Migrating a WordPress site can be one of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a digital presence. Whether you’re moving your site to a new host, upgrading infrastructure, or shifting from one development environment to another, WordPress migration comes with its own set of hurdles. Businesses that overlook these obstacles risk downtime, data loss, SEO damage, and frustrated users. 

Professional WordPress migration services can help reduce risk, but it’s still crucial to understand the common issues and how to solve them. At Agency Partner Interactive, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate WordPress website migration successfully by following structured processes and deploying the right tools, including All-in-One WordPress Migration plugins, custom scripts, and reliable WordPress hosting migration solutions. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into the 5 most common WordPress migration issues and how to fix them, ensuring your business keeps running smoothly without compromising on performance or SEO. 

1. Downtime During WordPress Migration 

One of the biggest concerns during WordPress migration is website downtime. Even a few minutes of unplanned downtime can lead to lost sales, decreased customer trust, and lower search engine rankings. 

Why It Happens: 

• DNS propagation delays when switching servers 

• Misconfigured domain settings 

• Poor planning before the migration 

How to Fix It: 

• Use a WordPress site migration service that sets up a staging environment first. 

• Update DNS records only after the site has been tested on the new host. 

• Schedule WordPress hosting migration during low-traffic hours. 

• Consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to keep users connected while servers switch. 

A trusted WordPress migration company like Agency Partner Interactive minimizes downtime risk with carefully planned rollouts. 

2. Broken Links and Missing Content 

Another common issue during WordPress website migration is broken links or missing files, especially media. This can harm both user experience and SEO performance. 

Why It Happens: 

• Incorrect file path settings 

• Incomplete transfer of media uploads 

• Mismatched permalinks 

How to Fix It: 

• Use the All-in-One WordPress Migration tool or a similar plugin to ensure database and file transfers are complete. 

• Run a crawl using tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to identify broken links. 

• Update permalinks within the WordPress dashboard after migration. 

• Implement 301 redirects for any URLs that changed. 

Agency Partner Interactive uses advanced tools to ensure your content and link structure remain intact during WordPress migration services. 

3. Database Connection Errors 

A failed database connection is one of the most frustrating WordPress Migration Issues. Without a properly configured database, your site may display the dreaded “Error establishing a database connection” message. 

Why It Happens: 

• Incorrect wp-config.php settings 

• Database name, username, or password mismatches 

• Server configuration incompatibilities 

How to Fix It: 

• Update database credentials in the wp-config.php file. 

• Check MySQL user permissions on the new hosting environment. 

• Optimize database tables using phpMyAdmin. 

• If using WordPress hosting migration, confirm your new provider supports the required database version. 

This issue highlights why working with an expert WordPress migration company is critical. 

4. Theme and Plugin Compatibility Issues 

After a WordPress website migration, themes and plugins may stop working correctly, especially if the new hosting environment has different PHP or MySQL versions. 

Why It Happens: 

• Plugins relying on old PHP functions 

• Custom-coded themes not tested for new environments 

• Missing plugin files during migration 

How to Fix It: 

• Ensure all plugins and themes are updated before WordPress site migration service execution. 

• Use a staging site to test compatibility. 

• Disable problematic plugins and reinstall them cleanly. 

• For custom themes, work with developers to debug code for compatibility. 

A good WordPress migration company like Agency Partner Interactive runs full compatibility checks to prevent functionality loss. 

5. SEO and Ranking Drops After Migration 

Perhaps the most dangerous of all WordPress Migration Issues is losing SEO rankings after the move. If search engines can’t properly index your new site, organic traffic may plummet. 

Why It Happens: 

• Missing redirects for changed URLs 

• Broken XML sitemaps 

• Blocked crawlers due to robots.txt misconfiguration 

• Slow site speed after migration 

How to Fix It: 

• Generate and submit a new XML sitemap to Google Search Console. 

• Implement 301 redirects for all updated links. 

• Test site speed on tools like PageSpeed Insights after migration. 

• Monitor search engine performance closely during the first 30 days post-migration. 

Agency Partner Interactive specializes in SEO-focused WordPress migration services, ensuring rankings and traffic remain intact. 

Tools That Help With WordPress Migration 

When considering a WordPress migration company, it’s helpful to know which tools and methods they use.  

Some of the most popular include: 

• All-in-One WordPress Migration (for simple transfers) 

• Duplicator Pro (for cloning and moving sites) 

• Migrate Guru (for large sites with minimal downtime) 

• Manual Migration Methods (used by advanced teams for custom needs) 

These tools, combined with expert oversight, make WordPress site migration service more seamless. 

Why Work with a Professional WordPress Migration Company? 

DIY migrations may save money upfront but often lead to WordPress Migration Issues that cost more to fix later. A reliable WordPress migration company like Agency Partner Interactive ensures: 

• No downtime or data loss 

• Smooth WordPress hosting migration 

• Complete transfer of themes, plugins, and content 

• SEO and performance preservation 

By outsourcing to specialists, you’ll avoid critical mistakes and save time. 

FAQs 

1. What is WordPress migration? 

WordPress migration refers to the process of moving a WordPress website from one hosting environment to another, ensuring files, databases, and settings transfer correctly. 

2. What are the most common WordPress Migration Issues? 

Some common WordPress Migration Issues include downtime, database errors, broken links, plugin incompatibility, and SEO ranking drops. 

3. Do I need professional WordPress migration services? 

Yes, professional WordPress migration services ensure that your site remains secure, functional, and SEO-optimized throughout the migration. 

4. Is All-in-One WordPress Migration the best tool? 

All-in-One WordPress Migration is a popular tool for smaller websites, but larger or more complex sites often need custom migration methods. 

5. How long does WordPress website migration take? 

A basic WordPress website migration may take a few hours, while larger or complex projects may require several days. 

6. What is the difference between WordPress hosting migration and full migration? 

WordPress hosting migration usually involves moving to a new server, while full migration may also involve redesigns, restructuring, or content reorganization. 

7. Can WordPress site migration service prevent downtime? 

Yes, a professional WordPress site migration service uses staging environments and strategic planning to minimize downtime. 

8. How do I choose the right WordPress migration company? 

Look for a WordPress migration company with proven expertise, positive reviews, and a focus on SEO, like Agency Partner Interactive. 

Final Thoughts 

WordPress migration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning, the right tools, and expert guidance, businesses can move their websites seamlessly while avoiding common pitfalls. Partnering with a trusted WordPress migration company like Agency Partner Interactive ensures that your WordPress hosting migration, content transfer, and SEO preservation are handled with precision. 

If you’re planning a WordPress site migration service, don’t take unnecessary risks. Reach out to Agency Partner Interactive today and let our experts deliver a flawless transition that keeps your business running smoothly.