Session 2 with Coach leandro

Moving a WordPress Site from Localhost to a Live Server (Hostinger)

In this session, we explored two effective methods to transfer a WordPress site from a local server to a live hosting platform, specifically using Hostinger. This step is crucial for making a locally developed website accessible on the internet.

Method 1: Using a Migration Plugin (Recommended)

This method simplifies the process by using tools like All-In-One WP Migration or Duplicator. Here’s how it works:

  1. Export the Local Website
    • Install a migration plugin on your local WordPress site. For example, with All-In-One WP Migration, you can easily export the entire site as a single file.
  2. Import to Hostinger
    • On the live site, install the same plugin and upload the exported file. The plugin handles all file and database configurations, making it a seamless process.

This method is highly recommended for beginners or when time is a factor, as it minimizes the risk of errors.

Method 2: Manual Transfer Using FTP

For those who prefer more control, manually transferring the site using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a reliable option. Here’s the step-by-step process:

  1. Prepare the Local Files and Database
    • Export your website files from the local WordPress folder.
    • Use phpMyAdmin to export the database as an SQL file.
  2. Upload Files to Hostinger
    • Use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload your WordPress files to Hostinger’s public_html directory.
  3. Import the Database
    • Log in to Hostinger’s phpMyAdmin and import the exported SQL file into a newly created database.
  4. Update Configuration
    • Edit the wp-config.php file to match the new database credentials (database name, username, password, and host).
  5. Update Site URLs
    • Use phpMyAdmin or a WordPress tool to replace the localhost URLs with the live domain URLs.

This method requires more technical know-how but offers greater flexibility and insight into how WordPress operates behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

This session gave us practical experience with both automated and manual methods of transferring a WordPress site. By the end, we were confident in choosing the right approach based on the project’s needs and complexity.

Using these methods, I successfully migrated my portfolio website, helvin.sovasites.net, from localhost to live hosting. This site now serves as a showcase of my skills, creativity, and everything I’ve learned during the bootcamp. Seeing my work live on the web is a proud milestone in my journey as an SEO Specialist.

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