If you're building your WordPress website on your local computer, now is the time to take the next step and move it to a live server so anyone on the Internet can access it. This guide will walk you through the process of migrating your WordPress site from your localhost to a server. We will also recommend some highly useful plugins like Updraft to help you with the migration. so let's get started!
Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Provider:
Before you can migrate your WordPress site, you must have a web hosting provider where your website will be stored. Look for a reliable provider that offers good performance and support. Some popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.
Step 2: Set up a domain name:
If you don't have a domain name yet, you'll need to choose and register one. The domain name is the address that people will use to access your website (for example, www.yourwebsite.com). Many web hosting providers offer domain registration services, so you can set it up easily during the hosting process.
Step 3: Export your local WordPress database:
In your local WordPress installation, go to the admin dashboard and go to the “Tools” menu. Click "Export" and then select "All Content." This will create an XML file that contains all your posts, pages, comments, and other site data.
Step 4: Import your database to the server:
Log in to your server's control panel or cPanel and look for the "phpMyAdmin" option. Open it and create a new database for your WordPress site. Then, select the newly created database and choose the “Import” option. Upload the XML file you exported in the previous step and click "Go" to import it.
Step 5: Transfer Your WordPress Files:
Connect to your server using an FTP client like FileZilla. Locate the folder where your WordPress files will be stored (usually named "public_html" or "www"). Open the folder on your local computer where your WordPress files are located. Select all files and folders, then drag and drop them into the server's folder.
Step 6: Update WordPress Configuration:
Using an FTP client, find the "wp-config.php" file in the server folder where you transferred your files. Right-click the file, select "Edit" and update the database name, username, and password to match the details of the newly created database.
Step 7: Update Permalinks:
Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard on the server. Go to "Settings" and click on "Permalinks". Choose any option other than the default, then click "Save Changes." This will refresh your site's permalink structure.
Step 8: Install and configure required plugins:
Plugins can extend the functionality of your WordPress site and make the migration process easier. Here are some highly useful plugins you can consider:
UpdraftPlus: This plugin allows you to easily backup and restore your website. It simplifies the migration process by providing one-click restore option.
All-in-One WP Migration: This plugin helps you migrate your site easily with its straightforward interface and easy export/import options.
WP Migrate DB: This plugin allows you to seamlessly migrate your database. This helps you find and change URLs, ensuring that your links are updated correctly.
Step 9: Test Your Website:
Now that your WordPress site is live on the server, it is important to test it thoroughly. Make sure all your pages, posts, images, and other elements are displaying correctly. Test the contact form and any other interactive features to make sure they're working as expected.
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