How to move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org (Free Method)

Moving your blog from WordPress.com to WordPress.org can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure a seamless transition.

Why Move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?

Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand why moving to WordPress.org is beneficial:

• Full Control: WordPress.org offers complete control over your website. You can install plugins, customize themes, and access your website’s code.
• Monetization Options: Unlike WordPress.com, WordPress.org allows you to run ads, use Google AdSense, and sell products without restrictions.
• Unlimited Themes and Plugins: With WordPress.org, you have access to thousands of free and premium themes and plugins to enhance your site’s functionality and appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Move Your Blog

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider

To move your blog to WordPress.org, you need a hosting provider. Popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator. When choosing a host, consider factors like uptime, customer support, and pricing.

Step 2: Install WordPress

Once you have a hosting provider, install WordPress. Most hosting services offer a one-click installation process. Follow the prompts to set up your new WordPress site.

Step 3: Export Content from WordPress.com

1. Log into your WordPress.com account.
2. Go to your blog’s dashboard and navigate to Tools > Export.
3. Choose “All Content” to export posts, pages, comments, custom fields, categories, and tags.
4. Click “Download Export File” to save the .xml file to your computer.

Step 4: Import Content to WordPress.org

1. Log into your new WordPress.org site.
2. Go to the dashboard and navigate to Tools > Import.
3. Choose “WordPress” from the list of import options.
4. Install the WordPress Importer plugin if prompted, then activate and run the importer.
5. Upload the .xml file you downloaded from WordPress.com.
6. Assign authors and ensure you check the box to download and import file attachments.

Step 5: Set Up Permalinks

To maintain your SEO rankings, it’s crucial to set up permalinks that match your old structure. Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a structure similar to your WordPress.com site, such as “Day and name” or “Month and name”.

Step 6: Redirect Your WordPress.com Site

To avoid losing traffic, set up redirects from your old WordPress.com site to your new WordPress.org site.

1. Log into your WordPress.com account.
2. Go to Settings > General and scroll down to Site Address.
3. Enter the URL of your new WordPress.org site and save changes.

Step 7: Install Essential Plugins

One of the advantages of WordPress.org is the ability to use plugins. Here are some essential plugins to install:

1. Yoast SEO: Optimize your site for search engines.
2. Akismet: Protect your site from spam comments.
3. Jetpack: Enhance your site with security, performance, and marketing tools.
4. UpdraftPlus: Backup your site regularly.

Step 8: Customize Your Theme

Choose a theme that aligns with your brand and customize it to your liking. You can browse thousands of free and premium themes on the WordPress.org theme repository.

Step 9: Check Your Content

Ensure that all your content has been imported correctly. Check posts, pages, images, and comments. Fix any broken links and reformat any content that didn’t transfer properly.

Step 10: Inform Your Audience

Let your audience know about the move. Write a blog post announcing the change, update your social media profiles, and send an email to your subscribers.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Transition

Backup Your WordPress.com Site

Before starting the migration process, backup your WordPress.com site. This ensures you have a copy of your content if anything goes wrong during the transfer.

Maintain SEO Rankings

Maintaining your SEO rankings is critical during the move. Use the following strategies:

301 Redirects: Ensure all your old URLs redirect to the new URLs using 301 redirects. This tells search engines that your content has permanently moved.

Update Internal Links: After importing your content, update any internal links to point to the new URLs on your WordPress.org site.

Submit a New Sitemap: Submit a new XML sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. This helps search engines find and index your new site quickly.

Test Your New Site

Before going live, thoroughly test your new site. Check for broken links, missing images, and any formatting issues. Make sure all plugins and themes are working correctly.

Monitor Your Site

After the move, monitor your site closely. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track traffic and identify any issues. Keep an eye on your SEO rankings and make adjustments as needed.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If the migration process seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional. Many web developers and SEO experts specialize in WordPress migrations and can handle the process for you.

Final Words

Moving your blog from WordPress.com to WordPress.org may seem challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the effort.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of WordPress.org.

With full control over your site, enhanced monetization options, and access to unlimited themes and plugins, you’ll be able to grow your blog and reach new heights.

Happy blogging!