How Should I Move My Web Hosting?

Many people consistently ask the question, “How do I move my web hosting?” – without getting a satisfactory answer.  There have been reams of articles written about how to choose a web host to begin with (although far too much of this advice is routinely ignored, which is the only explanation as to why shoddy providers are still able to stay in business year after year), but there is very little to answer the question of how to switch web hosts.

It is a tricky question. Switching web providers takes some careful planning to make it a smooth transition. You can’t simply wake up and say, “I think today I’ll move my web hosting to another company” and have it done by noon. There are questions that need to be asked and answered unless you want an unmitigated disaster on your hands.  We’ve written this article to help you start on the path of answering that central basic question: How do I move my web hosting? 

Moving My Web Hosting: Platform Compatibility

One thing that some people fail to conceptualize when switching web hosting providers is whether they are moving to the same operating system. This is important. If you’ve been using Windows to build and maintain your website, many of your existing applications may not work if you move to a Linux based system. The reverse is true as well. In order to ensure the best possible transition, you need to make sure you are moving to a compatible operating system.

Moving My Web Hosting: Comparable Storage Space

If you are interested in keeping your website running the way it has, you’ll need to make sure your new plan has at least as much or more disk space.  Of course, this won’t be essential if you have not filled your disk space on your current web host, but even then, why trade down?  Unless you are making the move from a purely financial perspective, it does make sense as to why you would trade your disk space for a lower monthly premium. In all other cases, make sure that the plan you’re headed to can afford to keep you in the style to which you’ve become accustomed.

Moving My Web Hosting: Can You Bring Your Editor Along?

Your editor is another important aspect of web host switching that many people don’t take into account until it’s too late.  For example, if you’ve been using, Frontpage to create your website, you have to make sure your new web host supports Frontpage extensions. Otherwise, you’ll have to completely redesign your web page using another editor, one which your new web host supports. We’re sure we don’t have to tell you how time consuming and frustrating this realization can be.

Moving My Web Hosting: Cover All of the Usual Bases

When switching web hosts, you want to ensure you use the same level of care in choosing a new provider.  This includes checking online reviews, checking up on their reliability and customer service, and seeing what kind of track record they have in the industry. To do anything less would be lazy, and could wind up being a real headache in the future.

When you find yourself saying, “I want to move my web hosting,” it is important to take the steps carefully to ensure that you do not experience downtime – nor impact the experience your customers have on your site.