First Steps After Winning an Auction

Introduction
Winning a readyFlips auction is an exciting milestone, but it’s just the beginning of your journey as a website owner. To ensure a smooth start, follow these essential first steps to transfer your website, set up hosting, and prepare for successful management and customization.

1. Complete Payment #

Payment Timeline #

• After winning the auction, ensure you complete payment within 3 hours to confirm your purchase.
• If you face any delays, readyFlips provides a 24-hour grace period before the transaction is canceled and the website is relisted.

Payment Confirmation #

• Once payment is received, you’ll receive a confirmation email outlining the next steps for website transfer and setup.

2. Arrange Hosting #

Temporary Hosting Period #

• Your website will remain hosted on readyFlips’ servers for up to 30 days to give you time to arrange your own hosting.
• This ensures a seamless transition without any immediate hosting pressure.

Hosting Recommendations #

Choose a reliable hosting provider for optimal website performance. Our recommended options include:

1. Interserver: Affordable, cPanel-based hosting at $30/year.
2. A2 Hosting: Turbo Velocity plan for speed and reliability.
3. HostArmada: Web Wrap plan offering excellent uptime and support.
4. InMotion Hosting: Launch or Power plans with scalable features.
5. FastComet: Plus or Extra shared hosting plans with global data centers.

3. Initiate Website Transfer #

Backup and Files #

readyFlips will provide:

• Website Files: A complete ZIP file of your website’s data.
• Database Backup: Ensuring all content and configurations are preserved.
• Optional Backup Plugins: We can use tools like WPvivid Backup, Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, or All-in-One Migration for easy restoration.

Free Migration Service #

• ReadyFlips offers a free migration service to transfer your website to your hosting provider.
• Preferred Method: Provide your hosting login credentials for the fastest and most accurate setup.
• Alternative Access: For providers like Hostinger or SiteGround, you can grant access by adding our email address, which we’ll provide upon request.

4. Secure Your Website #

Firewall Plugin #

• Every readyFlips website includes a built-in firewall plugin for protection against cyber threats like hacking and malware.
• Regular updates and monitoring are essential to maintain security.

Additional Security Measures #

• Use strong passwords for admin accounts.
• Keep themes, plugins, and WordPress itself updated regularly.

5. Explore and Customize Your Website #

Familiarize Yourself with WordPress #

• Log into the WordPress admin panel using the credentials provided.
• Explore the dashboard to understand the features and functionalities of your website.

Branding and Content Updates #

• Customize the website’s branding, including the logo, colors, and fonts, to align with your identity.
• Update content such as text, images, and product details to reflect your business needs.

Install Essential Plugins #

• ReadyFlips websites come pre-installed with necessary plugins, but you can add additional tools for SEO, analytics, or marketing.

6. Launch and Promote #

Test Your Website #

• Ensure all functionalities, including navigation, forms, and checkout processes, are working seamlessly before launching.

Announce Your Launch #

• Use social media, email marketing, and other promotional channels to announce your website’s launch.
• Leverage SEO tools to optimize your website for search engines and attract organic traffic.

Why Choose readyFlips for Post-Auction Support? #

1. Temporary Hosting Assurance
   • Up to 30 days of hosting allows you to transition at your own pace.
2. Seamless Migration Service
   • Free, in-house migration ensures your website is set up without technical hurdles.
3. Comprehensive Guidance
   • From setup to customization, readyFlips provides ongoing support to ensure your success.
4. Built-In Security
   • Firewall protection gives you peace of mind as you launch your website.

Conclusion
Winning a readyFlips auction is the first step toward owning a successful online business. By following these steps for payment, hosting, migration, and customization, you can launch your new website with confidence. ReadyFlips is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your transition is smooth and rewarding.