Step-by-Step Guide: Migrating Your Nonprofit's WordPress Site to Azure

Migrating your nonprofit's WordPress site to Azure can significantly enhance its performance, security, and scalability. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring your website is up and running on Azure with minimal disruption.

Why Migrate to Azure?

Azure offers a range of benefits for nonprofits, including cost-effective solutions, robust security features, and the ability to scale resources as needed. By migrating to Azure, your nonprofit can leverage these advantages to better serve your mission and community.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• An Azure account and subscription (nonprofits can access Azure credits and grants).
• Administrative access to your current WordPress site.
• A backup of your WordPress site.

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Site

1. Visit the wp-admin: To visit the admin portal of your current WordPress site, put /wp-admin after your website url. If your website is www.example.com just add www.example.com/wp-admin  
2. Using All-In-One WP Migration Plugin 
   • Press on Plugin then add Plugin 

      

   • Search for All-In-One WP Migration
     

      

   • Left click on the plugin. Select export and use the plugin to create a backup of your site by exporting it to a file.
     
     

      

Step 2: Deploy WordPress on Azure

1. Create a Web App: Follow the first 2 articles from the series that will help you create a WordPress Site in Azure:
   • Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 1) | Microsoft Community Hub
   • Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 2) | Microsoft Community Hub
2. Deploy WordPress: Use the All-In-One WP Migration plugin to import your site into the new Azure web app. Install the plugin on the new WordPress instance, then import the backup file you created earlier.

   If you encounter an error due to host restrictions on file sizes exceeding 50 MB, please refer to this article for detailed instructions on how to resolve the issue:Resolving Host Restrictions on File Sizes Exceeding 50 MB in WordPress on Azure for Nonprofits | Microsoft Community Hub.

Step 3: Test and Optimize

1. Test Your Site: Thoroughly test your WordPress site on Azure to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Check for broken links, missing files, and performance issues.
2. Optimize Performance: Use Azure Monitor and Application Insights to identify and resolve any performance bottlenecks.
3. Configure Auto-Scaling: Set up auto-scaling rules to automatically adjust resources based on traffic and demand.

Step 4: Update DNS and Go Live

1. Update DNS Records: Update your domain's DNS records to point to the new Azure web app. This may involve updating A records, CNAME records, or other DNS settings.
2. Monitor the Transition: Keep a close eye on your site during the transition period to quickly address any issues that arise. 
3. Go Live: Once everything is working smoothly, officially switch over to the new Azure-hosted WordPress site. For steps on how to add a DNS record. follow this article: Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 3) | Microsoft Community Hub

Conclusion

Migrating your nonprofit's WordPress site to Azure can provide numerous benefits, including improved performance, enhanced security, and greater scalability. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful migration, allowing your nonprofit to better serve its mission and community.