Google’s Gary Illyes recently tackled concerns regarding the potential repercussions of transitioning web hosting platforms on website rankings and SEO. This is a pertinent inquiry given the intricacies involved in migrating a site to a new host, which could adversely affect its performance.
So, what exactly does changing a website host entail? While the process can be daunting, particularly for non-technical users, it’s relatively straightforward for standard WordPress sites, especially with the aid of plugins. However, even manual migration is feasible with familiarity with website database administration tools like phpMyAdmin and SFTP software.
Illyes stressed the significance of adhering to best practices, emphasizing a methodical approach that may appear overwhelming to those unacquainted with the process.
Concerning the impact on SEO, Illyes asserted that if the migration is executed correctly, maintaining website accessibility and minimizing downtime, there should be no enduring negative repercussions on the site’s rankings in Google’s search results.
Two pivotal factors highlighted by Illyes are:
- Website Domain Resolution: It is imperative to ensure that the domain name resolves to the correct IP address where the website is hosted. This entails updating Name Servers (NS) information at the domain registrar and verifying the accuracy of the A Record to reflect the new hosting IP address.
- Minimizing Downtime: While downtime may occur during the migration process, efforts should be made to keep it to a minimum. Interestingly, even extended downtime is unlikely to permanently impact rankings, as long as the site returns with all components intact. Drawing from personal experience spanning 25 years, Illyes recounted instances where websites endured prolonged downtime due to various issues but ultimately recovered without significant SEO ramifications. However, it may take Google a few weeks to recrawl and reindex the site’s pages in the search results.
In conclusion, while the prospect of changing web hosts may seem daunting, adhering to best practices and minimizing downtime can mitigate any potential adverse effects on SEO rankings.
Author: LifeCare (Dr. Zaheer)
I am a doctor specializing in Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases. I am also a doctor who regularly educates the public.
