How to Properly Move from Wix to WordPress?

Wix to WordPress

Wix is usually used to create a simple website in considerably no time. The platforms offer limited option and adding other features become expensive. Hence, most users prefer to switch from Wix to WordPress which is one of the most powerful self-hosted platforms in the world.

In this read, we have covered all the important steps for you to make this transformation smoothly and without using any codes. By successfully making this transformation you will be able to experience complete freedom with enhanced functionality and features for your website.

There are several methods to do this but one of the best methods is through the RSS feed. The migration is an easy process and depending upon the intensity of data involved it can take 60 to 90 minutes for this process to complete.

Step 1: Signup for a WordPress Account

A web hosting account is mandatory for a WordPress website or blog. Basically it’s the home of your website on the internet space. All your files and relevant data stored there. You also require your site’s address which in technical terms is known as a domain name.

One of the reasons that Wix is limited is that it hosts your website when you use it. WordPress, on the other hand, is free to use hence all you will need is a place to install it. Therefore it becomes mandatory for you to purchase the domain name and a web hosting server.

Wix to WordPress

Step 2: Setup your New Website

The primary task is to purchase the new hosting plan. After that install WordPress and set up your account. Some hosting servers will automatically install it for you.

From the hosting account itself, you can directly login to your Admin Dashboard. Mostly all the web hosting providers offer at least one-click WordPress installers.

Permalink

The first thing to do after logging in is to set your permalinks, as it will determine the address of each blog post. Permalinks option in the settings menu should be accessed for modification. Select the structure that you desire and then click on the save changes option.

Step 3: Work on the design of your site

The appearance of the website should be customized and it can be conveniently done with themes. The display and appearance of your website are controlled by WordPress themes just like Wix Templates.

Work on the design of your site

You can select from one of the largest collections of free and paid themes according to your target audience and site requirements. Select a theme and then install it.

Themes are variable i.e. it can be easily changed whenever required hence do not let this task consume a lot of time. For working on the other process on the early stage you can even start with the default theme.

Step 4: Import your Posts from Wix to WordPress

Migrating content from Wix is difficult because it is a closed platform. Hence instead of manually recreating each post, we will automate the process by importing the RSS feed from Wix.

First, download your Wix RSS file. To locate the file add the following to your Wix website URL – /feed.xml or /blog-feed.xml.

In case you don’t have a custom domain name then you can find the feed at username.wixsite.com/blogname/blog-feed.xml. Replace the username and the blog name with their actual names.

If you have a custom domain name then simply add /feed.xml or /blog-feed.xml after your URL.

Import your Posts from Wix to WordPress

If you have done it properly you will see a page full of codes. Save this file on your computer with the simple process of right-clicking and save as.

The next step is to find the Import button in the tool menu from the WordPress dashboard. Under the RSS heading click on the Install Now link. Click the link on the top of the page to run the importer.

import content

Now select the choose file button and upload the recently saved RSS feed file. It might take some time to import depending upon your data. But you will see a confirmation message when it is complete.

Import RSS

All your data i.e. posts will be migrated from Wix to WordPress except the photographs. You add photos by downloading, installing, and activating the Auto Upload Images plugin.

The plugin will import images when you re-save each post that contains images. No need to re-save each post manually it can be done easily by selecting all the posts from the Posts menu in settings.

Step 5: Import Pages from Wix to WordPress

There is no automated method to import pages. Hence, each page has to be recreated in WordPress one at a time. The first thing to do is to go the page and highlight all the content that needs to be copied.

Import Pages from Wix to WordPress

Now copy that content. In the next step navigate to the Add New option from the Pages menu from your WordPress dashboard. The page title can be typed at the top.

Now paste the copied content. You can work on the styling of your page now and when it is done click on the publish button.

Add New Page

For all text-based pages, the above method will work except for the contact page. You will have to install a contact form plugin for the same.

Publish Page

This step concludes importing of all your content from Wix to WordPress. Please check all your data thoroughly once you are done.

Step 6: Navigation Menu & Plugins

Navigation set up of your new website using the primary menu is a must. This can be done from the Appearance option in the Menu. All you have to do is type a name and click on the Create Menu button.

You can also select the pages that you want to add your main menu. Click on the Save Menu option to conclude the process. This will make it live on your website.

Navigation Menu & Plugins

You can add more features to your site through WordPress plugins. There are hundreds of paid and free plugins available online.

Primary Menu

You can use them according to the requirement of the functionality on your website. There are a few must-have plugins for any WordPress site which you can search and install for enhancing the site performance and security.

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About Sonnal S Sinha

Sonnal S SinhaSonnal S Sinha is a passionate writer as well as WordPress and WooCommerce rockstar who loves to share insights on various topics through his engaging blog posts. He runs a successful website design and digital marketing company. With 15+ years of experience in WordPress theme development, he strives to inform and inspire readers with his thought-provoking content. He helps thousands of small and medium businesses and startups create a unique online presence. Follow Sonnal S Sinha for your regular dose of knowledge and inspiration.