Are you considering moving your website to a new hosting company? This is a significant step that can affect your site’s performance and, importantly, its search engine rankings. However, with a careful strategy, you can switch website hosting companies and not hurt SEO, preserving your hard-earned organic traffic.
A web developer should know when switching hosting companies you have a pre/during/post checklist you should go through so you don’t hurt the local or national SEO rankings. Learn how to switch website hosting companies effectively below.
Many website owners fear that changing web hosts might negatively affect their Google search rankings. This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you make the transition smoothly. We aim to help you maintain your site’s search engine optimization (SEO) value and brand visibility.
Why Switch Hosting Companies?
Before we explore the method, let’s consider why you might want to switch website hosting companies. Perhaps your current hosting is slow, leading to a high bounce rate and poor user experience. Unreliable service or a lack of necessary features from your current web host are also common motivators.
You might have outgrown your existing hosting plans or require more server resources for expanding website traffic. Poor customer support, frequent downtime, or security vulnerabilities are also valid reasons for changing web hosts. Opting for a change web hosting provider can offer a fresh start and potentially better SEO performance.
Low-quality hosting services can directly harm your SEO efforts. For instance, slow loading speed can frustrate users and cause search engines to rank your site lower. It’s very important to make this change correctly to prevent any adverse effects on your search rankings and overall engine optimization.
Step 1: Choose Your New Host Wisely
The initial phase of how to switch website hosting companies and not hurt SEO involves selecting a suitable new web host. Your choice of hosting provider will significantly influence your site’s performance, which in turn can affect search engine perception. Consider a SEO-friendly web host that aligns with your specific needs and can support your growth.
Different types of web hosting exist, each with implications for speed and resources. Shared hosting is cost-effective but shares server resources with many other websites, which can lead to slower loading speed during peak times and potentially affect your google rankings. VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting offers a good balance, providing more control and dedicated resources than shared hosting without the cost of a dedicated server.
Dedicated servers provide maximum power, control, and security, ideal for high-traffic sites or those with specific compliance needs. Managed WordPress hosting is another popular option, specifically optimized for WordPress sites; these hosting plans often include automatic updates, enhanced security, and expert WordPress support. When you change web host, consider the location of the web hosting provider’s servers.
If your target audience is primarily local, a server physically closer to them can reduce latency. For a global audience, look for providers with a network of international servers or strong CDN (Content Delivery Network) integration. This careful selection of a website host is paramount.
When evaluating a potential website host, examine these key features:
- Guaranteed uptime of 99.9% or higher to maintain site accessibility. An unreliable host can lead to lost revenue and negatively affect your search rankings.
- Fast server response times, aiming for a low Time to First Byte (TTFB). Slow servers directly contribute to poor loading speed.
- Responsive and knowledgeable customer support, with various support plans and contact methods (e.g., 24/7 live chat, phone, ticket system). Check reviews for their support quality.
- Robust security measures. Beyond SSL certificates, look for firewalls, regular malware scanning, DDoS protection, and proactive security patching. A secure host protects your data and reputation.
- Automated and easily restorable regular backups. Confirm how often backups are taken and how long they are retained.
- Sufficient storage (SSD is preferable for speed) and bandwidth for your current and future needs. Some plans include unmetered bandwidth, but always check the fair use policy.
- Scalability options. Your chosen web hosting should allow you to easily upgrade resources as your website traffic grows.
Thoroughly research and read user reviews before making a decision. A quality hosting service can improve your SEO by offering faster loading speed and greater reliability. Check what their hosting plans include, from basic features to advanced developer tools, and how they can support your long-term growth and SEO performance goals.
Ask potential web hosts about their infrastructure, data center security, and how their specific hosting affect SEO. A good web hosting provider will be transparent about these aspects and should be able to explain how their services help search engines easily crawl your site. This due diligence is fundamental to changing hosting without negative consequences for your organic SEO.
Step 2: Backup Your Current Website
Before initiating the switch to a new website host, creating a complete backup of your current website is absolutely essential. This backup should encompass all your website files, including themes, plugins, and media uploads. Additionally, back up all associated databases and any email accounts hosted with your current provider.
Most hosting companies provide backup utilities through their control panels, like cPanel or Plesk. For WordPress users, plugins such as UpdraftPlus or Duplicator can simplify the backup process. Alternatively, you can perform a manual backup by downloading files via FTP and exporting databases using phpMyAdmin.
A comprehensive backup acts as your safety net. It allows you to restore your site quickly if any issues arise during the migration process. Store your backup files in multiple secure locations, such as cloud storage and a local drive, for added protection when moving web content; this step is vital when you’re moving your website.
Step 3: Set Up Your New Hosting Account
After selecting your new web host, the next step is to create your hosting account. Once your account is active, take some time to explore the control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk, or a custom interface). This dashboard is where you will manage your domains, files, databases, email accounts, and other hosting services.
Many hosting providers offer website migration services, sometimes free with certain hosting plans, which can simplify moving your website. If your new web hosting provider offers this, it can save you considerable time and effort. This is particularly helpful if you are migrating website data for a complex site or are not technically inclined.
