Common Questions About AWS Migration
Get answers to frequently asked questions about AWS migration, costs, security, and performance.
Published on Jan 30, 2025
Table of Contents
Why should I migrate from WordPress to AWS?
AWS provides a scalable, cost-effective solution that simplifies website management while offering advanced features like enhanced security and global performance with CloudFront.
What are the key steps to migrate my WordPress site to AWS?
The migration process involves transferring your domain to AWS Route 53, exporting your WordPress content, and hosting it as a static site in an S3 bucket. Add CloudFront for performance and security.
Why did you migrate your website from WordPress to AWS?
The migration was motivated by a need to simplify operations, reduce costs, and align the website with long-term business objectives. WordPress lacked the flexibility needed for future plans, such as integrating AWS services and building a centralized platform.
What tools and technologies were used in the migration?
The migration leveraged the 11ty framework, Tailwind CSS, and Tailwind Typography for a lightweight and performance-focused website. AWS services like S3, Route 53, and Lambda were also utilized for hosting, domain management, and API integrations.
How was downtime minimized during the migration?
The migration was divided into three phases: launching the new website, integrating Stripe for payment processing, and setting up Google Analytics for event tracking. Each phase was carefully planned to ensure minimal downtime.
How do I transfer my domain to AWS Route 53?
Start by obtaining a transfer code from your current registrar. Then, initiate the transfer in AWS Route 53, recreate your DNS records, and ensure all traffic routes through AWS.
What are the benefits of hosting a static site on AWS S3?
AWS S3 offers low-cost, highly available hosting. Combined with CloudFront, it provides fast global content delivery, free SSL certificates, and enhanced security with AWS Shield.
How do I integrate Stripe payments with AWS Lambda?
Configure an API Gateway endpoint, connect it to a Lambda function, and use Stripe webhooks for reliable payment notifications. Use Stripe’s sandbox to test and debug your integration.
How do you ensure GDPR compliance with Google Analytics?
Implement a consent banner to allow visitors to opt in or out of tracking. Configure Google Analytics to respect user consent and track only the events that users approve.
How much money did you save by migrating from WordPress to AWS?
I eliminated the $5/month VPS hosting cost, removed paid WordPress plugins like Yoast SEO ($104.94/year), and now pay less than $1 per month on AWS hosting thanks to the free tier.
What security improvements came with AWS?
AWS provides free SSL certificates, built-in DDoS protection with AWS Shield, and CloudFront’s global network, which significantly improves security compared to my previous VPS setup.
How has AWS improved your website’s performance?
With CloudFront, my website now loads faster globally, even after moving to Portugal. It eliminates the single-server bottleneck I had with my VPS.
Is AWS scalable for future business growth?
Yes! AWS allows me to add subdomains effortlessly (e.g., API, chat services) under the same domain, making it much easier to expand my business compared to managing multiple vendors.
What was the biggest benefit of migrating to AWS?
The biggest benefit was cost efficiency—AWS eliminated fixed hosting costs, provided better security, and offered on-demand scalability.
What were the main challenges faced during the migration?
Challenges included learning that CloudFront is not ideal for APIs, configuring API Gateway properly, and integrating Stripe payments efficiently.
What advice would you give to others considering AWS?
Start with a personal website to gain experience, take advantage of AWS free tier credits, and simplify your website structure before migration.
How can I decide if migrating to AWS is right for me?
If you run a simple website (homepage, about, services) and want to reduce costs and improve performance, AWS is a great option. If you're unsure, reach out for guidance.