Whether you're switching hosting providers for better performance, support, or pricing, moving your WordPress website to a new host might sound like a daunting task.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be.
With the right tools and a clear process, you can migrate your WordPress site with minimal downtime—and in some cases, completely free.
In this post, we’ll break down your options for moving your site, whether you're looking for a hands-off migration or you want to learn the ropes yourself. If you're based in Newcastle or the wider North East and looking to learn WordPress properly—including how to handle migrations—our Newcastle-based specialist WordPress training can help too. More on that at the end.
Option 1: Use a Hosting Company That Offers Free WordPress Migration
Many premium hosting providers now include free site migration as part of their service. This is by far the easiest route, especially if you're not confident in handling backups, files, or databases on your own.
Here are a few popular hosting companies that offer free WordPress migration at the time of writing:
Kinsta – Known for high-speed hosting and expert WordPress support, Kinsta provides concierge-level migrations.
Fasthosts – A UK-based provider offering WordPress-optimised hosting with a free migration service.
Dreamhost – US-based but trusted globally, Dreamhost offers easy and automated WordPress transfers.
Cloudways – Offers cloud-based hosting and an easy migration plugin to move your site over.
If you're thinking of upgrading your hosting to improve performance or customer support, these options can save you time and stress during the transition.
Option 2: Use a Free WordPress Migration Plugin
For those who want a bit more control (or whose hosts don’t offer migration help), there are excellent free WordPress plugins that make the process much smoother. These tools package up your site, files, and database, and help you deploy them on the new host.
Here are some of the best free options:
All-in-One WP Migration – One of the easiest tools to use, great for beginners.
Migrate Guru – Fast and reliable, especially good for larger websites.
Duplicator – More manual steps, but highly customisable for advanced users.
1-Click WordPress Migration – Lightweight and ideal for simpler sites.
Need help deciding which plugin is right for your site? These comparison guides can help:
13 Best WordPress Migration Plugins
9 Powerful WordPress Migration Plugins
While this process gives you full control, it’s also more prone to errors if you're not familiar with the steps. If you're interested in mastering these techniques, our 1-to-1 WordPress coaching sessions in Newcastle can guide you through it with hands-on practice.
Option 3: Migrate Your WordPress Site Manually
For those who are comfortable getting their hands dirty—or want to learn how things work under the hood—manual migration is always an option. This involves:
- Exporting your WordPress database via phpMyAdmin or similar tools.
- Downloading your WordPress files via FTP.
Uploading the files to your new host.
- Importing the database into the new hosting environment.
- Updating your wp-config.php file with the new database credentials.
- Changing your DNS settings to point your domain to the new host.
While this process gives you full control, it’s also more prone to errors if you're not familiar with the steps. If you're interested in mastering these techniques, our 1-to-1 WordPress coaching sessions in Newcastle can guide you through it with hands-on practice.
Things to Watch Out For During Migration
No matter which route you choose, keep an eye out for the following:
- Backups: Always take a full backup of your site before starting any migration.
- Downtime: Most modern methods minimise downtime, but it’s worth planning the move during off-peak hours.
- Broken links or missing media: After migration, do a full check of your site to ensure everything’s working as expected.
- Permalinks: Sometimes you’ll need to reset your permalink structure in the WordPress dashboard after migration.
Want to Learn How to Migrate WordPress Like a Pro?
No matter which route you choose, keep an eye out for the following:
Migrating your WordPress site is a brilliant opportunity to get to know your website a bit better. Whether you’re a small business owner, blogger, or freelancer in the North East, learning how to manage your own site can save you time, money, and stress down the line.
We offer WordPress training in Newcastle, including tailored 1-to-1 WordPress coaching for those who want to:
- Understand how hosting and domain management works.
- Safely migrate or clone WordPress websites.
- Learn how to use backup plugins and troubleshoot common issues.
- Get step-by-step guidance from a Newcastle-based WordPress expert.
Our sessions are ideal for beginners, business owners, and freelancers who want real, practical WordPress skills. You’ll leave with confidence, knowledge, and control over your own website.
The Takeaway
Migrating your WordPress site might sound technical, but with the right approach, it’s entirely doable—even for beginners. Whether you go for a free migration service, use a plugin, or do it manually, there’s a method to suit every skill level.
And if you’re ready to learn WordPress in a supportive, hands-on environment, we’re here to help with WordPress training Newcastle businesses and individuals trust.
Want to chat about how we can support you with your next move?
Get in touch with us today to book your WordPress training session.
