Thinking about moving your website to a new hosting provider?
We understand that businesses sometimes need to make changes. Before you make the switch, here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for a smooth transition.
How the Transfer Process Works
When you decide to move your website, here’s what you can expect from us:
- We’ll bundle up all your website files and send them to you through a secure link.
- No need to worry about accessing cPanel or your WordPress admin area – we take care of that part for you.
- You or your new host will need to install these files on your new server.
- Just make sure your new hosting setup can handle everything your website needs.
Remember, our security is pretty tight. We can’t give you or your developer direct access to our servers or WordPress admin. This keeps everyone’s websites safe and secure.
Our Secure
Environment Policy
You might wonder why we’re so careful about access to our systems. Here’s the deal:
- We don’t provide WordPress admin access for any sites on Managed Hosting.
- We can’t allow FTP access to our servers.
- We can’t let developers directly into our hosting environment.
- Everything you need will be packaged up and sent securely.
This isn’t because we’re being difficult – it’s actually for everyone’s protection. Our secure servers host many websites, and keeping tight control helps prevent security issues that could affect all our clients.
The 30-Day
Notice Period
We ask for a 30-day heads-up when you’re planning to leave. Why? It gives both of us time to prepare properly. Here’s what this means for you:
- If you tell us today you’re canceling; your service continues for 30 more days.
- Yes, you’ll still need to pay for these 30 days (we don’t prorate).
- But this gives you plenty of time to get everything for a smooth move.
Think of it as a transition period – you’re still up and running while you set up your new digital home.
Your Website Content
Here’s something important to keep in mind: once we give you your website files, any new stuff added to your current live site won’t be included.
For example:
- Customer form submissions that come in after the file handover.
- Any new blog posts or page updates you make.
- Product additions or changes to your inventory.
- New customer purchases and order information.
- Any content edits or new images you upload.
Friendly Tip: Keep a list of everything you change on your site after getting your transfer files. You’ll need to manually add these changes to your new site later.
Special Features That May Not Transfer
Our Safe & Sound Managed Hosting Plan has some special features that won’t automatically work on your new hosting. It’s kind of like moving from a fully furnished apartment to an empty one:
- Premium plugins we’ve paid for (you’ll need your own licenses)
- Google or other third-party API keys (you’ll need your own)
- Special security features that only work on our servers
After you move out, you’ll need to buy your own furniture (so to speak). This means purchasing licenses for premium plugins and getting your own API keys to keep everything working smoothly.
Your Email, Domain, and DNS Management
Your hosting package with us is like a bundle deal – it includes your domain management, DNS services, and email. When you cancel:
You’ll need to find a new home for your email accounts.
Domain
You’ll need to take over the management of your domain name.
DNS
You’ll need someone to handle your DNS settings.
These services come as a package deal with your hosting.
When you leave us, you’ll need plans for all these services, not just where your website lives.
Domain Name Transition
What about your domain name? If we’re currently managing it for you, you have a few options:
- Transfer it to your own eNom account (that’s where it’s currently registered.)
- Move it to a completely different company that handles domains.
- Just let it expire when the registration period ends (not recommended if you want to keep your website!)
Friendly Tip: It’s best to decide what you want to do with your domain before canceling it to avoid unexpected disruptions to your website and email.
What Happens When Hosting is Canceled
When your hosting officially ends with us:
- Everything gets removed from our servers – and we mean everything.
- All your email accounts, files, images, and databases are permanently deleted.
- Once it’s gone, we can’t get it back for you.
- All domains connected to your account will be affected.
Think of it like moving out of a house – once you’re gone and we’ve cleaned it out, there’s no coming back for that stuff you left in the closet!
Before Cancellation Checklist
Let’s make sure you don’t forget anything important!
Before your cancellation date:
- Save the website files we send you.
- Get those files to your new hosting provider.
- Double-check that your new host has properly installed everything.
- Back up all your email accounts and set up a new email service.
- Transfer your domain to wherever it’s going to live next.
- Make sure someone’s handling your DNS settings.
- Ensure your DNS settings and records are properly copied to maintain email and service access (taking a screenshot can be really helpful.)
- Buy licenses for any premium plugins you want to keep.
- Set up your own API keys for Google services and other tools.
- Test your website thoroughly on the
new server – click everything!
Taking care of these things before the cancellation date will help avoid the dreaded
“my website disappeared!” phone call.
Need Help?
Moving can be complicated, and we understand you might need a hand. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- We can help with technical questions, but there will be charges for support related to setting up your site elsewhere.
- Your new hosting provider might offer migration assistance – it’s worth asking!
- If you’re not tech-savvy, consider hiring a web developer to handle the installation.
- We’re happy to explain what’s in your website package, but we can’t troubleshoot issues on your new server.
Remember, moving a website is a bit like moving to a new house—sometimes, you need professional movers to help with the heavy lifting!
We’re here to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions about what your specific site will need, please get in touch with your Account Director.
We’ve created this guide to help make your transition smoother. Please refer to our complete Cancellation Form and Terms & Conditions for the official details. And, of course, if you have questions about your specific situation, your Account Director is just a phone call away!
