Migrating a WordPress Site to Bluehost: Checklist for E‑commerce Stores

Updated 2026-10-04 · Hosting Reviews

Why Bluehost Is the Smart Choice for Your WordPress Store

If you’re moving a WordPress e‑commerce site, you need a host that keeps pages fast, protects customer data, and lets you focus on sales. Bluehost’s managed WordPress plans give you SSD storage, free SSL, automatic backups, and a one‑click installer—all for a price that starts at current promotional pricing. That makes it a top pick for beginners and small businesses.

Migrating WordPress Site to Bluehost E‑commerce Checklist

Below is a practical, step‑by‑step checklist that covers every detail of moving your store. Follow it to avoid downtime and keep SEO intact.

1. Backup Everything
   Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator to create a full backup of your files and database. Store the backup in cloud storage or on a local drive.
2. Choose the Right Bluehost Plan
   For e‑commerce, pick the Cloud WordPress or VPS WordPress option if you expect high traffic. Shared plans are fine for small shops but may limit resources.
3. Register a Domain (If Needed)
   Bluehost offers free domain registration with most plans. If you already own a domain, you can transfer it or point its nameservers to Bluehost.
4. Set Up the New Environment
   1. Log into Bluehost’s hPanel. 2. Create a new WordPress installation via the one‑click installer. 3. Enable automatic backups and SSL in the settings.
5. Export Your Site
   Use the same backup plugin to export the database and files. Download the archive to your computer.
6. Import to Bluehost
   1. In the new WordPress dashboard, install the same backup plugin. 2. Upload the archive and run the restore process. 3. Verify that all media, pages, and products appear correctly.
7. Update DNS and SSL
   If you transferred a domain, update its nameservers to Bluehost’s. If you bought a new domain, point the A record to your server’s IP. SSL will automatically activate once the domain is connected.
8. Test the Site
   Check checkout, payment gateways, and shipping options. Make sure all product images load and that there are no broken links.
9. Redirect Old URLs
   Use a 301 redirect plugin or .htaccess rules to forward old URLs to the new domain, preserving SEO equity.
10. Monitor Performance
    Install a plugin like Query Monitor to track page speed. Aim for under 2 seconds on mobile.
11. Enable Security Features
    Activate a security plugin (Wordfence or Sucuri), set strong admin passwords, and enable two‑factor authentication.
12. Schedule Regular Backups
    Set automated backups to run weekly. Store copies off‑site.
13. Optimize for Speed
    Use a caching plugin (LiteSpeed Cache or WP Rocket), compress images, and enable the built‑in CDN on Bluehost.
14. Go Live
    Once everything checks out, remove the maintenance mode and announce the launch to your customers.
15. Post‑Launch Review
    Monitor traffic, sales, and error logs for the first 48 hours. Fix any issues before scaling.

Choosing the Right Hosting Tier for Your Store

Shared, Cloud, and VPS are the main options. Shared hosting is cheapest—$3‑$12/month—great for low‑traffic shops. Cloud hosting ranges $15‑$30/month and offers better scalability. VPS starts at $20/month and gives full root access. Pick based on current traffic and projected growth.

Speed, Security, and Backup Basics

Fast loading times boost conversion. Use SSD storage, a CDN, and a caching plugin. Security protects customer data: keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date, use SSL, and run regular scans. Backups are lifesavers—make them automated and store them off‑site.

Final Tips Before You Switch

• Test the new host on a staging subdomain before switching DNS.
• Keep the old host active for at least 48 hours to catch any missed files.
• Notify Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools of the domain change.
• Use the same email addresses (via Bluehost’s email service) to avoid losing customer communication.

FAQ

Do I need a developer to move my e‑commerce site?

No. With Bluehost’s one‑click installer and backup plugins, you can do the migration yourself. Just follow the checklist carefully.

Can I keep my existing domain with Bluehost?

Yes. You can either transfer the domain to Bluehost or simply point its nameservers to Bluehost’s servers.

What happens to my SEO rankings after migration?

Using 301 redirects and maintaining the same URL structure preserves most rankings. Keep an eye on Google Search Console for any crawl errors.