Are you considering upgrading your website experience by moving from WordPress.com to WordPress.org? This transition is a game-changer, providing greater flexibility, enhanced customisation, and full control over your site. If you’re ready to take the leap, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless migration from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.
What is WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org?
Before diving into the migration process, it’s important to understand the key differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. This clarity will help you appreciate the value of your move.
WordPress.com:
WordPress.com is a hosted platform where most technical aspects, like server management and software updates, are taken care of for you. It’s great for beginners but comes with limitations in customisation, plugin usage, and control.
WordPress.org:
WordPress.org, on the other hand, is a self-hosted platform. It requires you to purchase a hosting plan and domain name, but it provides complete control over your site. You can access an expansive library of themes and plugins, customise your website as needed, and even modify the code if desired.
Why move to WordPress.org?
- Greater flexibility
- Access to thousands of plugins and themes
- Full ownership of your site and its data
- Enhanced SEO potential
- Ability to monetise your website freely
Now that you know the benefits, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of migrating from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.
Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Provider and Domain Name
To start, you’ll need a web hosting provider and a custom domain name. Hosting serves as your website’s home on the internet, while the domain name is your site’s unique address.
Tips for choosing a hosting provider:
- Opt for a hosting service that specialises in WordPress.
- Look for features like one-click WordPress installation, reliable customer support, and robust server performance.
- Popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine.
Most hosting providers offer packages that include domain registration. However, you can also register your domain separately with a registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy.
Step 2: Export Your WordPress.com Content
Exporting your content from WordPress.com is the first major step in the migration process. Here’s how to do it:
- Log into WordPress.com: Navigate to your dashboard.
- Go to Tools > Export: In the left-hand menu, find the “Tools” section and click “Export.”
- Export All Content: Choose “Export All” to download an XML file containing all your site’s content (posts, pages, media, comments, etc.).
- Download Exported File: Keep this file safe, as you’ll need it to import your content into WordPress.org.
This simple process ensures your content is ready to be transferred to your new site.
Step 3: Install WordPress on Your Hosting Account
Once you’ve chosen a host, it’s time to set up WordPress. Most hosting providers simplify this with one-click installations. Follow these steps:
- Log into Your Hosting Control Panel: This could be cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard, depending on your host.
- Find the WordPress Installer: Look for tools like Softaculous or QuickInstall.
- Start Installation: Follow the prompts to set up your site. You’ll need to choose a username, password, and site name.
- Choose a Theme: Install a WordPress theme that matches your vision.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll have a fully functional WordPress.org website ready for customisation.
Step 4: Import Content into WordPress.org
With your new site ready, it’s time to import your content from WordPress.com.
- Log into Your WordPress.org Dashboard: Use the credentials created during installation.
- Go to Tools > Import: In the left-hand menu, click “Tools” and then “Import.”
- Install WordPress Importer: If it’s your first time using the tool, you’ll be prompted to install the WordPress Importer plugin. Click “Install Now” and then “Run Importer.”
- Upload the XML File: Select the XML file you exported earlier and click “Upload file and import.”
- Assign Content: Assign the imported content to an existing user or create a new user.
- Import Media Files: Check the box to “Download and import file attachments” to ensure your media files transfer correctly.
After completing these steps, all your content will be migrated to your WordPress.org site.
Step 5: Finalise Your Migration
Once the content is imported, a few final adjustments will ensure your website is fully functional.
Set Up Redirects:
If you’re keeping the same domain, purchase the Site Redirect service from WordPress.com. This directs your old site’s visitors to your new site and helps maintain SEO rankings.
Go to WordPress.com Dashboard > Settings > General, click the Redirect link under Site Address.
Enter your new domain, and pay $13/year to forward visitors.
In Settings > General, go to the Privacy section, select Private, and save changes.
Check your old site to confirm the redirect or privacy settings are working.
Update DNS Settings:
If you’ve changed domains, update the DNS settings to point to your new hosting provider. Keep in mind this process can take up to 48 hours to propagate.
Check Your Site:
Review all posts, pages, and media to ensure they’ve been imported correctly. Look for formatting errors, broken links, or missing images and fix them.
Update Permalinks:
Go to Settings > Permalinks and select your preferred structure. This is crucial for maintaining SEO consistency.
Configure Widgets:
If your new theme supports widgets, set them up in your site’s sidebar and footer areas.
Post-Migration Tips
Now that your migration from WordPress.com to WordPress.org is complete, follow these tips to optimise and secure your site:
Optimise for SEO:
Install an SEO plugin like Yoast or Rank Math to improve your site’s visibility. Customise meta descriptions, titles, and focus keywords to rank higher in search engines.
Enhance Site Performance:
Use caching plugins like WP Rocket to improve site speed. Optimise images with tools like Smush or ShortPixel, and consider using a CDN (Content Delivery Network).
Secure Your Site:
Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to protect against malware and hacking attempts. Regularly update WordPress, themes, and plugins to keep vulnerabilities at bay.
Conclusion
Migrating from WordPress.com to WordPress.org is a transformative step for anyone seeking more freedom and control over their website. While the process requires effort, the benefits of customisation, scalability, and ownership are worth it.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll smoothly transition to a self-hosted WordPress site and unlock its full potential. Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or developer, WordPress.org offers a robust platform to achieve your goals.
Take the leap today and start building the website of your dreams with WordPress.org!