Website host migration checklist

Who this is for

Business owners, agencies, and consultants responsible for a WordPress or small-business website that needs reliable hosting, backups, and recovery.

The buying problem

Hosting looks simple until slow pages, failed updates, weak backups, or migration mistakes cost leads and support time. The right plan depends on business risk, not just the cheapest monthly price.

Decision criteria

1. Confirm backup frequency, restore process, staging, SSL, CDN, and support scope.
2. Estimate how much downtime, slow pages, or failed updates could cost the business.
3. Check migration steps and rollback options before moving a live site.
4. Review plugin restrictions, storage, visit limits, and PHP/database requirements.
5. Keep a written recovery path for launch day and future updates.

Cautions

• Do not migrate a live site without a tested backup.
• Avoid speed claims unless the actual site is tested before and after migration.
• Confirm whether email hosting, staging, and migrations are included or separate.

Sources used

• Kinsta affiliate program
• Google helpful content guidance
• FTC endorsement guides