Guide: How to Move Your WordPress Site to Squarespace
Moving from WordPress to Squarespace is straightforward with proper planning. Here's a comprehensive guide to make your transition smooth and successful.
What You Can Transfer
- Domains registered with WordPress
- Website content (blog posts, pages, comments)
- Categories and tags
- Individual images and attachments
What You Can't Transfer
- Website layout and design
- Fonts and styling
- Plugin content
- Gallery images
- Image captions
- Media library images not attached to posts
Step-by-Step Migration Process
- Build Your New Website
- Start a 14-day free trial
- Choose a template or create your own design
- Add necessary pages to your navigation
- Upload and organize content
- Customize fonts, colors, and styling
- Import Your Content
- Transfer blog posts and pages
- Move comments and authors
- Import categories and tags
- Download media library as backup
- Move Your Domain
- Transfer WordPress domain to Squarespace
- Alternative: Connect existing domain
- Set up URL redirects for old links
- Update URL structure for blog posts
- Upgrade Your Account
- Choose a subscription plan
- Complete payment setup
- Keep site private until ready
- Register free domain (included with annual plans)
- Cancel WordPress Service
- Maintain old site until new one is complete
- Verify all content is transferred
- Update DNS settings
- Cancel WordPress hosting
Important Tips
- Keep your WordPress site live during transition
- Password-protect your Squarespace site while building
- Remove text formatting when copying content
- Optimize images for web display
- Create URL redirect mapping
- Document old URL structure
SEO Considerations
- Expect temporary ranking fluctuations
- Set up 301 redirects
- Update internal links
- Maintain existing meta descriptions
- Review site structure
Additional Features
- Built-in mobile optimization
- Automatic platform updates
- Integrated SEO tools
- Custom code capability
- Multiple editor access
- SSL certificates included
Remember to thoroughly test your new site before going live and keep backups of all WordPress content. For complex migrations, consider hiring a Squarespace Expert through their marketplace.
Keep your WordPress site active until your Squarespace site is fully functional and tested to ensure a smooth transition for your visitors.
Related Articles
Squarespace Announces Critical Marquee Template Migration to Brine
