Honestly, switching web hosts doesn’t have to be a nightmare process. Quite often many people tolerate a poor service from their web hosting provider simply because it they think it will be a real pain to move their site. Switching to a new web hosting provider can be easily accomplished with zero downtime.

Like moving home or a business, as long as you plan ahead you can make the transition as smooth as possible. We have created a simple ‘To-Do list’ to help you along the way.

Step 1 : Choose a hosting plan and sign-up with your new web hosting provider. Once your new hosting account has been set-up its time to move onto step 2.
Step 2 : Make a backup of all your files from your current web host. Using a FTP program such as CuteFTP, SmartFTP, or Transmit if you are using a Mac, are all great programs and really easy to use. Its important when you are copying down your files you keep the directory structure exactly as it is on your web server.
Step 3: You are now ready to start uploading the files, to your new web host. Do not change your domain nameservers yet! Most modern web hosting plans allow you to upload your files via the server’s IP.
Step 4: If you are running any sort of database driven site, setup you new database(s) and remember to change your sites config files.
Step 5: Setting up you new email accounts. This is something that often gets overlooked, but its sometimes the only contact point for a lot of websites. Make sure you remember everyone! It can sometimes be a good idea to temporary create a “catchall” or “wild-card” address just in case you forgot to someone - at least their email will not bounce.
Step 6: Its now time to initiate the domain nameserver change. Simply enter the new nameserver details that your new web hosting provider should have provided you. Changing nameservers can depend slightly on who you registered your domain name with. You should be able to find out how to do this via their website.
Step 5: Monitor for the domain name change. Once the change has been initiated it will typically take 24 - 48 hours for the entire world to see the change. This period is called propagation and is simply the time it takes for all the DNS servers around the globe to “catch up” and take note of your domains new location. Once propagation has completed its course you are free to safely cancel service with your previous host.