Feeling Overwhelmed? Make the Switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org with Ease

If you’re like the countless WordPress.com users who realize they’ve outgrown the platform and need to make the switch to self-hosted WordPress.org, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect. Fear not, as this guide will cover everything you need to know about moving your WordPress.com site to WordPress.org in a few easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Sign Up for Web Hosting and a Domain Name

When you switch to WordPress.org, you’ll need web hosting and a domain name. The good news is that you can get both from the same provider. Some popular providers include Bluehost, Dreamhost, and Hostgator. Choose a reliable hosting provider that delivers fast and reliable hosting services. When choosing a domain name, opt for a name that is easy to remember and accurately represents your brand.

Step 2: Export Your WordPress.com Content

The second step in switching from WordPress.com to WordPress.org is exporting your content. WordPress.com makes this easy, and you can do it by following these simple steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
2. Navigate to the WP-Admin dashboard.
3. Go to Tools > Export.
4. Choose what type of content you want to export (Posts, Pages, Media, etc.), and select the date range.
5. Click the Download Export File button and wait for the download to complete.

Step 3: Import Your WordPress.com Content into WordPress.org Site

Once you have exported your content from WordPress.com, it’s time to import it into your new WordPress.org site. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your WordPress.org dashboard.
2. Navigate to Tools > Import.
3. Choose “WordPress” from the list and click on “Install Now.”
4. Click on “Activate Plugin and Run Importer.”
5. Now, select the .xml file you had downloaded earlier.
6. Click on the “Upload file and Import” button and wait for the importer to complete the process.

Step 4: Set Up Your WordPress.org Site

After you have successfully imported your content, it’s time to get your new site up and running. Here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Choose and Install a Theme: WordPress.org has hundreds of thousands of themes to choose from. You can access them directly from your WordPress dashboard by going to Appearance > Themes > Add New. Look for a theme that is mobile-friendly, responsive, and matches your branding.
2. Install Plugins: Plugins are an essential part of the WordPress.org experience, and they allow you to customize your site even further. Some important plugins include SEO tools like Yoast, security plugins like Wordfence, and contact form plugins like WPForms.
3. Customize Your Site: You can customize your site by navigating to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress dashboard. From there, you can change your site’s header, background, and other aspects of the theme.

Step 5: Redirect Your WordPress.com Site to WordPress.org

The final step is redirecting your WordPress.com site to your new WordPress.org site. This is important to ensure that your visitors are automatically redirected to your new site. WordPress.com allows you to redirect your site for a small fee. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
2. Navigate to the WP-Admin dashboard.
3. Go to Store > Domains.
4. Click on the “Add Domain” button.
5. Select the “Redirect” option and enter your new site’s details.
6. Follow the instructions provided by WordPress.com to complete the process.

In Conclusion

Switching from WordPress.com to WordPress.org may seem daunting, but following these steps will help you make the switch smoothly. Once you’ve made the move, be sure to make regular backups of your site, keep it updated, and take advantage of WordPress.org’s many powerful features to continue growing your website.