Things to Think about When Changing Web Hosting Companies
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Brandie King
Introduction to Changing Web Hosting Companies
You have made the decision that it is time to move from your current web hosting company to a different web hosting company. Maybe you are currently using a free host and have decided that it is time to change to a paid host. Or it might be that the bandwidth provided by your current host does not cover your needs and you have found that switching to a host that provides more bandwidth is cheaper than paying for extra bandwidth where you are.
There are many reasons why your current web hosting company may no longer meet your needs, but no matter what your reasons there are some things that you need to think about and take care of to make your transition a smooth one.
Changing Web Hosting Companies - Transferring Your Website's Files
Before you even start looking for a new web hosting company you need to make sure that you have copies of all files, images, web pages, databases, scripts, and programs related to your web site saved in a place separate from your current host. On your personal computer, floppy disks, or CD ROMS are all good places to store your files. The reason behind doing this is so that when you change web hosting companies you will have all of the information needed for your site ready to upload to the new host.
Changing Web Hosting Companies - Research New Hosts
You want to choose a new host very carefully so that you do not end up with less services and features that you currently have. For instance, if your current web hosting company does not provide enough bandwidth, make sure that the new host you are considering provides more bandwidth than your current one. You do not want to switch web hosting companies only to find out that the new company does not fulfill your requirements either, so make sure that you thoroughly research any web hosting companies that you are considering.
Changing Web Hosting Companies - before You Cancel Your Old Web Hosting Company
Once you have decided on a new web hosting company make sure that you do not cancel your old web hosting company until your domain name is completely resolved with your new host. Also be sure that you leave all files and information on the servers of your old web hosting company until the same time so that people trying to visit your website will still be able to access it.
You will also have to check your email with both your old web hosting company and your new one for awhile because some places will still send email to your old host. You should wait for a period of about two weeks after transferring your domain name from your old to your new web hosting company before you cancel your old web hosting. Also make sure that you are no longer receiving email at the old host any more.
