4 Things You Must Do When Switching Web Hosting Providers

Some businesses never have to worry about switching web hosts because they have a reliable partner or host it by themselves. However, a great number of other companies are constantly facing the challenge of finding the best hosting provider. 

Dissatisfaction with a web host’s services can be due to a variety of factors ranging from poor services, an inability to scale, or expensiveness. If you are reading this, then chances are that you aren’t happy with your current host and are considering a switch in providers. Regardless of the reason for the switch, it pays to be fully prepared for the move. This will ensure a smooth transition to a service provider in a way that minimizes downtime while ensuring you end up with a better host.

If you’re in the process of switching hosting service providers, here are our tips for a seamless transition: 

1. Know your new host

You should always fully understand your new host before deciding to move to their services. Do this by researching them thoroughly and ask as many questions as possible to ensure you do not run into issues. For example, you can ask for information regarding the DNS of the new host to quickly modify settings or ask questions regarding compatibility. By asking as many questions as possible and doing your due diligence by researching your new service provider, you reduce the chances of running into avoidable issues that can seriously hurt your plans.

2. Backup your existing site

In the days leading up to the switch, make sure that your website is fully backed up. Accidents and problems can happen, and you would not want to find yourself without a website at all because of an issue. While a major backup prior to a transition is crucial, manually back up your files on a regular basis. Note that this can take a long time, so properly schedule your time for this activity. Never, ever skip it! 

3. Inform everyone of the switch

You must let everyone know, from your employees to your audience, of the switch that is about to happen. This is to avoid anyone wondering what happened to your website, bragging you with notifications about the problem. Of course, it was not a problem, unless you did not notify them. Put simply, it is good practice to let everyone know that the website will be down temporarily and potentially act unnaturally because of the move. Once the move is made and the website is back up and running, you should also inform visitors that it is back online and ready to serve.

4. Schedule the move properly

When you move your website, you would want to have the least amount of people affected by it. From your analytics, figure out at what time of day or the day itself at which there is the least amount of traffic. This will ensure minimal disruption to the majority of the users. This will also allow you to thoroughly plan before the move, ensuring a quick and speedy transfer to get the website up again.

Conclusion

With the tips above, your switch to a new web hosting provider will be as smooth as possible. Once you do move your website, remember to not grow complacent just yet! You’d be wise to test it thoroughly for at least a few days before ending your service with the old provider. This way, if any problems were to occur, you will still have the old website to continue catering to your audience while you get to work fixing the problem. Remember that problems can happen anytime and anywhere. By being fully prepared, however, you can minimize these risks and ensure that any issues that pop up are quickly addressed.

I/O Zoom provides web hosting solutions that are affordable, reliable, and fast, with round-the-clock support. If you are looking to switch to an excellent web hosting service provider in the US, work with us today!