5 Steps to Transfer Your Website to a New Host

Moving your website to a new host can be simple if you follow these steps:

1. Back Up Your Website: Save all files and databases securely using tools like FileZilla or phpMyAdmin. Keep copies locally and in cloud storage.
2. Choose the Right Hosting Plan: Assess your website's storage, traffic, and security needs. TFhost Nigeria offers plans starting at ₦5,000/year with features like daily backups, SSL certificates, and unlimited email accounts.
3. Transfer Files and Databases: Use FTP for file uploads and phpMyAdmin for database imports. Don’t forget to update configurations like wp-config.php for WordPress sites.
4. Update DNS Records: Modify your domain's nameservers to point to the new host. DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate.
5. Test and Verify: Ensure the website functions correctly by checking pages, media, links, and database content. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights for performance checks.

Quick Comparison of TFhost Nigeria Hosting Plans

Plan	Storage	Bandwidth	Price (₦/Year)	Email Accounts	SSL Certificates
Micro Host	5GB	10GB	₦5,000	Unlimited	Free
Elevate Host	10GB	20GB	₦7,500	Unlimited	Free
Business Host	15GB	25GB	₦8,000	Unlimited	Free
Platinum Host	50GB	150GB	₦18,500	Unlimited	Free

TFhost Nigeria also provides automated backups, 24/7 support, and a staging environment to ensure a smooth migration. Start with backups, select a plan, and follow the steps to complete your transfer without downtime.

How To Migrate Your Website to a New Host (Step by Step ...

Step 1: Create Complete Website Backups

Backing up your website is a crucial first step. Joshua Itebu, TFhost Nigeria's technical director, advises keeping multiple copies of your backups for safety.

Save All Website Files

To secure your website files, use an FTP client like FileZilla. Here's how:

• Install FileZilla: Download and set up this free FTP client.
• Enter FTP Credentials: Input your server details and login information.
• Download Files: Transfer all website files to your local machine.

Back Up Your Databases

Ensure your database is backed up and stored in two safe locations - your computer and a cloud storage platform. Follow these steps:

Database Backup Step	Description	Important Note
Export Database	Use phpMyAdmin to export an SQL file.	Watch for file size limits.
Verify Backup	Test the file to confirm it's intact.	Make sure there’s no corruption.
Secure Storage	Save a copy in cloud storage.	Store separately from other files.

"Before you start any migration process, ensure you have a downloaded copy of your website files and database somewhere locally or in online storage like Google Drive or DropBox. The reason is that if something goes wrong and something happens to your old site during the process, you can always restore from the backed-up copy." – Web Tools Advisor

Use TFhost Nigeria's Backup Tools

TFhost Nigeria provides automated backup options with all hosting plans. For example, the Micro Host plan (₦5,000/year) includes:

• Daily automated backups
• One-click restoration
• Secure backup storage
• 5GB SSD storage

If your site is updated often, consider creating a manual backup in addition to the automated ones.

Once your backups are ready, move on to choosing your hosting package in Step 2.

Step 2: Select Your Hosting Package

Calculate Website Requirements

Start by figuring out what your website needs in terms of resources:

• Storage: Estimate the size of your website (files, images, databases) and add an extra 30% for future growth.
• Traffic: Check your analytics to understand monthly visitor numbers and the bandwidth required.
• Databases: Make a list of your databases and their sizes.
• Email: Count how many professional email accounts you'll need.

Compare TFhost Nigeria Options

Take a look at the hosting plans offered by TFhost Nigeria in the table below:

Plan Feature	Micro Host	Elevate Host	Business Host	Platinum Host
SSD Storage	5GB	10GB	15GB	50GB
Bandwidth	10GB	20GB	25GB	150GB
Price/Year	₦5,000	₦7,500	₦8,000	₦18,500
Email Accounts	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited

Pick a plan that not only meets your current needs but also leaves room for growth so you won't need to upgrade too often.

Check Security Features

TFhost Nigeria's hosting packages come with key security features to protect your website:

• SSL Certificates: Free SSL certificates ensure your site runs on secure HTTPS connections.
• Daily Backups: Automated daily backups help keep your website files safe.

If you're looking for a good balance between resources and security, the Business Host plan (₦8,000/year) is a solid choice. Once you've selected your hosting plan, you're ready to move your files in Step 3.

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Step 3: Move Files to New Host

Transfer Files via FTP

To move your website files, start by downloading and installing FileZilla. Once installed, open the application and enter your FTP details from the TFhost Nigeria dashboard:

• Host: Your website's domain name or IP address
• Username: Your FTP username
• Password: Your FTP password
• Port: 21 (the standard FTP port)

After connecting, navigate to the public_html folder on the remote server. Upload all your website files into this folder. Once the file transfer is complete, the next step is to migrate your databases.

