How to Migrate a WordPress Site: A Comprehensive Guide

Step 2: Back Up Your WordPress Site

This is the most important step. Never start a migration without a backup. If something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have a copy to restore.

Using Plugins for Backup

Plugins like UpdraftPlus and BackupBuddy can make this task easy. UpdraftPlus offers a free version that lets you save your entire site, both files and the database. It also lets you store backups remotely. BackupBuddy is a paid option with more features, like automatic backups and one-click restores.

Manual Backup

For those who want more control, you can also back up your site manually. Here’s how:

• Files: Use an FTP tool, like FileZilla, to connect to your site and download your WordPress files. You’ll find them in the “public_html” or “www” folder.
• Database: Log into phpMyAdmin (or a similar tool your host offers) and export your site’s database. Choose the SQL format, as you’ll need this when importing it later.