To change web hosts without losing your rankings, you mostly need a good method. Most traffic drops come from avoidable mistakes: an unavailable site, changed addresses, a forgotten HTTPS certificate or cut-off emails. If your site keeps the same addresses and stays reachable, Google notices little difference. Here is the method in seven steps.
Why change web hosts?
Several reasons push people to switch. First, a slow site or frequent outages tire visitors. Next, a support team that does not answer blocks your team. Moreover, a sharp price rise at renewal can push you to compare. Finally, security matters a lot. If you hesitate, read our guide on web hosting in Cameroon and our article on choosing a reliable host.
How do you prepare your site migration?
First, make a full backup of the files and the database. Next, write down all current DNS records, especially the email ones. Then, choose a quiet period, such as an evening or a weekend. Finally, keep your old hosting active for the whole migration. This way, you can go back if a problem appears.
Which steps should you follow to migrate without losing your rankings?
- Backup: copy the files and the database of the old site.
- Copy: install the site on the new hosting.
- Test: check the site on a temporary address before you change anything.
- HTTPS: install the security certificate on the new hosting.
- DNS: change the name servers or the IP address of your domain.
- Checks: control the pages, the forms, the sitemap and the redirects.
- Monitoring: watch Search Console for two weeks.
For the last step, our guide to submitting your website to Google with Search Console explains the settings. Google also describes the process in its documentation on moving a site without URL changes.
How do you protect your business emails?
Many businesses forget emails. Yet if your mailbox depends on the old host, it can disappear after the DNS change. First, write down the MX records and the mail settings. Next, copy the mailboxes or export the important messages. Moreover, recreate the same accounts on the new hosting before you change the DNS. Finally, send a test email in both directions after the migration.
Which mistakes should you avoid when changing hosts?
First, do not delete the old hosting too early. Keep it for at least two weeks. Next, do not change the design, the page addresses and the host at the same time. One change at a time makes diagnosis easier. Also, do not forget the HTTPS certificate, or browsers will show a warning. Finally, avoid migrating on a busy day, such as a promotion.
Frequently asked questions about changing web hosts
Do rankings drop after a change of host?
Not if the site keeps the same addresses and stays reachable. A slight temporary variation remains possible.
How long does DNS propagation take?
It takes from a few hours to about 48 hours. During this time, some visitors see the old site and others see the new one.
Can you migrate without downtime?
Yes, if you test everything before you change the DNS and keep the old hosting active.
In the end, changing web hosts without losing your rankings takes preparation and rigor. If you want help with your migration, contact MboaGeek.
