Migrating your website from Pressable to local hosting can significantly boost performance, give you more control, and reduce ongoing costs. In this guide, we will cover the step-by-step process of how to transfer a site from Pressable to local hosting, along with the best WordPress migration plugins to make the task simpler. By following these 9 proven steps, you’ll be able to move your website seamlessly and without stress.
1. Evaluate Hosting Requirements and Local Setup
Before transferring your website, evaluate your local hosting environment. The first thing to consider is whether your local machine can handle the requirements of your site.
- Operating System: Ensure your local server is compatible with WordPress. Common choices are MAMP for Mac, WAMP for Windows, and XAMPP for cross-platform setups.
- Server Configuration: Verify that your local server is configured correctly, including PHP, MySQL, and Apache settings.
- Storage and Backup: Ensure you have ample space to store all website files and backups.
Once your local environment is ready, you can proceed with downloading your website from Pressable.
2. Backup Your Website Completely
The most critical step in migrating your site is creating a complete backup of your files and database. You should back up both manually and through automated tools for extra security.
Manual Backup
- Use an FTP client such as FileZilla to download the website’s files.
- Access phpMyAdmin on Pressable and export the entire database in SQL format.
- Store both files and database securely.
Automated Backup with Plugins
Some of the best WordPress migration plugins allow you to automate this process:
- UpdraftPlus: Easily backs up your entire site, including databases, directly to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- All-in-One WP Migration: An easy-to-use plugin that exports your site with minimal setup.
Having both manual and automated backups ensures you’ll be covered in case of issues during the transfer.
3. Download Website Files from Pressable
Once the backup is secured, you need to download all the necessary website files and databases from Pressable. Ensure that you gather:
- Public_html files: This contains your website’s core files, including themes, plugins, and media.
- Database: Export your database via phpMyAdmin in SQL format.
Use FTP for file transfers and ensure the folder structure is maintained during this process.
4. Set Up the Local Hosting Environment
Now, you’re ready to install your website on a local server.
- Install the necessary local server software (e.g., MAMP, WAMP, or XAMPP).
- Create a new database in phpMyAdmin in your local environment.
- Upload your website files to the local server, ensuring that all folders are properly placed.
Important Tip: Use best WordPress migration plugins like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration, which also support local installations.
5. Import the Database Locally
Once you’ve set up the local environment, import the database that was exported from Pressable. Use phpMyAdmin in your local setup to do the following:
- Go to phpMyAdmin in your local server and choose the new database you created.
- Select the Import tab and upload your SQL file.
Make sure that the import completes without errors. If any issues arise, use database repair tools or plugins like WP-DBManager.
6. Update Configuration Files
At this stage, you’ll need to update your site’s configuration to reflect the new database and local hosting environment.
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For WordPress Sites:
- Open the
wp-config.phpfile. - Update the database credentials:
define('DB_NAME', 'your_local_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'root'); // Usually 'root' in local servers
define('DB_PASSWORD', ''); // Typically left blank in local setups
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
Ensure that all other settings, such as file paths and URLs, are updated to match the local environment.
7. Adjust URLs for Local Use
Your website’s URLs may need to be adjusted when migrating from a live server to a local one. You can do this manually in the database or through a plugin.
Use Plugins:
- Better Search Replace: This plugin helps you replace all instances of the live URL with the local one across the entire database.
Manually updating URLs can also be done through phpMyAdmin using SQL queries.
Example SQL Query:
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = replace(option_value, 'https://www.your-live-site.com', 'http://localhost/your-local-site') WHERE option_name = 'home' OR option_name = 'siteurl';
Make sure to test the site after changing the URLs to verify everything works as expected.
8. Test the Website Locally
Once everything is set up, you need to thoroughly test your website in the local environment.
- Check for Broken Links: Ensure all links are updated to the local URL.
- Test Website Speed: Although you’re working locally, slow performance could indicate server configuration issues.
- Test Plugins and Themes: Ensure all installed plugins and themes are compatible with the local server setup.
Running these tests will give you confidence that your local site mirrors the live one accurately.
9. Use Best WordPress Migration Plugins for Future Transfers
If you’re planning more migrations, utilizing the best WordPress migration plugins will save time and effort. Below are some of the most efficient plugins for WordPress migration:
- Duplicator: This plugin allows you to clone your website easily. It’s one of the best options for migrating large websites.
- All-in-One WP Migration: This tool provides a simple drag-and-drop interface to migrate your website, supporting unlimited size migrations in premium versions.
- Migrate Guru: Great for large WordPress websites, this plugin handles complex migrations with ease, including handling both files and databases.
By using these plugins, future migrations from Pressable to local or another host will be seamless and significantly faster.
Conclusion
Successfully migrating your website requires careful preparation, accurate backups, and a detailed step-by-step approach. Using the best WordPress migration plugins will make the process much easier, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your website. Remember to test thoroughly in the local environment and make adjustments as necessary. Following these 9 steps to find out How to Transfer a Site from Pressable to Local is smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.
FAQs about How to Transfer a Site from Pressable to Local
1. How do I know if my local server is compatible with WordPress?
Ensure that your local environment supports PHP, MySQL, and Apache/Nginx, which are necessary to run WordPress.
2. What is the best plugin to migrate large WordPress sites?
Duplicator and Migrate Guru are both excellent for migrating large WordPress websites.
3. Do I need to update my SSL certificate when moving to local hosting?
SSL certificates are not required for local environments, but when migrating back to live hosting, you’ll need to reinstall the certificate.
4. Can I automate the migration process?
Yes, many WordPress migration plugins, such as All-in-One WP Migration, provide automation features for backups and migration.
