A migration is more than copying files
The website may depend on a database, media, DNS records, email routing, certificates, scheduled jobs, redirects, API keys and server-specific rules. A safe plan inventories those dependencies and defines how to test before traffic moves.
Migration work may include
- WordPress or other website host changes.
- Staging-to-production deployments.
- Domain or URL changes with redirect planning.
- Database, media and configuration transfer.
- DNS, SSL, CDN and cache cutover.
- Post-migration checks for forms, checkout, email, search and integrations.
Plan the change window and rollback
The migration plan should define the source of truth, content-freeze needs, expected DNS behaviour, final synchronization and the condition that would trigger a rollback. Business-critical stores or membership sites may need a more controlled window.
Verify the paths that matter
A successful homepage load is not a complete acceptance test. The relevant page types, login, forms, transactions, redirects, robots controls and third-party connections should be checked against the agreed scope after cutover.