Transferring Your Squarespace Domain to WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

Transferring a domain name from Squarespace to WordPress can be a daunting task for beginners. However, it’s a necessary step for anyone looking to move their website or blog to WordPress, which is, without a doubt, the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world.

The Basics

Before diving into the transfer process, let’s start with some basic definitions:

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address that people type in their web browsers to access your website.

What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is a website builder and content management system that allows users to create and host their websites without the need for programming skills.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS, powering over 39% of all websites on the internet.

The Transfer Process

Step 1: Unlock your Domain Name

The first step is to unlock your domain name on Squarespace. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Go to the Home Menu.
3. Click on “Settings.”
4. Click “Domains.”
5. Click “Advanced Settings.”
6. Click on “Authorization Code.”
7. A code will be generated. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

Step 2: Purchase Web Hosting

The next step is to purchase web hosting with a WordPress hosting provider. We recommend Bluehost. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Bluehost website.
2. Click on “Get started.”
3. Select your hosting plan. We recommend the Basic plan.
4. Choose your domain name if you haven’t already purchased it.
5. Add your personal and payment information.
6. Click “submit.”

Step 3: Install WordPress

After purchasing hosting, the next step is to install WordPress. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Bluehost account.
2. Go to the Control Panel.
3. Click on “Install WordPress.”
4. Select the domain name you want to install WordPress on.
5. Click “Install Now.”
6. Wait for the WordPress installation process to complete.

Step 4: Export your Squarespace Content

Now that your WordPress website is up and running, the next step is to export your Squarespace content. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Go to the Home Menu.
3. Click on “Settings.”
4. Click “Advanced.”
5. Click “Export.”
6. Choose the content you want to export.
7. Click “Download.”
8. Save the exported file somewhere safe.

Step 5: Import your Squarespace Content to WordPress

After exporting your Squarespace content, the next step is to import it into your new WordPress website. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to “Tools.”
3. Click “Import.”
4. Install the “Squarespace Importer” plugin.
5. Click “Activate Plugin and Run Importer.”
6. Upload the exported file from Squarespace.
7. Click “Import.”
8. Wait for the import process to complete.

Step 6: Point Your Domain Name to Your New Website

The final step is to point your domain name to your new WordPress website. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Bluehost account.
2. Go to “Domains.”
3. Click on “Assign.”
4. Choose the domain you want to assign to your WordPress website.
5. Select the newly installed WordPress website.
6. Click “Assign this Domain.”
7. Wait for the DNS propagation to complete. This can take up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

Transferring your Squarespace domain to WordPress may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and tools, it’s relatively straightforward. By following these simple steps, you can have your Squarespace domain name transferred to WordPress in no time. With WordPress, you’ll have access to more customization options, plugins, and themes, allowing you to create a website tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether you’re starting a blog, an online store, or a business website, transferring your Squarespace domain to WordPress is a step in the right direction.