Migrating Your Portfolio from GoDaddy to Bluehost

Updated 2026-10-04 · Hosting Reviews

Why Migrate Your Portfolio from GoDaddy to Bluehost

Moving a personal or resume website from GoDaddy to Bluehost can save you money, boost speed, and simplify management. Bluehost’s shared plans start at current promotional pricing, offer free SSL, and have one‑click WordPress installs—perfect for a personal branding site.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you hit the transfer button, gather these items:

• Current domain registration details – the domain name and its WHOIS data.
• Website files – HTML, WordPress files, images, and any database backups.
• Login credentials – GoDaddy FTP, cPanel, and WordPress admin if applicable.
• Bluehost account – sign up for a shared plan that fits your traffic needs.

Choosing the Right Hosting Plan on Bluehost

For a personal or resume site, a shared plan is usually enough. It offers:

• Fast SSD storage
• Unlimited bandwidth for low traffic
• Free SSL and email forwarding
• Easy one‑click WordPress or site‑builder installation

VPS or cloud plans are overkill unless you expect high traffic or need custom server settings. The cost difference can be $10‑$20/month more, which isn’t justified for a portfolio site.

Step‑by‑Step: Migrating Your Site

1. Backup Everything – Download all files via FTP and export your WordPress database (if used). Store the backup locally.
2. Register Your Domain with Bluehost – If you want to keep the same domain, transfer it. Otherwise, purchase a new custom domain through Bluehost’s domain marketplace.
3. Set Up Hosting – Log in to Bluehost, choose a shared plan, and add your domain. The control panel will auto‑create a DNS zone.
4. Upload Files – Use the Bluehost file manager or an FTP client to upload your website files to the public_html folder.
5. Import Database – If using WordPress, use phpMyAdmin to import your old database. Update the wp‑config.php file with new credentials.
6. Test Your Site – Before changing DNS, preview the site using the Bluehost temporary URL to catch any broken links or missing media.
7. Transfer DNS – Point your domain’s nameservers to Bluehost’s. This can take up to 48 hours to propagate.
8. Activate SSL – Bluehost automatically provides a free Let’s Encrypt certificate. Enable it via the control panel.
9. Check Performance – Use tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed to confirm the new site loads faster than before.

Speed, Security, and Maintenance Basics

Once online, keep your personal site running smoothly with these habits:

• Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
• Install a lightweight caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket Lite).
• Schedule monthly backups through Bluehost’s backup feature.
• Monitor uptime with a free Uptime Robot account.

Bluehost’s shared environment already includes anti‑spam, DDoS protection, and automatic security updates, so you can focus on your portfolio content.

Cost Overview

Typical pricing for a personal/resume site on Bluehost:

• Shared hosting plan – current pricing (introductory rates; renewals may be higher).
• Domain registration – $10‑$15/year (includes WHOIS privacy).
• Optional email hosting – $1‑$3/month if you want a professional email like name@yourdomain.com.

In contrast, GoDaddy’s basic hosting starts around $5‑$10/month but often adds extra fees for SSL, backups, and domain privacy. Bluehost’s bundle is usually cheaper and includes all the essentials.

FAQ

How long does a domain transfer from GoDaddy to Bluehost take?

Typically 5‑7 business days, but sometimes up to 48 hours for DNS propagation once the transfer is approved.

Can I keep my existing email accounts during the migration?

Yes, if you use GoDaddy’s email hosting you’ll need to recreate those accounts in Bluehost’s email system or use a third‑party email provider.

Will my WordPress site lose custom plugins during the move?

No. As long as you back up the wp‑content folder and database, all plugins and themes will be restored on Bluehost.