Best Practices for Migrating a Localhost WordPress Website to a Live Server

Introduction

Transferring a WordPress website from a localhost environment to a live server is a crucial task that can be achieved through various methods. While manual migration is a reliable and effective approach, it requires a good understanding of backend operations. Below, we will walk you through the detailed steps of this process, ensuring your website is seamlessly transferred to a live server.

Method 1: Manual Migration

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, manual migration can be the best way to ensure a smooth transition. This method requires access to an FTP application, a database management tool like PHPMyAdmin, and a basic understanding of editing files. Here are the detailed steps to follow:

Step 1: Export Your Local WordPress Database using PHPMyAdmin

Navigate to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/ to access PHPMyAdmin. Select your WordPress database from the left-hand panel. Find the Export button in the top menu bar. Choose the Custom option to get more export options. Select the gzipped compression format for larger files. Under Format-specific options, select Structure and Data. Check the boxes for the following: Add DROP TABLE / VIEW / PROCEDURE / FUNCTION statement IF NOT EXISTS AUTO_INCREMENT Enclose table and column names with backquotes Click the Go button to download the database file.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files to the Live Site

Open your FTP client, such as FileZilla. Connect to your web hosting account. Browse to the root directory of your live server. Upload all the files to the correct destination directory, such as public_html.

Step 3: Create a New Database on the Live Server

Log in to your cPanel dashboard. Click on the MySQL Databases icon in the databases section. Create a new database by specifying its name. Go to the MySQL Users section to create or add an existing user to the database. Grant all privileges to the user by checking every box. Click the Make Changes button.

Step 4: Import the Local WordPress Database on the Live Server

Navigate to the database section in cPanel and select phpMyAdmin. Import your WordPress database by clicking the Import Tab on the top bar menu. Click the Browse button to choose the database file downloaded in Step 1. Click Go to import the database.

Step 5: Redirect the Site URLs

Navigate to the wp_options table in your database via phpMyAdmin. Look for the siteURL entry under option_name. Click the Edit option to open the edit field window. Modify the option_value to reflect the new live site URL. Save the changes by clicking Go.

By following these steps, you can successfully migrate your WordPress site from a localhost environment to a live server. This manual process ensures that all elements of your website, including the database, files, and custom content, are transferred accurately and with minimal downtime.

Alternative Methods

For sites with larger databases or more complex structures, alternative methods may be more suitable. Here, we introduce two such methods:

Method 2: Using AIOWP All in One WordPress Migration Plugin

This method leverages the power of plugins to simplify the migration process. Here’s how it works:

Back up your localhost database and files. Log in to your live server’s WordPress dashboard. Install and activate the AIOWP All in One WordPress Migration plugin. Import the backup file using the plugin. If the import fails, try uploading the backup file to the server’s AIOWPBackup folder and performing the restore from the dashboard. Alternatively, upload the backup file to the server using FTP and extract it before replacing the default WordPress files.

Method 3: Using Automated Tools Provided by Host Providers

Some hosting providers offer automated tools to migrate WordPress sites. Contact your host provider to check what tools they offer, such as database export and import functions:

Contact your hosting provider to inquire about migration tools. Use the provided tools, such as a built-in export and import feature, to transfer your site content to the live server. Follow the provider’s instructions to complete the migration.

Conclusion

The process of migrating a WordPress site from a localhost to a live server can be complex, but with the right steps and tools, it can be accomplished efficiently. Whether you choose to use manual methods, plugins, or automated tools, the key is to ensure a smooth transition and minimal downtime. By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively move your WordPress website to a live environment.