How to Migrate from Squarespace to WordPress: Simple Steps?

Are you looking to switch from Squarespace to WordPress? Squarespace is a user-friendly website builder and a strong tool of its own. Its easy-to-use interface helps you build a website without any prior expertise in web designing. However, as your website expands, you may find its features limiting in areas like customisation, SEO options, and third-party integrations.

This is where WordPress can help. WordPress is a free and open-source platform with added flexibility. It is a CMS (Content Management System) that offers multiple customisations with dozens of free tools and plugins. With flexible pricing, advanced features, and unmatched scalability, WordPress is your next-best choice after Squarespace. So, let’s get you started with an easy guide on how to migrate from Squarespace to WordPress in just 10 easy steps!

Squarespace to WordPress Migration: Step-by-Step Guide

You’re about to switch from Squarespace to WordPress. It’s a big move, but don’t worry—we’ll go through it step by step.

Step 1: Getting Ready to Move Your Squarespace Website

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’ve got everything in order.

Check Your Squarespace Site Thoroughly

• List all your pages, blog posts, and products.
• Note down any special features you’re using.
• Don’t forget about forms, galleries that you need to transfer to WordPress gallery or other cool stuff

• Check if you’re using any tools that connect to other services.
• Make a note of your site’s colours, fonts, and any custom designs.

Think About What Your Squarespace Site Does

• If you sell stuff, list all the eCommerce website shopping features.
• Write down how you collect email addresses.
• Note how you track visitors to your site.

Save Everything from Your Squarespace Site

• Use Squarespace’s export tool to save what you can.
• Manually save anything the tool misses.
• Keep a copy of your design assets and any code for custom posts.

Pro Tip: Make a simple plan outlining what you want to do, when you’ll do it, and any potential problems. It’ll help keep you on track.

Find out: Top Reasons Why NASA Used WordPress CMS

Step 2: Picking a New Home for Your WordPress Site

Now that you’re moving to WordPress, you need to find a good place to put your new site. This is called a web hosting provider. Let’s find one that fits you just right.

Look into hosts that work well with WordPress:

• DreamHost: Known for their reliable and affordable hosting services, including shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS), dedicated servers, and managed WordPress hosting.
  
• WP Engine: A managed WordPress host with robust features and top-notch support, perfect for those who need a fully optimised WordPress environment.
  
• Kinsta: Offers premium managed WordPress hosting with a strong focus on speed and security, powered by the Google Cloud Platform, making it ideal for high-traffic websites.
  
• Pressable: A managed WordPress hosting service backed by Automattic, known for its excellent support and performance, designed specifically for WordPress sites to ensure smooth scalability.

Consider Helpful Extras:

• Some hosts provide a free domain name.
• Look for hosts that save backups of your site.
• See if they offer a staging environment for testing changes.

Pro Tip: Start with a short contract. It’s like a test drive—you can ensure you like the host before committing long-term.

What’s the Difference: WordPress.org vs WordPress.com vs WordPress VIP

Step 3: Setting Up WordPress on Your New Host

You’ve got your new home picked out. Now it’s time to move in. Let’s get WordPress up and running on your new host.

If Your Host Offers a one-click install

• Log into your hosting account.
• Look for a button or section about installing websites.
• Click the WordPress option and follow the steps.

If You Need to Install WordPress Yourself:\

• Download WordPress from WordPress.org.
• Create a database on your hosting account (your host can help with this).
• Edit the wp-config.php file to connect to your database.
• Upload WordPress to your host.
• Run the installation by visiting your site’s URL.

Set up the Basics

• Pick a name for your site.
• Make an admin account with a strong password.
• Set the email address for site notifications.
• Choose your language and time zone.
• Decide if you want the site visible while you work on it.

Get to Know Your New Dashboard

• Explore the menus and settings.
• Customise the layout for easier use.
• Add essential tools to keep your site secure and fast.

Pro Tip: After installing WordPress, update it immediately. Enable automatic updates for small fixes to keep your site secure.

Also Read: How to Start a WordPress Website in the UK

Step 4: Getting Your Stuff Out of Squarespace

Before moving your content to WordPress, we need to extract it from Squarespace. Here’s how to pack up your digital belongings.

