01 / Website migration
What a host's free migration covers, and what it does not
Many hosts offer a free website migration. It is a useful service, but it usually covers the website itself and little else. A typical split:
| Task | Host's migration service (typical) | Website migration with us |
|---|---|---|
| Copy files and database | Yes | Yes |
| Mailboxes with all folders | Often not, or at extra cost | Yes |
| DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, subdomains) | No, that is up to you | Yes, moved and verified |
| Domain transfer with authorisation code | Rarely guided | Yes |
| Testing before the switch | Rarely | Yes, on a test address |
| 301 redirects for changed URLs | No | Yes |
| Checks on forms, email and error pages afterwards | No | Yes |
02 / Website migration
Our website migration checklist, step by step
- 01
Inventory
We export every DNS record, note mailboxes, forwards, cron jobs and the PHP version, and take a full backup.
- 02
Lower the TTL
24 to 48 hours before the move we cut the DNS records' TTL to a few minutes, so the later switch spreads quickly.
- 03
Copy and test
The site runs on the new server under a test address first. We check pages, forms, shop and speed while the old site carries on as normal.
- 04
Move email
Mailboxes are copied over IMAP with all folders and synced a second time after the switch, so no message is lost.
- 05
Switch DNS
We update A, AAAA and MX records, carry over SPF, DKIM and DMARC and install the SSL certificate.
- 06
Aftercare
Over the following days we watch for errors and check email and forms. You only cancel the old hosting once everything is stable.
03 / Website migration
Move the domain too, or only the hosting?
Hosting and domain are separate contracts. You can change host and leave the domain where it is, in which case we only update the DNS records. That is often the quickest route.
If the domain should move as well, you need the authorisation (EPP) code from the current registrar. One warning: do not simply cancel the domain there yourself; let the transfer run. Cancelling without a transfer can get the domain deleted and released to anyone. If your domain still sits with your old agency, our website takeover checklist shows what to ask for.
04 / Website migration
SEO during a migration: redirects when addresses change
A pure host change with the same domain and the same URLs does not affect your Google rankings, provided the site stays reachable and does not get slower. The risk starts when addresses change: a new domain, a move from Wix, Squarespace or WordPress to your own website, or a new URL structure.
In that case every old address gets a 301 redirect to the matching new page, the sitemap is resubmitted and, for a domain change, we use the Change of Address tool in Google Search Console. The mistakes that cost rankings in a relaunch are covered in our website redesign checklist.
05 / Website migration
Migrations we handle
Changing host
From GoDaddy, IONOS, Bluehost or any other provider to faster hosting, with website, database, email and DNS.
Leaving a site builder
From Wix, Squarespace or Jimdo to a website you own, with content, images and redirects for every old page.
Leaving WordPress
From WordPress to a hand-coded website, or for shops from WooCommerce to Shopify, with content, products and redirects. We do not simply copy a WordPress install to a new server, because we do not run WordPress long-term.
Leaving an old agency
When hosting and domain run through the agency: we collect the logins and move everything to contracts in your name.
Cared for afterwards
After the move we can look after updates, backups and changes.
06 / Website migration
What we need from you
The more complete the logins are at the start, the faster it goes. If something is missing, we help you track it down.
- Access to the current hosting (account login, or SFTP and database)
- Access to the registrar holding the domain, or the authorisation code
- A list of every email address and forward, plus the passwords or an admin login for the mail server
- The new host, or your requirements so we can suggest one
- Dates when nothing may change, such as a running promotion or a trade fair weekend
07 / Website migration
How much does a website migration cost?
On the market it ranges from free, when the new host only copies the website files, through flat fees of roughly €50 to €150 for simple WordPress moves, up to several hundred euros once email, domain and redirects are included.
Our price depends on the number of mailboxes, the platform and whether any addresses change. You get a fixed quote after a short call, before we start. Disclosure: we are a verified Hostinger partner and recommend them because we use them every day, but we migrate to any host you choose.
FAQ
Common questions
01Will my website be offline during the migration?
No. The new setup is built and tested alongside the old one. Only then do we switch DNS, and the old site keeps running until that moment.
02Will I lose email when I change host?
Not if the mailboxes are copied in advance and synced again after the switch. That is exactly what we do, including SPF, DKIM and DMARC so your mail does not land in spam.
03How long does it take to move a website to a new host?
The switch itself takes minutes to a few hours. With preparation, testing and aftercare, allow a few days in total.
04Will the migration hurt my Google rankings?
Not with the same domain and URLs. If addresses change, 301 redirects and a fresh sitemap protect your rankings as far as possible.
05Does my domain have to move too?
No. The domain can stay with its current registrar and we just update the DNS. A transfer makes sense if you want everything with one provider.