Introduction

Website migration is not just copying files — it’s a process involving files, databases, DNS, email routing, nameservers, SSL, cache, and more. This means it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to downtime, broken sites, lost email messages, or even lost SEO ranking.

This guide explains the most common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them.

❌ Mistake #1 – Switching Nameservers Too Early

Many beginners update nameservers BEFORE migrating files. When visitors arrive, they see an empty or broken website.

✔ Correct Approach

• Upload files FIRST
• Set up database & test using staging or host file
• THEN update nameservers

❌ Mistake #2 – Forgetting to Migrate Email

If your old hosting handled email and you only moved your website, all inboxes will break.

✔ Fix

• Use IMAP Sync
• Create email accounts first
• Only update MX after email is migrated

❌ Mistake #3 – Only Moving Files, Not Database

WordPress, Laravel, and most apps store content in a database, not files. If you skip the SQL export, your site will load but be empty or broken.

✔ Fix

Always export/import both files AND MySQL database

❌ Mistake #4 – Wrong Folder Location

Beginners often upload their website into the wrong directory like:

/public_html/public_html
/public_html/mywebsite
    

⚠️ Your live site should always be inside the FIRST public_html folder.

❌ Mistake #5 – Not Fixing URLs After Transfer

WordPress will still point to localhost or old domain unless updated.

✔ Fix

UPDATE wp_options SET option_value='https://yourdomain.com' WHERE option_name='siteurl';
    

❌ Mistake #6 – Not Waiting for DNS Propagation

DNS takes 30min–24hrs to update. During this time, different users may see different versions of your site.

Use tools like dnschecker.org to monitor.

❌ Mistake #7 – No SSL After Migration

Your site will show warnings like “Not secure” if SSL is not reinstalled.

✔ Fix

Install free Let’s Encrypt SSL from cPanel or DirectAdmin after migration.

❌ Mistake #8 – Cache & CDN Issues

Old cache can make your site look broken even after correct migration.

✔ Fix

• Disable caching plugins before migration
• Purge Cloudflare cache

Quick Migration Checklist (Print This)

• Backup files
• Backup database
• Upload to new host
• Import database
• Update config
• Test with staging or hosts file
• Update DNS
• Install SSL
• Test again