Move Your Databases

Follow these steps to transfer your database:

Export from your current host:

1. Open phpMyAdmin in your hosting control panel.
2. Select the database you want to move and choose the "Export" option.
3. Use the "Quick Export" setting and save the file in SQL format to your computer.

Import to TFhost Nigeria:

1. Log in to your TFhost Nigeria control panel and create a new database.
2. Take note of the database name, username, and password you create.
3. Open phpMyAdmin on TFhost Nigeria and select your new database.
4. Use the "Import" option to upload the SQL file you saved earlier.

If you're migrating a WordPress site, don't forget to update the wp-config.php file with your new database credentials. After transferring both the files and the database, it's time to verify everything.

Verify Transfer Success

Run the following checks to ensure your migration was successful:

1. File Verification
   • Compare the size and number of files on the new server with the original ones.
   • Test your website thoroughly - check all pages, images, interactive features, and internal links to confirm they function correctly.
2. Database Confirmation

Database Element	What to Check
Tables	Ensure all tables are present and accessible.
Records	Verify the correct number of entries.
Content	Confirm recent posts and pages are visible.
User Data	Ensure user accounts and data are intact.

Keep your original hosting active until you've confirmed that all elements of your website are working properly. If you encounter any issues during this process, TFhost Nigeria's support team is ready to help.

Step 4: Set Up DNS Records

Access Domain Settings

Log into your domain registrar account and find the DNS Zone Editor or DNS Management section. Before making any adjustments, take a screenshot of your current DNS settings for reference.

Once you're in the DNS settings, you'll need to update your nameserver details.

Change Nameserver Details

Replace the existing nameserver entries with the following:

Current Setting	New Setting
Previous nameservers	ns1.tfhost.ng
Will be replaced	ns2.tfhost.ng

Carefully review the new nameserver entries to ensure there are no mistakes before saving the changes.

After saving, you'll need to monitor the updates to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

Wait for DNS Updates

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. During this time, visitors might still see the old version of your site, and email services could experience brief disruptions.

To minimise issues, keep both your old and new hosting services active during the transition. Use online DNS checker tools to track the propagation process and confirm that your domain is correctly pointing to TFhost Nigeria's servers. If problems persist after the propagation period, reach out to TFhost Nigeria's support team for assistance.

Step 5: Check Website Migration

Test on Staging Site

Take advantage of TFhost Nigeria's staging environment to ensure your site functions as expected. Pay attention to these critical elements:

• Page Loading: Confirm pages load efficiently on popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
• Media Files: Ensure all images, videos, and other media display without issues.
• Interactive Features: Test contact forms, payment gateways, and any other interactive components.
• Dynamic Content: Verify that content pulled from databases is loading correctly.

After completing these checks, look for any remaining issues as described below.

Find and Fix Problems

Use diagnostic tools to identify and fix any issues that surface after migration. Here's a quick guide:

Testing Tool	Purpose	What to Check
Google PageSpeed Insights	Performance analysis	Loading speeds for mobile and desktop
WebPageTest	Detailed speed testing	Overall loading times

Additionally, focus on these specific areas:

• Database Connections: For WordPress sites, confirm the database settings in the wp-config.php file are accurate.
• Broken Links: Use TFhost Nigeria's link checker to identify and fix any broken links.
• Email Functionality: Test your email system to ensure it operates smoothly.

If you encounter challenges you can't resolve, consider reaching out for professional support.

Contact TFhost Nigeria Support

TFhost Nigeria provides 24/7 support to assist with any issues. You can reach them through:

• Support Portal: support.tfhost.ng
• Live Chat: Accessible via your control panel
• Support Line: +234 (0) 700 TF HOST NG

Their team is always ready to help you get things running smoothly.

Conclusion

Moving your website requires careful planning, but following the five steps we've outlined can make the process much easier. With TFhost Nigeria's migration assistance, you can minimise downtime and protect your data during the transition.

TFhost Nigeria provides 24/7 support and reliable infrastructure, making website migration straightforward.

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth migration:

• Use TFhost Nigeria's backup tools to secure your data before starting the transfer.
• Test your website in their staging environment to catch any issues early.
• Have your DNS records ready to speed up configuration.
• Monitor your site closely during the DNS propagation phase.

TFhost Nigeria's solid reputation and reliable support make them a trusted partner for website migrations.

Their hosting plans start at just ₦5,000 per year, offering great performance for your website.

If you run into any issues, TFhost Nigeria's support team is available via their portal, live chat, or phone to assist you. Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free migration.