Migrating an Existing WordPress Site to Seravo

Migrating an existing WordPress site to Seravo's optimized hosting platform is a smooth process that can be completed without any downtime. Your site is prepared and tested in the new environment using a temporary address, and domain traffic is pointed to Seravo only after everything has been thoroughly verified.

You can choose between two migration paths: order an expert migration performed by Seravo, or handle the migration independently yourself.

Migration Methods: Expert Service vs. Self-Migration

1. Seravo Expert Migration (Recommended)

The easiest, worry-free option is to order a site migration from Seravo’s WordPress specialists alongside a new order or by contacting our customer support ([email protected]). Our specialists will:

Copy your site files and database from the old server.
Ensure WooCommerce stores have the freshest database state synchronized immediately before going live.
Confirm the site functions properly before any DNS changes are made.

The workload depends on site size and technical complexity (typically a few hours of expert work).

2. Self-Performed Migration

Experienced developers and administrators can migrate sites independently using methods such as:

Command-line tools (SSH / WP-CLI): Exporting and importing the database (wp db import) and synchronizing the wp-content directory via SFTP or rsync.
Migration plugins: Utilizing reliable migration tools (such as All-in-One WP Migration).

Step-by-Step Migration Process

A typical site migration proceeds through the following stages:

1. Provisioning New Server Space

When you place an order with Seravo, a new server environment is provisioned immediately. The environment receives a unique temporary address (e.g., example.fi-c.seravo.com), and access credentials are sent to the primary contact email specified in the order.

2. Copying Content and Database

Your files, plugins, themes, and database are copied from the old host to Seravo. Your live site remains fully functional on the old server during the transfer—copying files causes no disruption to current visitors.

3. Review and Testing on the Temporary Address

Once data transfer is complete, site functionality is verified in the new environment:

You can review the site using the temporary address or by mapping the domain to the new server IP in your local computer's hosts file.
Test visual layouts, contact forms, administrative logins, and critical workflows.

4. Going Live and DNS Cutover

Once the site has been reviewed and approved, a cutover schedule is agreed upon:

If your domain is managed by Seravo: Our team will update the DNS records at the scheduled time.
If your domain is managed externally: You will update the DNS records in your third-party nameserver provider’s management panel following the values provided to you. (Please note that Seravo does not modify configurations in third-party systems on your behalf.)
Online stores (WooCommerce): The site is placed into maintenance mode briefly during cutover to prevent new orders on the old host. The database is then re-synchronized one final time to capture all recent transactions before pointing DNS traffic to Seravo.

5. SSL Certificate Activation and Decommissioning the Old Host

DNS propagation typically takes 1–4 hours depending on TTL and caching resolvers. During this window, Seravo's automated systems provision and install a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate. Once traffic has cut over completely and the site is running smoothly on Seravo, you can safely cancel services with your previous hosting provider.

Information Required for an Expert Migration

If you order a site migration from Seravo's expert team, please deliver the following details to our support:

WordPress administrator credentials: An Administrator-level username and password for the site on your current host.
Server access credentials: SFTP, FTP, SSH, or cPanel/Plesk credentials to retrieve files and the database.
Domain management details:
- If transferring domain management to Seravo (recommended, one domain included in hosting plans): Provide the domain authorization code (EPP key / transfer code) and current DNS zone records.
- If keeping domain management with your current registrar: You will retain access to your DNS provider's dashboard to update the A/AAAA/CNAME records yourself once the site is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the migration cause downtime for my website?
No. Your live site on the old server continues serving visitors normally throughout the file transfer and testing phases. Traffic switches over via DNS only when the new environment is fully ready and approved.
What happens to my emails during the migration?
Seravo focuses exclusively on WordPress hosting and does not provide mailbox hosting. When your domain is pointed to Seravo’s nameservers, we copy all existing email records (MX, SPF, DKIM) as-is, ensuring mail services (such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) continue without disruption.
Can domain transfer and site migration happen at different times?
Yes. Administrative domain transfer and the transfer of site data are distinct processes. We always recommend transferring site data and completing testing before pointing the domain's live traffic to Seravo.