How to Migrate WordPress Site to DigitalOcean Without the Hassle

How to Migrate WordPress Site to DigitalOcean

Migrating your WordPress site to DigitalOcean might seem intimidating at first. However, by following the right steps and using the appropriate tools, you can achieve a seamless transition that significantly enhances your website’s performance and loading speeds. In this guide, I’ll take you through the process step-by-step and provide useful tips to make the migration easier.

Why Migrate to DigitalOcean?

Many WordPress users eventually find that their shared hosting plans can’t keep up with their growing traffic or performance needs. At YourBestDesigns, we initially hosted one of our client’s websites on Bluehost. However, as traffic increased, we began to notice a drop in performance. After moving to DigitalOcean, we saw a remarkable boost in both site performance and loading times.

While shared hosting options like Bluehost or HostGator are affordable and user-friendly, they may not be ideal for high-traffic websites. DigitalOcean offers exceptional performance, but it does require you to handle server management on your own. If managing a server feels daunting, you might want to explore managed solutions like Kinsta, Pressable, or Hostinger to lessen the administrative burden.

Back Up WordPress Files

Before you begin the migration, it’s essential to back up all your WordPress files from your current hosting provider. Here’s what you need:

1. MySQL File: Export your database from the PHPMyAdmin page of your existing host.
2. wp-content Folder: Download the entire wp-content folder.
3. .htaccess Rules: If you’ve added custom rules in the .htaccess file, back them up as well.

Create a DigitalOcean Droplet

1. Launch a droplet using the one-click WordPress Ubuntu image (e.g., Ubuntu 14.04 or later).
2. Access the server via SSH using the credentials provided.
3. Update the server:

   sudo apt-get update -y

4. Note default MySQL and PHP details using the following command:

   cat /etc/motd.tail

5. Secure MySQL by changing the root password:

   mysql_secure_installation

Setup PHPMyAdmin

PHPMyAdmin simplifies database management. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Install PHPMyAdmin:

   sudo apt-get install phpmyadmin

2. Enable PHP mcrypt:

   sudo php5enmod mcrypt

3. Increase upload limits in the /etc/php5/apache2/php.ini file:

   file_upload_limit = 50M
   post_max_size = 50M

4. Restart the Apache server:

   sudo service apache2 restart

Import the Database

1. Create a database and user using PHPMyAdmin or the MySQL CLI:

   CREATE DATABASE yourbestdesigns_db;
   CREATE USER db_admin@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
   GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON yourbestdesigns_db.* TO db_admin@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
   FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

2. Log into PHPMyAdmin and import the SQL file exported earlier. Select the database you created and use the import option.

Upload wp-content Folder

1. Transfer the wp-content folder to your droplet using SCP or FileZilla.
2. Replace the default folder at /var/www/html/wp-content with your backup.
3. Update folder permissions:

   sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/wp-content

4. Edit the wp-config.php file to match the new database details and ensure the table prefix aligns with your backup.

Map IP to Domain Name

1. Copy the public IP of your droplet from the DigitalOcean panel.
2. Update the DNS A record of your domain with the new IP address using your domain registrar’s DNS zone editor.
3. Wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take a few hours.

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FAQs

1. How long does the migration process take?

• Depending on your site’s size and familiarity with the tools, the process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

2. Can I revert to my old hosting if something goes wrong?

• Yes, as long as you have complete backups of your WordPress files and database.

3. What if my site goes down during migration?

• To minimize downtime, complete all steps and verify functionality before updating the DNS records.

4. Is server management on DigitalOcean difficult?

• While it has a learning curve, following guides and tutorials makes it manageable. You can also use managed services like Cloudways.

5. Do I need to update plugins or themes after migration?

• Yes, it’s a good idea to check for updates to ensure compatibility with the new environment.

6. Is DigitalOcean cost-effective for beginners?

• DigitalOcean offers a variety of pricing plans starting at $5 per month. For small to medium-sized websites, it can be very cost-effective compared to managed hosting services. Check Here

7. How do I secure my server post-migration?

• Regularly update your server, install a firewall like UFW, and use secure passwords for all server and database logins.

Conclusion

Migrating your WordPress site to DigitalOcean can be a game-changer for performance and scalability. By following this guide, you’ll ensure a smooth migration process. However, remember that managing your server on DigitalOcean requires regular updates and security patches.

If server management isn’t your forte, consider using managed solutions like Cloudways or Hostinger. Additionally, pairing your site with the GeneratePress theme and HubSpot CRM can further enhance your website’s design and functionality.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!