One thing to consider when looking to change website hosting companies is the potential of transferring domains. You’ve read through many web hosting reviews and thought you made the right decision. Unfortunately, the web hosting company you chose just isn’t working out for you. Maybe there were a bunch of hidden fees you didn’t see in the fine print. Or your website’s performance was much too slow. Did you try to connect with customer service and only get more discouraged?
It may not even be the company. Perhaps your website simply outgrew the web hosting plan you choose. Websites with a lot of traffic can get bogged down by some shared hosting plans.
Whatever the reason, you know you need to make a change.
But what about your domain name? You know, the name that people type into their browser to get to your website (e.g. www.yoursite.com)
Can you actually use the same domain name with a different company? More importantly, is transferring domain names easy?
Why Keep Your Domain Name?
The domain name is part of your website’s identity. If it’s catchy enough, people remember it and type it in whenever they want to see what’s new with your site. Or they have it bookmarked on their browser.
If you decide to change your domain name when you switch web hosting companies, there’s no telling how many potential readers (or customers) you may lose.
They may type in your website address and get “This Site Can’t Be Reached” or a similar error message. Or their bookmark link will not work anymore.
Unless they are diehard fans of your website, they probably won’t invest much time trying to figure out what happened to it.
After all, there is no shortage of websites out there to view.
Sure, you can redirect your old domain name to the new one. Transferring domain names, however, is much less of a hassle for you. It’s also easier for your readers to remain connected to your site while you transition to a better web hosting company.
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite web hosting companies and how easy it is to transfer domain names.
Transferring Domains to WPEngine
To transfer domains in WPEngine, download their “WP Engine Automated Migration” plugin and follow their simple directions. They also have people available 24/7 to assist you.
Transferring Domains to InMotion
If you just purchased a domain with another web hosting company, you will need to wait past the 60-day waiting period. Also, if your domain name is about to expire (in 14 days or less) you should renew it with your current company.
Once you are set up with InMotion, go to the Account Management Panel (AMP) of your account. From there, go to “Manage my Account” and click on the “Transfer Domain” icon. They offer a domain transfer walkthrough for beginning users. If you have a little more experience in this area, there is also an advanced user option.
Transferring Domains to Fat Cow
Fat Cow also makes it easy to transfer your domain with a few steps. Simply add your domain to your account and then go to “Domain Central”. Choose the domain you want to transfer and then click the “Transfer” button. Type in the authorization code and click “Transfer” again.
You will get an email with a confirmation link. Click on that link. The process should be completed within 5 days.
Transferring Domains to iPower
Fat Cow and iPower have the same parent company (Endurance International Group) the process for transferring a domain to iPower is very similar to what is mentioned above for Fat Cow.
Transferring Domains is Easy with Reputable Web Hosting Companies
Why did we mention these four companies out of all the web hosting companies out there? Simple: We did our research. We found hosting companies that performed consistently well and had a high rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
If you are not happy with your current web hosting company, switching to one of these companies is easy. And you get to keep your website’s domain name with a few easy steps.
Don’t stick with a web hosting company if you are unsatisfied. It can sacrifice your website’s up-time and the attention of your potential readers and/or customers with a hosting company doesn’t perform well.
Take peace of mind in knowing a reliable company is powering your website. It could save you time, money, and headaches down the line.
