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If you’re new to web hosting, the idea of moving your website from one provider to another might sound intimidating. But don’t worry—migrating your site to shared hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. Shared hosting is one of the most beginner-friendly and affordable hosting options, making it a popular choice for bloggers, small business owners, and anyone starting their online journey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of what migration means, why it’s important, and how you can move your site with minimal downtime or stress. Whether you’re switching providers for better performance, lower costs, or improved support, the process can be smooth and hassle-free when you follow the right steps. In this article, you will discover the step-by-step migration guide.
Read: Migrate In 2024: Our Comprehensive Website Migration Manual to the Next Level
Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly understand why many people move their websites to shared hosting:
Affordable Pricing – Perfect for beginners and small businesses.
Easy Management – Most shared hosting comes with cPanel or similar dashboards.
Beginner-Friendly – No advanced technical knowledge required.
Reliable Support – Hosting providers usually include 24/7 support for setup and troubleshooting.
Before starting the migration, make sure you have everything ready:
1. Choose Your Shared Hosting Plan – Select the right plan for your website’s size and traffic.
2. Backup Your Website – Always keep a backup of files and databases (from your old host).
3. Update Your Domain Info – Ensure you have access to your domain registrar to update nameservers later.
4. Check Compatibility – Confirm that your new hosting supports your site’s CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.) and PHP version.
Read: Top 15 WooCommerce Plugins to Power Your eCommerce Store in 2025
Step 1: Backup Your Website
Download all website files (HTML, PHP, WordPress, etc.) via File Manager or FTP.
Export your database (usually via phpMyAdmin).
Step 2: Upload to New Host
Log in to your new hosting cPanel/File Manager.
Upload your files to the public\_html directory.
Import your database via phpMyAdmin.
Step 3: Update Configuration Files
Update your database connection settings (username, password, database name) in your CMS or config file.
Double-check file permissions.
Step 4: Update Domain Nameservers
Log in to your domain registrar.
Replace old nameservers with the ones provided by your new shared hosting provider.
DNS propagation may take 24–48 hours.
Step 5: Test Your Website
Use your hosting provider’s temporary URL or hosts file trick to preview your site before DNS propagation.
Check if all pages, images, and databases are working correctly.
Post-Migration Checklist
After migration, don’t forget to:
Install SSL Certificate (many hosts offer free Let’s Encrypt SSL).
Test website speed and performance.
Verify email accounts if hosted with the old provider.
Enable regular backups for safety.
Monitor site uptime for the first few days.
Install an SSL Certificate for HTTPS.
Test site speed and security.
Recreate email accounts if needed.
Set up automated backups.
Monitor uptime for a few days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not taking a full backup before migration.
Forgetting to update database credentials in config files.
Skipping SSL re-installation after migration.
Ignoring email setup (often tied to hosting).
Read: Explore the WordPress Theme Editor: Customization Made Easy
Migrating to shared hosting doesn’t need to be stressful. By following a clear plan—backup, transfer, configure, and test—you can move your website smoothly without losing data or visitors. Shared hosting is an affordable, beginner-friendly, and reliable option, making it an excellent starting point for anyone building their online presence.
Remember, preparation is key. Take backups, double-check your steps, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider’s support team—they’re there to make your migration seamless.
Q1: How long does website migration to shared hosting take?
Most migrations take a few hours, depending on the size of your site. DNS propagation can take up to 24–48 hours.
Q2: Will my website go offline during migration?
If you follow the right steps and test with a temporary URL, downtime can be avoided or minimized.
Q3: Can I migrate a WordPress site to shared hosting?
Yes, WordPress is fully compatible with shared hosting. Some providers even offer free WordPress migration tools or support.
Q4: What happens to my emails when I move hosts?
Emails connected to your old host need to be recreated on the new host. Always back up important emails before migration.
Q5: Do I need technical skills to migrate my website?
Not necessarily. With tutorials, support, and migration plugins, even beginners can complete the process.
Q6: What should I do if my website breaks after migration?
Check your configuration files, database connection settings, and file permissions. If issues persist, contact your new hosting provider’s support.
Q7: Can I keep my domain name when switching hosts?
Yes, your domain name stays with you. You only need to update the nameservers to point to your new host.
Q8: How can I check if DNS propagation is complete?
Use tools like DNS Checker to verify if your domain is pointing to the new server worldwide.
Q9: Is shared hosting secure for my website?
Yes, but you should still install an SSL certificate, keep your CMS/plugins updated, and enable basic security measures like firewalls.
Q10: Can I upgrade from shared hosting later?
Absolutely. If your site grows, you can easily upgrade to VPS or dedicated hosting without changing your domain.
Q11: What’s the difference between manual migration and host-assisted migration
* Manual migration: You move files, databases, and configs yourself.
* Host-assisted migration: Many hosting providers do the migration for free or at a low cost.
Q12: Do I lose my SEO ranking during migration?
If done correctly (no broken links, minimal downtime), your SEO ranking won’t be affected. In fact, faster hosting can improve SEO.
Q13: What if I don’t know my old hosting login details?
You’ll need access to your old host to back up files. If you’ve lost credentials, contact their support before starting the migration.
Q14: Can I migrate multiple websites to one shared hosting account?
Yes, if your hosting plan supports add-on domains or multiple sites. Check your provider’s plan details.
Q15: Do I need to reinstall WordPress or my CMS after migration?
No. If you transfer files and databases correctly, your CMS will run as before. You only need to update database credentials if they have changed.
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