Wix vs WordPress: A Guide to Migrating

Wix is a leading website builder that offers a user-friendly interface and customizable options to create a website without coding knowledge. However, for growing businesses, migrating to WordPress could give better control over design and functionality, with plugins and integrations to help take your brand to the next level.

Step 1: Prepare for the Migration

Before migrating, ensure your website is ready for WordPress:

Choose a Domain Name:

If keeping your domain name, transfer it to WordPress.

Backup Your Website:

Backup your Wix site using a plugin.

Install WordPress:

Install WordPress on a self-hosted server to gain site control.

Choose a Theme:

Select a WordPress theme similar to your Wix site for a seamless transition.

Step 2: Export Your Wix Content

Export your content via RSS feed or XML export:

Blog Content:

Export all blog content using the RSS feed button.

Pages, Products, and Galleries:

Export the entire site’s contents as a ZIP file in the Wix Editor under “Site” and “Site Content”.

Step 3: Import Your Content to WordPress

Import your content to WordPress:

Navigate to Tools:

Log in to WordPress dashboard and navigate to “Tools”.

Select Wix File:

Upload the Wix file and WordPress automatically configures the content.

Step 4: Set Up Your WordPress Site

Set up your website:

Select a Theme:

Install a WordPress theme that matches your website design.

Configure Settings:

Optimize your site using permalink structure, social media sharing options, and SEO settings.

Install Plugins:

Add plugins like Yoast SEO, WPForms or WooCommerce to your site.

Step 5: Redirect Your URLs

Redirect URLs to maintain website ranking:

Use Redirection Plugin:

Set up 301 redirects from Wix to WordPress.

Step 6: Test Your Website

Test your new site:

Verify Your Links:

Ensure all links, internal and external, work properly.

Check Your Site Speed:

Use a speed test tool to check load time and make improvements.

Check for Indexing:

Check your site is being crawled and indexed by search engines using Google searches.

In Conclusion

Migrating from Wix to WordPress is a simple, technical process. Implementing good hosting, preparing your content, and following proper redirects help maintain SEO and Google ranking. Customizing your site using themes, plugins and taking full control of website design and functionality can help grow your business.