If you are handling the migration yourself, you will need to upload your website files to the new server using FTP or the file manager in your control panel. You will also need to create new databases and import your backed-up database content. Finally, update configuration files (like wp-config.php for WordPress) with the new database credentials for the migrating website to function correctly.
Step 4: Update Your DNS Settings
Updating your DNS settings is a very important part of how to switch website hosting companies and not hurt SEO. The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like the internet’s phonebook, directing users to your website’s server. You must update these settings to point your domain to the new hosting provider.
Your new host will provide you with their nameserver addresses, typically two or more. You’ll find these in your welcome email or their support documentation. Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel (where you bought your domain name) and replace the old nameservers with the new ones.
This change is not instantaneous; it undergoes a process called DNS propagation, which can take anywhere from a few hours up to 48 hours to complete worldwide. During this time, some visitors might see your site on the old host, while others see it on the new one. Patience is needed during this phase of changing web hosts as it can affect search results temporarily.
To potentially speed up this process, consider lowering the TTL (Time To Live) values for your DNS records a day or two before making the nameserver switch. However, this is an advanced step and should be done with care. Incorrect DNS changes can make your website inaccessible, negatively impacting your organic traffic and search engine performance.
Step 5: Test Your Website
After DNS propagation appears complete, or by using a temporary URL provided by your new host (or modifying your computer’s hosts file to point your domain to the new IP address), thoroughly test your website on the new hosting server. Verify that all pages load correctly, images and videos display properly, and website styling (CSS) is intact. Use browser developer tools (F12 in most browsers) to check for console errors, like JavaScript issues or 404 errors for missing resources.
Check for any broken links, both internal and external, using an online link checker tool or a website crawler like Screaming Frog (free version for smaller sites). Pay close attention to interactive elements and dynamic content. Test all forms, such as contact forms, comment sections, and newsletter sign-ups, to confirm they are functional and that submissions (potential lead conversions) are being received correctly.
If you run an e-commerce site, the testing phase is even more critical: test the entire shopping process, from product page display and adding items to the cart, through to the payment gateway and order confirmation. Examine your most critical pages, including your homepage, main service or product pages, and popular blog posts. Ensure that custom functionalities or third-party integrations are working as expected.
Log in to the administrative backend of your CMS (e.g., WordPress dashboard) to check its functionality, including saving posts, managing users, and plugin settings. Addressing any discovered issues immediately is vital to minimize any negative effect on user experience and SEO performance after moving web host. A seamless user experience is important for maintaining a low bounce rate.
Step 6: Update Your SSL Certificate
If your website uses HTTPS (which is highly recommended for security and SEO), you must set up an SSL certificate on your new web host. An SSL certificate encrypts data between your users’ browsers and your server, protecting sensitive information. This is a factor that can affect search engine ranking and user trust.
Many hosting services offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt, often installable with a few clicks from the control panel. If you have a paid SSL certificate, you might be able to transfer it to the new server, or you may need to reissue it for the new hosting environment. Consult your SSL provider and new host for instructions on this part of changing hosting.
A valid SSL certificate is vital for maintaining Google rankings, as Google favors secure sites. It also reassures visitors that your site is trustworthy. After installation, check your site for any mixed content warnings (HTTP elements on HTTPS pages) and resolve them promptly to prevent security issues or a drop in SEO rankings.
Step 7: Set Up 301 Redirects
Implementing 301 redirects is critical if your website’s URL structure has changed in any way during the switch to a new web host. A 301 redirect permanently sends users and search engines from an old URL to a new one. This process is essential for preserving your accumulated link equity and preventing lost organic traffic when you switch website infrastructure.
Even if you believe your URLs haven’t changed, it’s wise to check for common variations like www vs. non-www or trailing slashes that might differ on the new server configuration. Setting up redirects correctly means search engine crawlers understand that content has permanently moved, which helps maintain your search rankings. Failing to do so can severely impact SEO.
You can configure 301 redirects in your server’s .htaccess file (for Apache servers) or server block configuration (for Nginx servers). If you use a CMS like WordPress, plugins such as “Redirection” can simplify managing these redirects. Always test your redirects thoroughly to make sure they point to the correct new pages and don’t create redirect loops or send users to irrelevant content.
Step 8: Update Your Sitemap and Robots.txt
Once your website is live and stable on the new hosting provider, update your XML sitemap. This file lists all important pages on your site, helping search engine crawlers discover and index your content efficiently on the new server. After updating, resubmit your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
Next, review your robots.txt file. This file instructs web crawlers which parts of your site should or should not be accessed. Make certain it isn’t inadvertently blocking search engines from crawling important content, which could negatively affect your SEO rankings and visibility in google search.
A correct robots.txt file allows search engines to easily crawl your site and understand its site structure. Proper configuration of both sitemap and robots.txt is important for good search engine performance. It guides engine crawlers and supports the indexing process after changing hosting; this step directly influences how hosting affect SEO positively.
