org/htaccess)

‣ Change settings in wp-config if required (database name, tables, etc.).

‣ Run search and replace tool AFTER all of the WordPress core files and the Database files (SQL) have been uploaded. BE CAREFUL! Remove when complete. (https://interconnectit.com/)

Troubleshooting

‣ Can’t delete or replace MU Plugins (continue migration).

‣ Change URL in PHPAdmin under options.

‣ Add site URL and address in WP-config.

‣ In Admin panel, go to Settings, Permalinks and save.

Finishing Up

‣ Change DNS settings (with registrar) to point to new host (nameservers).

‣ Google Webmaster Tools

‣ Old site - change URL to new site (if different). 301 redirect.

‣ Christina Strommer

‣ @jamminpsu

‣ christinastrommer.com