Not all website hosts are created equal, and there may come a day when yours just isn’t cutting it anymore. Migration refers to the process of moving your existing WordPress site to a new host without affecting its functionality or content. It’s something you’ll need to do if you decide to switch hosts.
There are various reasons why you might want to do this. Maybe you’re having issues with uptime or need more services as your business grows. Perhaps you need a plan with more features, storage capabilities, or faster loading times. Or, maybe you’ve just found a new provider with more competitive pricing. Whatever the reason, site migrations can seem intimidating, particularly if you’ve never done one before.
Why is site migration intimidating?
Let’s get one thing out of the way — switching your current website over to a new host isn’t exactly simple, and there are completely valid reasons why people dread the task.
1. There are a lot of steps
There are many steps involved when changing hosts and they can be quite complicated. Transferring data, modifying core files, and migrating content using FTP software are all part of the migration process.
2. It’s time consuming
Manual migration can sometimes take hours to complete and has the potential to become very expensive. If you’re paying a developer, costs can add up quickly and might negate any potential savings from switching hosts. And, if you’re spending your own time on the migration, you’re robbing yourself of hours that could be spent on more important tasks.
3. Temporary (or permanent) data loss can happen
One of the biggest reasons people are afraid of changing hosts is because they’re worried about temporary or permanent data loss. This can happen, particularly if you try to migrate without using a service or tool.
What about WordPress migration services?
If you’re not accustomed to handling the backend work on your site, using a WordPress migration service reduces your risk of losing data and experiencing downtime. At the end of the day (and assuming you’re working with a reputable provider), it safeguards you against costly human errors while bringing you peace of mind.
An experienced company will handle all the technical nuances and configurations of your site migration. Overall, good migration services tend to be pretty smooth and don’t require much technical know-how on your end.
But paid migration services can run anywhere from $99 – $350 and up. Sure, they’ll get the job done, but they’re not exactly cheap. You’re also giving up control of the migration process while handing over personal information such as user data and passwords.
Jetpack Backup: an affordable & user-friendly alternative
If you have Jetpack Backup, you can use cloning to migrate your site. When you’re switching hosts, this is a great alternative to pricey migration services, and it’s still much easier than performing the task on your own.
In order to clone your website with Jetpack Backup, you will need to make sure that you have a properly functioning site with SFTP, FTP, or SSH credentials added to its settings page. Once this is done, however, the process is very straightforward.
Why should you use Jetpack Backup for a WordPress site migration?
1. It’s easy to use
Performing the task using Jetpack Backup involves just six easy steps, and there’s no coding necessary — hooray! The tool walks you through the entire process and is very user-friendly.
2. It includes ongoing backups
Jetpack Backup includes ongoing backups that can be restored even when your site is completely down, so you’ll never have to worry about losing data again.
3. It puts you in control
When you use a migration service, you’re giving up control of the process. You’re also handing over files and other personal information like passwords and user data.
Jetpack Backup takes care of all the heavy lifting, but you get to stay in the driver’s seat. You’ll also keep your files, passwords, IDs, and other personal information to yourself. Additionally, it lets you migrate on your schedule so you can avoid downtime during peak hours when your site gets the most traffic, such as weekends or late at night.
4. It’s affordable
Finally, Jetpack Backup is super affordable and offers plans as low as $4.77 per month for the first term. Plus, you’ll have access whenever you need it, and you can cancel at any time.
Change is good
Fortunately, changing hosts doesn’t happen very often. But, when the need to switch does come up, it doesn’t have to be scary.
So, should you use a WordPress migration service? Ultimately, that’s up to you, but if you’d like to maintain control over the process, handle things on your time, and save money, why not let Jetpack Backup manage the migration? You’ll see for yourself how simple it is, and you can rest easy knowing that you’re protecting your site with ongoing backups at the same time.
Jetpack 