Step 9: Monitor Your Site’s Performance
In the days and weeks following the switch to your new website host, diligently monitor your site’s performance. This ongoing observation is key to identifying and addressing any issues promptly. Use tools like Google Search Console to check for crawl errors, indexing status, mobile usability, and Core Web Vitals reports.
Google Analytics is invaluable for tracking website traffic, user behavior, bounce rate, and conversion rates. Keep an eye on your search rankings for important keywords using rank tracking software; this will help you see if the move has affected your google search rankings. Additionally, consider using uptime monitoring services to receive alerts if your site goes down.
If you detect significant drops in organic traffic, a spike in bounce rate, or a decline in search engine ranking, investigate the cause immediately. Sometimes subtle problems related to the new hosting environment only become apparent after a few days. Swift action can mitigate any negative impact on your overall SEO performance and engine performance after switching hosting providers.
Step 10: Update Your External Links
If you manage any external links pointing to your website, update them if necessary after changing web hosts. These links can be found on social media profiles, local business listings like Google Business Profile, and online directories. They might also appear in guest posts you’ve written or your email signatures.
While this step doesn’t directly influence how search engine crawlers see your new server, it contributes to a consistent user experience and strengthens your brand visibility. Outdated links can lead to confusion or lost referral traffic. Keeping this information current is good practice for holistic organic SEO, even though you’re moving web infrastructure.
Updating these external references helps maintain a professional online presence. It reinforces the stability of your website even through the process of moving web host. Consistency across all platforms supports user trust and can indirectly benefit your search engine optimization efforts in the long term.
Step 11: Optimize for Speed
With your website settled on its new hosting service, focus on optimizing its loading speed. Page speed is a confirmed ranking factor for Google Search and significantly impacts user experience, which in turn affects your search engine ranking. A faster website can lead to lower bounce rates, higher engagement, improved lead conversions, and better overall SEO performance.
Google’s Core Web Vitals are key metrics for measuring user experience: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measures loading performance, First Input Delay (FID) measures interactivity, and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) measures visual stability. Your choice of web hosting and subsequent optimizations directly affect these scores. A quality hosting provider facilitates a solid foundation for good Core Web Vitals when you change web hosting.
There are several techniques to improve your site’s speed and Core Web Vitals:
- Compress images using tools or plugins, and serve them in next-gen formats like WebP. Implement responsive images that adapt to different screen sizes to improve LCP.
- Minify HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to reduce their size by removing unnecessary characters. Defer or async non-critical JavaScript to improve FID and LCP.
- Leverage browser caching by instructing browsers to store static assets locally, speeding up repeat visits for returning users.
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to distribute your site’s static content across multiple servers globally. This reduces latency for users, especially beneficial if you have international servers or a widespread audience, and helps improve LCP for users far from your origin server.
- Explore server-level caching options like Varnish, Memcached, or Redis, if available with your hosting plan. These can drastically reduce server response times.
- Enable Gzip or Brotli compression to reduce the size of files sent from your server to the browser.
- Optimize your database by cleaning out old revisions, spam comments, and transients, especially for database-driven sites like those using WordPress hosting.
- Specify image dimensions in your HTML/CSS to prevent layout shifts and improve your CLS score.
For users on WordPress hosting, choosing a lightweight theme and well-coded plugins is also important, as bloated software can negatively affect loading speed. Regularly review your site’s speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and WebPageTest. These optimizations can provide a noticeable boost to your Google search rankings and overall engine performance on your new web host.
Step 12: Keep Your Old Hosting Active (Temporarily)
A prudent measure when switching hosting is to not cancel your current hosting account immediately after the migration. Keep your old hosting service active for a short transitional period, typically one to two weeks. This provides a safety net if unforeseen critical issues arise with the new host that require you to temporarily revert.
This overlap also helps to make certain that users can still access your site via the old host if they encounter lingering DNS propagation delays. Once you are confident that the new hosting setup is stable and all data has been successfully transferred and tested, you can proceed to cancel your old hosting plan. Communicate clearly with your old provider about the cancellation to avoid unexpected bills when you change web.
While paying for two hosting services simultaneously isn’t ideal long-term, this temporary measure is a small price for peace of mind. It helps manage risks during the complex process of moving web operations. It is a critical part of how to switch website and not hurt SEO in the immediate aftermath of the change.
Conclusion
Understanding how to switch website hosting companies and not hurt SEO might appear challenging, but with methodical planning and careful execution, it is entirely achievable. The process involves several critical steps, each requiring attention to detail to protect your search engine ranking. Successfully changing web hosts means your site can benefit from improved performance without negatively impacting its SEO.
Some minor, temporary fluctuations in your search rankings can occur after such a significant change. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make the transition smoothly and avoid any lasting harm to your SEO efforts. A new, superior web host can be a great deal for your site’s health and could even improve how hosting affect SEO in a positive way over time, potentially boosting your organic traffic and improving your google search rankings.
So, proceed with your switch hosting plans with confidence. By adopting the right strategy for moving your website, you can secure a better hosting environment for your site. This allows you to maintain and even enhance your hard-earned search engine visibility and user experience, ultimately helping your engine optimization efforts. Happy hosting on your new platform.
