Changing hosts worries a lot of business owners, mostly because of email. Done in the right order, visitors and staff should not notice the move at all.
Before the move
We list everything that lives on the old host: website files, databases, email accounts and scheduled tasks. Then we take a full backup and lower the DNS timing a day ahead so the switch takes effect quickly.
Build and test on the new server first
The website is copied to the new server and tested there while the old one keeps serving visitors. We check every page, form and login before anything is switched.
The switch
When the copy is confirmed, the DNS records are pointed to the new server. For a short period both servers answer, so nobody sees an error.
Do not forget email
Email is where migrations usually go wrong. The mail records must be copied exactly, or messages start bouncing. We move or preserve every mailbox and send test messages in both directions.
After the move
We keep the old hosting for a week or two as a safety net, watch the site and confirm backups and SSL are working on the new server before the old account is closed.
Have a question about this? Send us a message and we will give you a straight answer. You can also read more about our website maintenance service.