How to Transfer Your WordPress Data to HostGator
When you’re deciding to switch web hosts, one of the first things you’re probably going to want to do is export your entire WordPress installation as a backup. After all, you never know when something might happen and you’ll need that data to get back on your feet.
When you’re ready to transfer your WordPress data, the first thing you’re going to want to do is follow these simple steps so you can ensure that everything is transferred successfully.
Set Up An Account With Hootsuite
The first thing you need to do is create an account with Hootsuite. Hootsuite is a free tool that allows you to schedule tweets, set up automated tweets, or retweet other people’s content. You can use the tool to easily find and engage with your audience.
Creating an account with Hootsuite is straightforward. All you need is a valid email address and a password. You’ll also need to verify your account by clicking on the link in an email they send you. Don’t worry, this is completely free and there’s no spam or annoying marketing emails.
Log Into Your HostGator Dashboard
After you’ve set up your account with Hootsuite, you’ll need to log into your HostGator dashboard. From here, you can monitor your account, configure security settings, and download backups of your site. You can also download the WordPress importer tool so you can quickly and easily import your WordPress data into your HostGator account.
On the left-hand side of the dashboard, you’ll see a link to your WordPress.com account. Click on this to log into your dashboard and begin the process of importing your WordPress data. You can use this tutorial to guide you through the process.
Click On The Import Button
Once you’re in the Dashboard, you’ll see a button inviting you to Import WordPress. To begin the process, click on the button. You’ll see a warning message telling you that this is a one-way street and that you should only do this if you’re certain that you want to do so. Click on the Import button again to continue.
You’ll now see a menu of different backup files from your WordPress.com site. To import your WordPress data, click on the file corresponding to the version of WordPress you have. In this example, we’ll be using the Twenty Fourteen (2014) version of WordPress.
You’ll then see a page stating that the backup has been scheduled for backup. Click Continue to go to the next step.
Check Your Email
Once you’ve clicked on the Continue button, you’ll be taken to a confirmation email. Check your email account for the receipt and click on the Confirmation link to continue.
You’ll then be taken to a page asking you to log into your Hootsuite account. Simply log in with your Hootsuite account credentials and then click on the Continue button.
You’ll now see a page stating that the backup has been extracted. If you’re using an FTP client to connect to your blog, you’ll see a message letting you know that the process will take some time and that it’s not advisable to check your email while the process is running.
Navigate To The Right Place In Your Blogger Dashboard
After the backup is done, you’ll want to navigate back to your blog’s dashboard. You can do this by clicking on the Blog icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. If you’re using the free version of Blogger, you’ll see a page stating that your blog server has been successfully imported.
At this point, you can verify that all of your settings and content are present. You can also test your blog’s performance by clicking on the Gear icon in the upper right corner of your dashboard. Finally, you can download the imported WordPress data to a local computer and inspect it to make sure everything has been transferred correctly.
Restore Backup
If everything checks out, you can click on the Restore button to restore the backup you just imported. Doing this will overwrite your current live blog with the data from the backup. You can then proceed to publish your live blog as usual.
If you decide to switch web hosts after reading this tutorial, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need help with the process.