Importing an Existing Website to GoSiteMe
Already have a website hosted elsewhere? GoSiteMe makes it easy to migrate your existing site with minimal downtime. Whether you are moving a static HTML site, a WordPress installation, or a custom application, this guide covers every scenario.
Migration Options
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Automated Migration | WordPress, Joomla, Drupal sites |
| Manual Upload | Static sites, custom applications |
| Alfred-Assisted | Any site—Alfred handles the technical steps for you |
| Professional Migration | Complex sites—our team does it for you (free with Business+) |
Automated WordPress Migration
- Log in to your GoSiteMe Dashboard.
- Go to Hosting → Migrate Website.
- Select WordPress and enter your source site's URL.
- Provide the source site's wp-admin credentials or install the GoSiteMe Migration Plugin on the source site.
- Click Start Migration. GoSiteMe copies all files, the database, plugins, themes, and media.
- Review the migration report and test the site on the temporary GoSiteMe URL before pointing your domain.
Manual File Upload
- Export your website files from your current host (via FTP, cPanel File Manager, or SSH).
- In GoSiteMe, go to Hosting → File Manager or connect via SFTP.
- Upload your files to the
public_htmldirectory. - If your site uses a database, export it as a SQL dump from the old host and import it via Hosting → Databases → Import.
- Update your application's configuration file (e.g.,
wp-config.php) with the new database credentials shown in the dashboard.
Using Alfred for Migration
Simply tell Alfred:
- "Alfred, migrate my website from myoldhost.com."
- Alfred will ask for necessary credentials, perform the migration, and report the results.
Post-Migration Checklist
- Test all pages, forms, and interactive features on the GoSiteMe temporary URL.
- Verify that images and media load correctly.
- Check email functionality if your site sends transactional emails.
- Update your domain's DNS records to point to GoSiteMe (see Setting Up Your Custom Domain).
- Install an SSL certificate (free with all plans) and force HTTPS redirects.
- Keep your old hosting account active for 7–14 days as a safety net.