Log into Squarespace and Find the Export Tool

• Go to your Squarespace dashboard.
• Navigate to Settings ⟶ Advanced ⟶ Import/Export.
• Review what you can export.

Start the Export Process

• Click the Export button.
• Choose the WordPress option.
• Read any messages about what might not export.

Wait for Squarespace to Pack up Your Site

• This might take a while if you have a large site.
• Do not close the page while it’s processing.

Save the File Squarespace Gives You

• When it’s done, you’ll get an XML file.
• Save it somewhere safe on your computer.
• Make several copies for backup.

Check to Ensure You Got Everything

• Open the file and skim through it.
• Look for your pages and posts.
• Make a list of anything that’s missing.

Pro Tip: If you have many blog posts, try exporting a few months at a time for smaller, more manageable files.

Read More: Top Reasons to Partner with a Specialist WordPress Agency in the UK

Step 5: Moving Your Content to WordPress

Now that you’ve got your Squarespace content, let’s move it into your new WordPress site. It’s like unpacking after a move.

Get WordPress Ready for Your Content

• Log in as an admin.
• Delete any sample posts or pages that came with WordPress.

Find the Import Tool

• In your dashboard, go to Tools ⟶ WordPress Importer.
• Look for the WordPress option at the bottom.
• If you don’t see it, click “Install Now” then “Run Importer.”

Upload Your Squarespace File

• Click “Choose File” and locate the XML file you saved.
• Hit “Upload file and import” to start moving your content.

Assign Authors

• You’ll see a list of authors from Squarespace.
• Match them to users in WordPress or create new users.

Choose What Else to Bring Over

• Decide if you want to import media files.
• Opt to download images from Squarespace if available.

Start the Import Process

• Click “Submit” to begin importing.
• This might take a while, so be patient.

Verify the Import

• Check your pages and posts in the WordPress dashboard.
• Ensure everything looks correct.
• Make a list of anything that needs fixing.

Pro Tip: If the import gets stuck, ask your web host to extend processing time for large tasks. Alternatively, split your XML file into smaller pieces and import them one at a time.

Check out: Top Website Development Service Providers in London

Step 6: Dealing with Pictures and Other Media

Squarespace doesn’t include pictures in the export file. Here’s how to bring them over to your new WordPress site.

Get a Helper Tool for Your Pictures

• In the WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins and click “Add New.”
• Search for “Auto Upload Images Plugin” in the WordPress media library.
• Install and activate the plugin.

Prepare to Move Your Pictures

• Go to Posts ⟶ All Posts in your dashboard.
• Click “Screen Options” at the top and adjust the number to see all posts.

Use the Plugin to Retrieve Your Pictures

• Select all your posts.
• Choose “Edit” from the Bulk Actions menu.
• Scroll down and click “Update.”

Let the Plugin Work

• The page will reload and process your posts.
• When done, your pictures should appear in your posts.

Pro Tip: After the plugin finishes, review your WordPress posts to ensure all pictures are there and look correct.

Learn more: How to Fix a Hacked WordPress Website

Step 7: Making Your Site Look Good

Your content is in WordPress, but it might not look like your old site yet. Let’s fix that.

In WordPress, the appearance of your site is controlled by themes. Themes are pre-designed templates that determine how your site looks and feels, including layout, colours, fonts, and overall style. They provide the foundation for your site’s design, and you can further customise them to match your branding or create a unique look.

To find a WordPress theme you like, go to Appearance ⟶ Themes in your WordPress dashboard. You can browse thousands of free themes directly from the WordPress repository or purchase premium themes for additional features and support.

Recommended themes include:

• Astra: Lightweight and highly customisable, Astra is a perfect WordPress theme for building fast and stylish websites without any coding. It integrates well with popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder.
  
• GeneratePress: Known for its speed and flexibility, GeneratePress offers a minimalist design that can be extended with various customisation options, making it suitable for all types of websites.
  
• OceanWP: A versatile WordPress theme that works great for different types of websites, including eCommerce. It comes with built-in features and extensions to add extra functionality, such as custom page layouts and advanced styling options.

Arrange Your Site Elements

• Go to Appearance ⟶ Widgets.
• Drag and drop elements like your post list or search bar.

