Site Migration

1. Export: Install plugin on OLD site > Export > File.

2. Download: Save the .wpress file.

3. Import: Install generic WordPress on NEW host > Install Plugin > Import > File.

4. Finish: Re-save Permalinks structure twice to flush rewrite rules.

✅ Pros: Zero configuration, handles serialized data automatically.

❌ Cons: Upload limits on free version, Import usually gets stuck on cheap shared hosting.

1. Package: Install on OLD site > Create New Package > Scan > Build.

2. Download: Get both installer.php and archive.zip.

3. Upload: FTP both files to the empty root directory of NEW host.

4. Install: Visit newsite.com/installer.php. It extracts the zip and overwrites the DB.

✅ Pros: Doesn't require WordPress to be installed first. Great for moving Local -> Live.

❌ Cons: Requires FTP access, must manually create empty DB on host.

1. Export DB: Select 'Export Database' > Find <old-url> Replace with <new-url>.

2. Files: You must move wp-content manually via FTP/SSH.

3. Import: Import the SQL file into the new database (via phpMyAdmin/CLI).

✅ Pros: Extremely reliable find/replace for serialized data.

❌ Cons: Requires manual file handling (Pro version handles files but is expensive).

1. Key Method: Generate an 'Auto-Migration Key' on the NEW site plugin.

2. Paste: Paste key into OLD site plugin > Click 'Save & Transfer'.

3. Sync: It sends the files server-to-server directly (bypassing your PC).

✅ Pros: Server-to-server transfer relies less on your internet speed.

❌ Cons: Can fail if firewalls block the connection.