Learn to Manually Move WordPress from Local Server to Live Site

Transferring a WordPress site from a local area network (LAN) server to the web is a monumental change that has transferred your web page from the development phase to being production-ready. Although this may seem like an intricate process at the beginning, following a well-defined direction can ease the migration. In this manual, we will illustrate how one can manually transfer WordPress from a LAN server to the website using cloud hosting solutions which increase its speed and scalability.

 

The Imperative of Moving WordPress from Local to Live

 

Developing a WordPress site in a local environment offers numerous advantages, including a controlled setting and offline access. However, migrating to a live server is indispensable for rendering your site accessible to a global audience. A live site, hosted on a dependable server, ensures your content is accessible worldwide, delivering superior speed, security, and scalability.

 

The Merits of Cloud Hosting for WordPress

 

1. Scalability: 

 

Cloud hosting provides adaptable resources, enabling your WordPress site to seamlessly accommodate fluctuating traffic volumes.

   

2. Performance:

 

Cloud servers often deliver superior speed and efficiency compared to traditional hosting solutions. This is because of its advanced infrastructure and optimized resource management.

 

3. Reliability: 

 

Cloud hosting guarantees enhanced uptime and redundancy. As a result, it ensures your site remains operational even in the event of server failures.

 

4. Security:

 

Generally speaking, cloud hosting companies usually provide advanced security characteristics. Within that, there are backup automation processes, firewall protections as well as measures to counter distributed denial-of-service attacks.

 

Prerequisites

 

Before setting out on the migration process, make sure you possess: 

 

• Local server environment access (for example, XAMPP, WAMP or MAMP).

 

• Access to your live hosting account with FTP or cPanel credentials.

 

• A cloud hosting provider for your live site, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Bluehost.

 

• A comprehensive backup of your WordPress files and database from your local server.

 

Step-by-Step Manual Migration Guide

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Local WordPress Site

 

Before initiating the migration, confirm that your site operates flawlessly within the local environment.

 

1. Test Your Site: Thoroughly navigate your local site to verify all functionalities are operational. Verify the compatibility of plugins, themes, and custom scripts.

 

2. Updating WordPress and Plugins: Make sure WordPress core, themes, and plugins are all installed with the most recent versions. You can ensure that there are no compatibility problems after the migration by taking this action.

 

3. Make a Backup: Verify that every file and database in your WordPress site is fully backed up. This safety step will serve as a buffer if moving-related complications arise. 

 

Step 2: Export the WordPress Database

 

The WordPress database contains critical content and settings for your site. Exporting it is the initial step in migrating your site to the live server.

 

1. Access phpMyAdmin: Open phpMyAdmin within your local server environment to manage your databases.

 

2. Select the Database: Choose the WordPress database from the available list in phpMyAdmin.

 

3. Export the Database:

 

•   Click on the "Export" tab.

•  Select the export method: Quick for a straightforward export or Custom* for advanced options.

•   Choose SQL as the export format.

•   Click the Go button to download the database file to your local machine.

 

Step 3: Upload WordPress Files to the Live Server

 

After exporting the database, upload your WordPress files to the cloud server as the following step.

 

1. Use cPanel or FTP to log into your hosting account.

 

2. Access the directory of the Web Root. 'public_html' or 'www' is often the root directory. You will upload your WordPress files here.

 

3. Upload WordPress Files:

• Connect to your hosting account via an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).

 

• Upload all files and directories from your local WordPress installation to the root directory on the live server. This includes `wp-content`, `wp-admin`, `wp-includes`, and all other files.

 

Step 4: Import the Database to the Live Server

 

Having uploaded your files, the subsequent step is to import the database into the live server.

 

1. Access phpMyAdmin on the Live Server: Log in to cPanel and open phpMyAdmin.

 

2. Create a New Database:

 

• In phpMyAdmin, click on the Databases tab.

• Enter a name for your new database and click Create.

• Record the database name, username, and password, as these will be required later.

 

3. Import the Database:

 

• Select the newly created database.

• Click on the Import tab.

• Click Choose File and select the database file exported from your local server.

• Click Go to import the database into your live server.