Create a Menu

• Go to Appearance ⟶ Menus.
• Add your pages and arrange them as desired.
• Save your menu and specify where to display it.

Pro Tip: If your theme isn’t quite right, consider using a page builder plugin like Elementor or Bricks Builder or Beaver Builder for easy, code-free design.

Expert Picks: Best Coffee Shop Website Designs for Inspiration

Step 8: Adding Helpful Tools to Your Site

WordPress allows you to add extra features with plugins. Let’s add some to enhance your site’s functionality.

Identify Your Site’s Needs

• Want to improve search engine visibility?
• Do you need contact forms?
• Do you want to track visitor statistics?

Recommended Plugins:

• SEO: AIOSEO
• Forms: WPForms
• Analytics: MonsterInsights

Find and Install Plugins

• Go to Plugins ⟶ Add New in your dashboard.
• Search for the tools you need.
• Read reviews and check the latest update dates.
• Click “Install Now” on the desired plugins.
• After installation, click “Activate.”

Configure Your New Tools

• Locate the new plugins in your dashboard menu.
• Adjust their settings to suit your needs.

Pro Tip: Start with only essential plugins. Adding too many at once can slow down your WordPress site.

More to Read: Top WordPress Backup Plugins for UK Businesses

Step 9: Ensuring Your Pages are Easily Found

We want to ensure people can still find your pages at the same web addresses they used before. Let’s set that up.

Check Your Old URLs

• Look at a few pages on your Squarespace site.
• Write down what comes after your domain name in the address bar.

Set Up WordPress to Use Similar URLs:

• Go to Settings ⟶ Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard.
• Choose the option that matches your old URLs as closely as possible.
• If none match perfectly, select the “Post name” option—it’s user-friendly and good for SEO.

Click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the Permalinks page.

Redirect Old URLs to New Ones

Install the Redirection plugin: Go to Plugins ⟶ Add New and search for “Redirection.” Click Install Now and then Activate.

Configure the Redirection Plugin

• Go to Tools ⟶ Redirection.
• Follow the setup wizard.
• Add redirection rules to send visitors from old URLs to the new ones.

Pro Tip: After setting this up, test some of your old URLs to make sure they redirect to the correct pages on your new WordPress site.

Related: Essential Settings After Installing WordPress

Step 10: Final Checks and Going Live

You’re almost there! Let’s make sure everything’s perfect before we show your new WordPress website to the world.

Give Your Site a Thorough Check

• Click every menu item to ensure it leads to the correct page.
• View your WordPress website on different devices (e.g., phones, tablets) to make sure it looks good everywhere.
• Test any forms or special features to ensure they work correctly.

Point Your Domain to Your New Site

• Log in to the service where you bought your domain name.
• Find the DNS or nameserver settings.
• Change the nameservers to those provided by your new host. This process might take up to 48 hours to propagate.

Set Up HTTPS to Keep Your Site Secure

• In your hosting account, look for SSL or security settings.
• Enable the free SSL certificate that most hosts offer.
• Ensure your site uses HTTPS instead of HTTP. You can do this by installing a plugin like Really Simple SSL.

Do One Last Read-Through

• Check for typos or outdated information.
• Verify that your contact details are correct.
• Make sure all links work and point to the right content.

Tell People About Your New Site

• If your site has a new look, announce it on social media.
• Send an email to your subscribers if you have a mailing list.
• Update any business listings or social profiles with your new site information.

Pro Tip: If possible, try out your new WordPress site on a test web address (subdomain or staging site) before pointing your real domain to it. This allows you to catch any last-minute issues without affecting your live site.

Read More: How to Install an SSL Certificate on WordPress Website

Post Squarespace to WordPress Migration Checklist

Migrating from Squarespace to WordPress opens up a world of customisation, flexibility, and control. However, the job doesn’t end once the migration is complete.

Ensuring a seamless transition post-migration is also critical for maintaining functionality, SEO, and user experience. This checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to finalise the process and optimise your WordPress site

Check URL Redirects

After migration, setting up 301 redirects from your old Squarespace URLs to your new WordPress URLs is essential. This prevents users from landing on broken pages and ensures that search engines recognise the move, preserving your SEO rankings. Redirection plugins can automate this process and allow you to monitor for any issues.

