Step‑by‑Step Guide to Transfer an Existing Site to Bluehost Hosting

Updated 2026-10-14 · Hosting Reviews

Why Transfer an Existing Site to Bluehost?

Transferring an existing site to Bluehost is a smart move for small business owners who want reliable uptime, fast loading speeds, and a simple one‑click WordPress install. Bluehost offers shared, cloud, and VPS plans that start at just a few dollars a month, making it a budget‑friendly choice for new and growing businesses.

What You Need Before the Transfer

Before you start, gather the following:

• A domain name (you can buy it directly through Bluehost or keep your current registrar).
• Your current hosting account’s FTP credentials or a backup file (ZIP or full backup).
• Access to the WordPress dashboard or the CMS you’re using.
• Admin credentials for your domain registrar to change DNS records.

Choosing the Right Bluehost Plan for Your Small Business Website

Bluehost’s plans are tailored for small business sites:

• Shared Hosting – Ideal for 1‑5 pages, blogs, and local SEO. Prices start around $3–$7/month.
• Cloud Hosting – Great for sites that expect traffic spikes or need better uptime. Prices start around $8–$12/month.
• VPS Hosting – Best for complex sites with high traffic or custom applications. Prices start around $15–$25/month.

All plans include free SSL, 24/7 support, and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. Pick the tier that matches your traffic expectations and budget.

Step‑by‑Step Transfer Process

1. Backup Your Current Site – Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or your host’s backup tool to create a full backup. Download the ZIP file to your computer.
2. Sign Up with Bluehost – Choose a plan, register your domain or transfer it, and complete payment. Don’t forget to enable the free SSL during setup.
3. Install WordPress (or Your CMS) – Use Bluehost’s one‑click installer. This creates a clean environment for your site.
4. Upload the Backup – Log into the new WordPress dashboard, install the same backup plugin, and restore the ZIP file. All posts, pages, media, and settings will be transferred.
5. Update DNS Records – In your domain registrar’s panel, point the A record to Bluehost’s IP address (you can find this in your Bluehost control panel). Allow 24–48 hours for propagation.
6. Test the Site – Verify that all pages load correctly, images display, and plugins work. Check local SEO settings like title tags and meta descriptions.
7. Set Up Professional Email – Bluehost offers free email forwarding. If you need a custom domain email, add it via the control panel.
8. Configure Security Settings – Enable the free SSL, install a security plugin (e.g., Wordfence), and set up regular backups.

Speed, Security, and SEO Basics for Small Business Sites

Speed: Use a caching plugin and choose a server closest to your target audience. Bluehost’s servers are optimized for WordPress, giving you fast page loads.

Security: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated. Use two‑factor authentication and a strong password manager.

SEO: Install an SEO plugin (Yoast or Rank Math), set up local SEO meta tags, and create essential pages: Home, About, Services, Contact, and a Blog if you plan to publish regularly.

FAQ

How long does DNS propagation take after moving to Bluehost?

Typically 24 to 48 hours, though it can be faster if your registrar updates records quickly.

Can I keep my current domain registrar and just point the site to Bluehost?

Yes. Just change the A record or nameservers in your registrar’s dashboard to Bluehost’s IP or nameserver addresses.

Will my existing plugins and themes work on Bluehost?

Most WordPress plugins and themes are compatible. After restoring your backup, check for any compatibility issues and update accordingly.