Website Migration Checklist

20 items · Website Migration · Hard difficulty · 2 hours

Move your site safely to a new host with a clear, step-by-step migration checklist.

• Create a full backup of site files and assets

  Backup the webroot, media, and any uploaded files; store off-server with timestamped copy.

• Export the latest database dump and verify integrity

  Use mysqldump/phpMyAdmin and confirm the dump imports locally before migrating.

• Inventory current server settings and services

  Record PHP version, extensions, PHP-FPM/nginx/apache configs, crons, and mail settings.

• Prepare a rollback plan and verify backups are accessible

  Document rollback steps, restore point, and key contacts in case you need to revert.

• Set up the new hosting environment (DB, users, PHP, services)

  Create DB/user, match PHP version/extensions, and configure cron jobs and permissions.

• Upload site files to the new host via SFTP and set permissions

  Transfer files securely, maintain owner/group, and set web-safe permissions for folders/files.

• Import the database on the new host and update configuration files

  Import dump, update DB credentials and connection strings, and test DB connections.

• Test the new site via a temporary URL or hosts file before changing DNS

  Use a hosts file override or preview URL to confirm pages, login, and dynamic features.

• Reissue or install the SSL certificate and confirm HTTPS

  Install cert on new server, verify chain, and check for mixed-content warnings.

• Lower DNS TTL ahead of the cutover

  Set TTL to 300–600 seconds 48–72 hours before switching to speed propagation.

• Update MX and email DNS records or execute your email migration plan

  Ensure MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are ready; schedule mail cutover to avoid loss.

• Update domain A/AAAA records to point to the new host

  Change the records during the planned window and monitor propagation.

• Set up 301 redirects and URL mappings for changed pages

  Implement server-level 301s or rewrite rules to preserve SEO and user bookmarks.

• Run pre-launch smoke tests

  Quickly verify core functionality before public traffic switches.

• Load the homepage and log into admin/user accounts

  Confirm site loads quickly and admin access works without errors.

• Submit contact, order, and key forms and verify notifications

  Check form submissions, transactional emails, and webhook endpoints.

• Verify HTTPS, certificate details, and redirect behavior

  Confirm valid cert, no mixed content, and canonical URLs redirect correctly.

• Monitor DNS propagation and check the live site from multiple locations

  Use propagation checkers and spot-check geographic access and latency.

• Run a crawler to find broken links and fix or map redirects

  Use tools like Screaming Frog to detect 4xx/5xx and update routes or redirects.

• Submit updated sitemap and check Google Search Console for errors

  Upload sitemap, request reindexing if needed, and monitor coverage reports.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.