 

Step 5: Update the wp-config.php File

 

The `wp-config.php` file contains crucial configuration settings for your WordPress site, including database connection details.

 

1. Open the wp-config.php File: Use an FTP client or the cPanel file manager to access the `wp-config.php` file on the live server.

 

2. Update Database Details:

 

Locate the section with database connection settings:

     ```php

     define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');

     define('DB_USER', 'username_here');

     define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');

     define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

     ```

Replace `'database_name_here'`, `'username_here'`, and `'password_here'` with the appropriate database name, username, and password you created earlier.

 

3. Save the Changes: Save the revised `wp-config.php` file and exit the editor.

 

Step 6: Update Site URL and Home URL

 

WordPress stores the site URL and home URL within the database, which must be updated to reflect the live server's domain.

 

1. Access phpMyAdmin on the Live Server: Open phpMyAdmin and select the WordPress database.

 

2. Locate the wp_options Table: Click on the `wp_options` table to view its contents.

 

3. Update the Site URL and Home URL:

 

• Locate the `siteurl` and `home` rows in the `wp_options` table.

• Click the Edit link next to each row.

• Update the option_value field to reflect your live site URL (e.g., `https://www.yourlivesite.com`).

 

4. Save Changes: Click Go to apply the changes.

 

Step 7: Update Permalinks

 

Permalinks govern the URL structure of your WordPress site. Refreshing them can mitigate issues with broken links.

 

1. Log into WordPress Admin Panel: Access your live site’s admin panel (e.g., `https://www.yourlivesite.com/wp-admin`).

 

2. Navigate to Permalinks Settings:

 

• Go to Settings >Permalinks.

• Choose your desired permalink structure (e.g., Post name).

• Click Save Changes to regenerate the .htaccess file and update permalink settings.

 

Step 8: Test Your Live Site

 

Upon completing the migration, thoroughly test your live site to ensure all functionalities are operating as intended.

 

1. Navigate Through the Site: Browse through pages and posts to verify that content displays correctly.

 

2. Check Media Files: Ensure that images and media files are loading without issues.

 

3. Test Plugins and Themes: Confirm that all plugins and themes are functioning properly, and free of errors.

 

4. Check Links and Forms: Verify that all links, forms, and interactive elements are working seamlessly.

 

Best Practices for Hosting WordPress on the Cloud

 

Transitioning to cloud hosting provides myriad benefits, but adherence to best practices is essential for maximizing performance and security.

 

Regular Backups

 

Automated Backups: Implement automated backups of your WordPress site to ensure data preservation in the event of unforeseen issues.

 

Offsite Storage: Securely store backups in offsite locations, such as cloud storage, to safeguard against data loss due to server malfunctions.

 

Security Measures

 

SSL Certificate: Install an SSL certificate to encrypt data transmission between your site and its users, thereby enhancing security.

 

Security Plugins: Employ reputable security plugins to shield your site from malware and unauthorized access attempts.

 

Firewall and DDoS Protection: Enforce firewall rules and DDoS protection to defend against malicious attacks.

 

Performance Optimization

 

Caching: Utilize caching solutions to alleviate server load and enhance page load times.

 

Content Delivery Network (CDN): Integrate a CDN to distribute content globally, reducing latency and augmenting user experience.

 

Optimize Images: Compress and optimize images to decrease their size and improve site speed.

 

Scalability Planning

 

Resource Allocation: Monitor resource usage and adjust server resources as needed to handle traffic fluctuations.

 

Load Balancing: Implement load balancing to distribute traffic across multiple servers, ensuring high availability.

 

Monitoring and Alerts

 

Performance Monitoring: Employ monitoring tools to track site performance metrics and detect potential issues.

 

Set Alerts: Configure alerts to notify administrators of performance degradation or security threats.

 

Conclusion

 

For global usage, it is incredibly essential to move WordPress from localhost to a live server. In doing so, it simplifies the migration process while allowing for better use of cloud computing, thereby enhancing its performance, safety, and scalability. This requires strict adherence to all instructions and best practices throughout.

 

Cyfuture’s participation in managing servers and cloud computing ensures that your website will be more effective and safe on the internet. When you are moving it, whether you are an amateur or an advanced WordPress programmer, you should know how to enhance its performance.