Verify SEO Settings

WordPress offers powerful SEO plugins like AIOSEO, which can help you retain or even improve your search rankings post-migration. Go through key settings such as meta titles, descriptions, alt tags for images, and XML sitemaps to ensure everything is in place. It’s also essential to submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console to re-index your site properly.

Test Website Functionality

Run a complete check of all interactive elements on your site, including forms, buttons, and widgets. Ensure that links are pointing to the correct locations and that essential features such as e-commerce functionality or booking systems are operational.

Optimise Images

Images from Squarespace may not be optimised for WordPress. As such, use tools like Smush or Imagify to compress your images without sacrificing quality. Optimised images are important as they contribute to faster load times, which improves user experience and SEO.

Cross-browser Testing

Ensure your new WordPress site is consistent across different browsers and devices. Test the site on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and mobile browsers to ensure compatibility. Also, look out for any layout issues or broken elements and adjust accordingly.

Reconfigure Plugins

WordPress is powered by plugins that add functionality to your site. Identify plugins that offer features similar to those you had in Squarespace. For example, install Gravity Forms for form handling or WooCommerce for e-commerce functionalities. Be sure to configure and test each plugin thoroughly.

Rebuild Navigation Menus

The navigation structure may differ between platforms. Ensure that your WordPress navigation menus are intuitive and easy to navigate. Double-check that all categories and subcategories are correctly linked, and make adjustments to fit the WordPress framework.

Reconfigure SSL and Security

Ensure your SSL certificate is correctly set up for secure browsing. Additionally, install a security plugin like Wordfence or BlogVault to protect your site from vulnerabilities and unauthorised access. Schedule regular security scans to keep the site secure post-migration.

Run Speed Tests

Optimising website speed plays a crucial role in user experience and SEO. Tools like Seahawk’s Website Speed Test can help you identify areas for improvement. You can also implement caching plugins or use a content delivery network (CDN) to boost speed.

Update Analytics

Reconnect Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor traffic and site performance post-migration. Ensure tracking codes are correctly implemented across all pages so you don’t lose important data during the migration process.

Review Mobile Responsiveness

Check how your website performs on mobile devices. WordPress themes are typically responsive, but adjustments may still be required. Ensure text, images, and interactive elements scale appropriately and provide a seamless mobile experience.

Set Permalinks Structure

Update your permalink structure to closely match your previous Squarespace URLs. This helps maintain familiarity for users and minimises the risk of broken links. Go to your WordPress settings and select a structure that best suits your content and SEO strategy.

Backup Website

Before making further changes or updates, backup your new WordPress site. Plugins like BlogVault allow you to schedule regular backups to avoid data loss during future updates or unforeseen issues.

Check for Broken Links

Once migration is complete, use a tool like Broken Link Checker to identify and fix any internal or external broken links. Broken links can harm your SEO and user experience, so it’s important to fix them promptly.

Enable Maintenance Mode (Optional)

If there are still significant updates to be made, you might want to enable maintenance mode to prevent users from accessing the site until everything is ready. WordPress Maintenance plugins allow you to display a temporary page with a custom message while you finalise the migration.

Need Help with Website Maintenance Post Squarespace to WordPress Migration?

With our in-depth WordPress expertise, we offer comprehensive website maintenance packages starting at just $49 per month. Our services cover everything from security updates and performance optimisation to plugin management and regular backups. 

Plus, we provide 24/7 WordPress support for emergencies, ensuring your site remains secure and functional at all times. Whether you’re dealing with technical glitches or just need routine maintenance, our team is ready to assist.

Conclusion

When you move from an old place to a new space, it comes with many new challenges as well as possibilities. Similarly, WordPress opens you to an exciting range of themes, designs, plugins, and features you were missing on Squarespace.

With 60,000+ free plugins, it is the space that you need to be in to develop your website and online business. So, go ahead and follow our easy step-by-step guide on how to migrate from Squarespace to WordPress and start with a new and advanced website right away.

However, if you find the process complicated and seek help, get in touch with our professional WordPress developers to make it a hassle-free migration. Contact Us today and take your website to new heights with WordPress. 

Squarespace to WordPress FAQs