Knowledgebase

Preparing to Migrate Your Website (Firstserv Guide)

Moving your website doesn’t have to be stressful. At Firstserv, we aim to make your migration as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

This guide highlights some important steps to help you prepare, minimise downtime, and ensure a successful transition.

Quick Tip

If some of this seems overwhelming—don’t worry! Skip ahead to Tip 6 and let us handle things for you.

✅ Tip 1: Speak to Us First

We’re here to help.

• Reach out via live chat or support ticket
• We can guide you through the process step-by-step
• We’ll explain what’s needed based on your setup

✅ No question is too small—getting advice early can save time later.

✅ Tip 2: Plan Your Migration

Before you start, decide:

• When you want to carry out the migration
• How much time you’ll need for testing
• Whether your site will go into maintenance mode

Things to Consider

• When traffic is lowest (evening or weekend is often best)
• How to take backups of your site and database
• How you’ll upload or transfer files

⚠️ If this sounds complicated—see Tip 6 (we can do it for you)

✅ Tip 3: Lower Your DNS TTL (Important)

To reduce downtime, update your DNS TTL (Time To Live) before migrating.

What This Means

• DNS connects your domain name (e.g. yourdomain.com) to your server IP
• TTL controls how long that information is cached globally

Recommended Change

• Reduce TTL from:

  86400 (24 hours)
  

  to:

  300 (5 minutes)
  

👉 Do this a few days to a week before migration

Why This Matters

✅ Faster DNS updates after switching
✅ Less downtime
✅ Visitors reach your new server more quickly

✅ Tip 4: Don’t Cancel Your Current Hosting Yet

Keep your existing hosting active during migration.

Why?

• Allows time for testing your site on Firstserv
• Ensures nothing is lost or missed
• Gives you a fallback if needed

✅ Always allow an overlap period before cancelling your old service

✅ Tip 5: Decide What to Do with Your Domain

Your domain name can remain with your current provider or be transferred to Firstserv.

You Have Two Options

✅ Transfer Your Domain to Firstserv

• DNS is managed automatically
• Everything stays in one place

✅ Keep Domain with Current Provider

• Update:
  • A records (for websites), or
  • Nameservers (to use Firstserv DNS)

Important (Email Users)

If you use third-party email (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365):

• ✅ Make sure all required DNS records (MX, SPF, etc.) are copied before switching

✅ Tip 6: Use Our Free Migration Service

Don’t want to deal with the technical side?

👉 Let Firstserv handle it for you.

We offer:

• ✅ Free migrations (within limits)
• ✅ Full support throughout the process
• ✅ Minimal downtime transitions

Summary

To ensure a smooth migration:

1. ✅ Talk to our team for guidance
2. ✅ Plan your migration time and process
3. ✅ Lower your DNS TTL in advance
4. ✅ Keep your current hosting active during the move
5. ✅ Decide how to manage your domain
6. ✅ Use our free migration service if preferred

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about any step or want us to handle everything, the Firstserv support team is ready to help make your move simple and stress-free.