My current web hosting company is terrible so I want to switch to a new hosting provider. What do I need to do?

The first step would be to make sure all your data is backed up and archived correctly. This will ensure that your account content will not get lost or compromised in the transfer process. Once this is done (or while this is being done) you can search for a new host. Find out as much as you can about the hosting companies you are considering, ask them questions and, if you can, ask their current and past customers to provide you with some information.

If you run a local Australian business, we highly recommend choosing an Australian host (eg. us).

Once you have selected a new host, start an account, upload all your data to your new host.s server and run thorough tests on your website. Once you are sure everything is working fine change your DNS records so that your domain points to your new host. It is important throughout this process that you retain your old hosting account. This ensures that until propogation is finalised your visitors will not experience any downtime and you will not lose any email still being received at your old hosting account. The DNS propagation period generally lasts between 24 to 72 hours.