How to Migrate from Bluehost to SiteGround
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Has the time come to switch from Bluehost to SiteGround? It’s a solid move given that SiteGround offers unbeatable customer support, security, web speed and performance. But now that you’ve made the decision to make the move from Bluehost to SiteGround, you need to know how—and it couldn’t be easier. Let’s explore your options.
How to Migrate Your Website From Bluehost to SiteGround
You’re here to learn how to migrate from Bluehost to SiteGround, so let’s get to it. There are multiple ways to accomplish this depending on your preferences and skills. Here are the top methods to make the switch.
1. Migrate Your WordPress Site With the SiteGround Migrator Plugin
When it comes to the easiest option, the SiteGround Migrator plugin is without a doubt the most straightforward and fastest way to move a WordPress site from Bluehost to SiteGround.
It’s as simple as this:
1. Sign up for SiteGround Managed WordPress Hosting: As you go through the registration process, you’ll need to provide your existing website’s domain name after which you’ll create your account.
2. Complete website creation and get a token: After you log in for the first time, you’ll notice that you have a notification on your account homepage. This notification will have a Set up site button, which will lead you to the first step of website creation.
It’s here that the domain name used in the order will be shown. You will now just need to verify it and from there, when you continue to the next step, you’ll want to click on Select under Migrate Website.
At this point, you’ll want to choose the Superfast WordPress AutoMigration option, and then follow each step as instructed. Then you’ll receive the token, which you’ll need for the SiteGround Migrator Plugin.
3. Install the plugin: Log into your existing WordPress dashboard, which is hosted on Bluehost. Then, go to Plugins, and search for SiteGround Migrator. You’ll want to install it and then activate it.
4. Provide your token: Once the plugin is active, it will be time to use the token that you were provided in step 2.
5. Run the Bluehost to SiteGround migration: Now you’ll just need to click Start Transfer. The plugin takes care of everything else by moving all of your WordPress files and database to SiteGround.
Note that this process might take a little while. That said, you can track progress by viewing the plugin interface on your existing WordPress dashboard.
During this process, SiteGround creates a 48-hour version of your website. It’s located at a temporary URL, thus allowing you to review the site to make sure everything looks and works as it’s supposed to.
Assuming all looks as it should, then you are almost done. The last step will require that you repoint your domain. Do this by switching your DNS settings so that they point to your SiteGround website. This requires that you log into the management panel of your domain registrar. Once there, you’ll need to update your nameservers to ns1.siteground.net and ns2.siteground.net.
| Important:
When you change the nameservers this means that your domain switches the entire DNS zone to SiteGround. As a result, any third-party DNS records you may currently be using would be disconnected (for example those you might use for email or other marketing services). So if you happen to have DNS records, before you change the nameservers, you’ll want to first add them in the DNS zone editor in Site Tools. |
That’s all! Your migration from Bluehost to SiteGround is complete.
2. Have SiteGround Migrate Your Website for You
There is in fact an even easier way to transfer your site, and that’s to let SiteGround do it for you. This is a great option if your website doesn’t use WordPress, or you’d just rather let an expert manage the process for you. Here are the steps to follow:
- Sign up for SiteGround: Select a hosting plan and set up your account.
- Submit a request: From your SiteGround dashboard, you’ll want to go to the Help Menu. Select View Help Center > Contact Us > Transfer or set up a new site > Transfer website.
- Provide access details: Provide SiteGround’s team with access to your Bluehost account so that we may do the transfer.
Going this route is great for those who don’t want to put this process in the hands of experienced professionals. Doing it this way means you don’t need to worry about a thing when it comes to transferring your site from Bluehost to SiteGround.
3. Do the Manual Website Migration Yourself
Your last option is to get your technical hands dirty and do the Bluehost to SiteGround transfer yourself.
Doing the manual migration from Bluehost to SiteGround gives full control. That said, with it comes more work, and certainly requires more technical knowledge. For that reason, if you’re using WordPress, we definitely recommend the SiteGround Migrator, as it takes care of everything for you. Or of course, requesting a transfer by our team, especially if you aren’t using WordPress.
Ultimately, if you’re considering doing a manual transfer, then chances are you have a solid amount of technical knowledge. That said, if you have any questions, please read our article on how to transfer a WordPress site manually.
Last Thoughts On Your Migration From Bluehost to SiteGround
Congrats! You’ve migrated your site to SiteGround from Bluehost—we are so happy to have you as a customer. Now that you’ve joined us, maximize your site’s potential by testing it regularly, and keeping track of your website’s performance metrics. Also, very important: if you’re using WordPress, optimize your site speed and security with plugins such as SiteGround Speed Optimizer and Security Optimizer.
Switching to SiteGround is a step toward enhancing your website’s speed and security, and we’re excited to support you in achieving success. With the migration methods detailed above, you can select the option that aligns with your requirements and take full advantage of everything SiteGround provides.
