Migrating to Dedicated Hosting: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your website is struggling to handle increasing traffic, it’s time to upgrade. Migrating to a different server could provide your website with room for improvement. It feels like moving from a small apartment to a spacious apartment – thus getting more control and resources.
This shift can make a tremendous difference. Websites running on dedicated servers mostly observe huge speed improvements. According to a study, around 40% of people will switch to another hosting provider if it fails to load quickly, highlighting the requirement for cheap dedicated server hosting.
Faster page load times satisfy visitors and thus improve your search engine rankings. Additionally, you’ll have the complete freedom to customize your website according to your requirements.
There’s another strong reason to consider a dedicated server! Let’s explore why it might be a better option than a cheap reseller hosting UK, especially if you’re planning to launch your own web hosting business.
If you want to take your website to the next level, this blog will guide you step-by-step on migrating your website to a dedicated server.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Steps To Migrate Your Website To Dedicated Server Hosting
Switching to a dedicated server could drastically improve your website’s performance, safety, and reliability. Irrespective of whether you’re switching from shared hosting, VPS hosting, or any other dedicated server hosting, the following steps will guide you through this transition.
Step 1: Select The Perfect Dedicated Server Hosting Provider
Before you start the migration process, it is important to choose the perfect dedicated hosting provider that meets your specific requirements. Also, analyze the following factors:
- Performance needs: Determine your CPU, RAM, and storage space requirements.
- Bandwidth needs: Determine how much data needs to be transferred.
- Safety measures: Search for a dedicated server with advanced safety measures.
- Customer support: Select a dedicated hosting provider that offers 24/7 customer support.
Step 2: Completely Backup Your Data
It is important to create a complete backup of your current website before starting the migration process. Because it makes sure that you’ve got a copy of all your crucial files, databases, and configurations in case something doesn’t go according to plan.
You can use your existing hosting provider’s backup tools or download your website’s files and databases manually.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dedicated Server
Once you’ve got your dedicated server, set it up using the following steps:
- Install your choice of operating system: Select your choice of operating system, for example: Linux, Windows, or any other operating system, and install it on your dedicated server.
- Set up the server platform: Install and set up the required software, like Apache or Nginx for your web server, MySQL or PostgreSQL for the database, and PHP or any other programming language that your website uses.
- Set up security measures: Set up security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and regular updates.
Step 4: Transfer Your Website Files
Transmit your website files from your existing hosting platform to your dedicated server by using protocols like File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
Using the File Transfer Protocol:
- Connect to Your Existing Web Host: Connect to your existing web hosting provider using an FTP client and download all your website files.
- Upload files to the new server: Upload all the files by connecting to your new dedicated server.
Step 5: Transfer Your Databases
Transfer your databases from your existing web host and import them to your new dedicated server. This process generally requires utilizing database management tools such as phpMyAdmin or command line tools such as mysqldump.
Exporting Databases:
- Using phpMyAdmin: Choose your database and, using the export feature, download a SQL file.
- Using the command line: mysqldump -u username -p database_name > database_name.sql
Importing Databases:
- Using phpMyAdmin: Using the import feature, upload your SQL files to the new dedicated server.
- Using the command line: mysql -u username -p database_name < database_name.sql
Step 6: Update Config Files
Update the config files of your website in order to consider the new server platform. This involves updating connection strings in the database, file paths, and other settings unique to the old hosting platform.
Step 7: Thoroughly Test Your Website
Before pointing your domain name to the new dedicated server, thoroughly test your website to make sure that everything is working fine. Analyze broken links and performance issues. It’s recommended to utilize a staging version of your website or IP address to test your website.
Step 8: Update DNS Records
Once you’re sure that your website is working perfectly on the new dedicated server, update your DNS records to point your domain to the new dedicated server’s IP address. This step points your domain to the new server.
Updating DNS records:
- Sign in to domain registrar: To access the DNS management panel of your domain registrar.
- Update “A” records: Update the “A” records to the new dedicated server’s IP address.
- Wait for DNS propagation: DNS record changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate all over the world.
Step 9: Monitor And Optimize
After completing the migration process, constantly monitor your dedicated server’s performance, security, and uptime. Apply any important optimizations and adjustments you require to make sure your website works efficiently.
Tools to monitor server
- Server uptime monitoring: Use different tools, such as UptimeRobot or Pingdom, to monitor the website’s uptime.
- Performance monitoring: Use different tools, such as New Relic or GTmetrix, to monitor the website’s performance and find blockages.
- Security monitoring: Regularly scan and monitor your dedicated server for vulnerabilities and keep all software up-to-date.
What Differentiates MilesWeb’s Dedicated Server From Others?
MilesWeb offers leading dedicated server hosting services customized just to fulfill your specific requirements. Our dedicated servers offer high-level performance, enhanced security measures, and 24*7/365 customer support to make sure your website is up and running continuously.
Contact our support team to learn more about how MilesWeb’s dedicated hosting can help your business be a forerunner.
Conclusion
Migrating to dedicated server hosting can significantly enhance your website’s performance, security, and scalability. By following the above-mentioned steps, you can assure a smooth transition with minimum downtime.
Also, don’t forget to back up, test, and monitor your website thoroughly after migrating to a new dedicated server to ensure your website stays fast, secure, and prepared for lasting growth. If you still have any questions or doubts, feel free to contact us via email, chat, or phone; we’re glad to offer our assistance!