How to Migrate From WordPress.com to Self-Hosted WordPress

WordPress April 4th 2024

WordPress is a robust platform and highly customizable in the beginning to launch your website. Also, it can develop and create everything from simple blogs to eCommerce stores.

Before you can set up your website, you may need to select between self-hosted WordPress and hosted WordPress. In this article, we will delve into self-hosted WordPress and how you can migrate from wordpress.com to wordpress.org, which is self-hosted WordPress. So, let’s get started…

What is Self-Hosted WordPress?

Self-Hosted WordPress, also referred to as wordpress.org, is open-source software that makes it seamless to develop a website. You can install and utilize this software on any service that hosts websites. This means you have the freedom to select the hosting and environment in which your site will reside. Also, you can have full control over your website, which will help you manage it.

Why is Self-Hosted WordPress Important?

Self-Hosted WordPress has various benefits. Let’s dive into some of its beneficial factors.

1. Full Access

You may fully customize the hosting environment for your website with self-hosted WordPress, including security setups, server configurations, and performance enhancements. Customize your website to meet your concerns.

2. Personalization

You can easily personalize the look and feel of your website, as there are numerous plugins and themes available on self-hosted WordPress websites. You can integrate third-party services and features and develop a unique feel and look for your suite.

3. Take Ownership

Self-hosted WordPress allows you to take ownership of all your website content and functionality. Other hosted platforms provide limited access to content and are also subject to the terms and conditions of the specific hosting providers.

4. Scalability

Scalability is another vital factor of a self-hosted WordPress site. It allows your website to grow as your online presence expands. You can seamlessly update your hosting plan, add resources, and acquire rising traffic without being constrained by the limitations of a hosting platform.

5. Search Engine Optimization

This self-hosted WordPress gives you full access and control so as to optimize your website to rank in Google’s SERPs. You can seamlessly run SEO campaigns and drive traffic to increase conversion rates. You can utilize SEO plugins, optimize website speed, and implement SEO strategies.

6. Freedom to Monetize

Self-hosted WordPress provides monetization opportunities so that you have the freedom to monetize your website differently, like selling services & products, displaying ads, or creating a membership area. You are not restricted by the platform’s limitations or revenue-sharing agreements.

How do I Migrate from WordPress to Self-Hosted WordPress?

As mentioned above, if you want to generate revenue, you may want flexibility and full access to your website, and for overall functionality, you may need Self-hosted WordPress. Additionally, it facilitates the simplification of your branding and empowers you to select the ideal options for the experience’s appearance and feel.

Follow these easy steps to transfer your wordpress.com website to wordpress.org if you are a blogger or company owner wishing to switch from wordpress.com to Self-hosted WordPress, which is wordpress.org.

Step1: Buy a Domain

To opt for a self-hosted website, you need to be able to name it something. You have to select a unique domain name that isn’t already taken. Find unique domain names from domain registration providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap. You can just select and buy the domain and verify your ownership.

Step 2: Opt for Web Hosting

Most new beginners think that once you have purchased a domain name, you can opt for web hosting. But only a domain is not enough; you need hosting service too, There are numerous web hosting providers you can select as per your requirements. Also, you can check HostingSeekers, a robust web hosting directory that offers the technology and services required for your website to be accessed on the internet.

Step 3: Export Your Content

This is where the wordpress.com to wordpress.org migration gets a little harder. So, follow the below steps to export the content you have already developed:

• Sign into your WordPress account
• Select your blog’s dashboard and click on WP admin.
• Look for the tools tab and click on export.
• Click on start export.

From here, you can select the relevant content you need to export everything. Clock on what you want to export and then click on download export file.

Step 4: Install the Importer

The next step to migrating wordpress.com site to wordpress.org is to install the importers

To install, follow the below steps:

• Go to your dashboard and click on Tools>Import.
• From there, click on Install the WordPress Importer, which will import your pages, posts, etc., from your export file
• You can see the pop-up window with WordPress importer plugin; all you need to do is click on Install now
• After installation, a new page pops up confirming that everything was installed neatly.
• The final step is to click on the Activate plugin and run Importer.

Step 5: Import your Content

This step involves uploading your wordpress.com export file. You will be automatically redirected to the import page. From here, you can click on upload file and import.

You need to assign your posts to new authors or assign posts to an existing author on your new website by finding them in the drop-down list.

Check the Download and Import file attachments box and click on Submit.

Step 6: Test your Site

Even if you followed all the appropriate steps to migrate from wordpress.com to wordpress.org, there may be glitches that follow you.

You may need to thoroughly test your website to make sure everything is functioning and looking as it should. This means all the images should be there, and all the buttons should be functioning, working, formatting, and more.

If you are having issues while in the testing phase (especially with images not transferring), check out the WordPress plugin to import external images.

Step 7: Yayy! It’s Finally Done

Once your site is functioning seamlessly, and you have moved everything over from wordpress.com to wordpress.org, now it’s time to boost your business website.

So, developing your dream website should be economical and stress-free. Start growing your Self-hosted WordPress site now!

Wrapping Up

Shifting from wordpress.com to a Self-hosted WordPress website may seem like tedious work in the beginning. But if you want out-of-the-box results, then WordPress.com to org migrations can be worth it. It comes with a plethora of advantages and robust functionalities and will offer you the freedom and tools you require more easily to upscale your website.