In a post earlier this week, I shared with you some tips on moving from one web host to another. Today, I’ve got more advice for you. Altogether, it should make this tricky process more than manageable.

5) Prepare for the propagation period. When I make a switch, I always change a few things on my home page. For example, I’ll add a new image or put a comment in the HTML. When I see the updated site on my screen, I know that it has moved to the new location.

What about email? During the propagation period, some of your messages will probably be sent to your old host. Others will be directed to your new host. I like to put my new settings into my Mail.app and keep the old ones as well. That way, I don’t miss anything.

6) Do some filing before you close your old account. You’ll no doubt transfer most of your files to your new host, but there are some other, additional items that you might also consider taking with you. For example, you may have old traffic statistics or some useful spam filter configuration data that could prove handy in the future. Export whatever you can and copy the rest. Take screenshots or copy and paste to a Word or HTML file any info that could be of use to you.

7) Have a backup plan. Don’t discontinue your old service until you’re absolutely certain that everything is working as it should at the new digs. Even if you can’t stand your old host, stay with them for at least a month while you get used to your new host, and until you’re sure you’ve moved every file you need. You’d be surprised at what you might forget amidst the chaos of a big move.

Also, try to avoid making too many changes to your site during that first month. That way, if it turns out you can’t stand your new host and want to return to your old one, all you’ll have to do is repoint your domain name. If your site has a database, don’t forget to take that with you if you move back to your old host. You don’t want to lose any data acquired during the trial period.

There’s definitely a lot to think about when moving from one host to another, but if you go slowly, find the right host, methodically move and test your files, effectively manage the propagation period, and put in place a backup plan, it should all go pretty smoothly!

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pm and is filed under Web Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.