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How To Migrate From Squarespace to WordPress? (In Simple Steps)

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. But with many great features, come many limitations. On that note, are you looking to switch from Squarespace to WordPress? WordPress is a free and open-source platform with added flexibility and freedom. It is a CMS (Content Management System) that extends you to multiple customizations with dozens of free tools and plugins. With flexible pricing, advanced features 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 7 easy steps! 

How To Migrate From Squarespace to WordPress

It’s no doubt that WordPress is an ideal space to move to for an advanced website setup. And now that you have a sound understanding of why you should move from Squarespace to WordPress, let us take you through the main process. Below is a step-by-step guide to getting you started with the migration process:

Step 1: Chose a Web Host 

When switching to WordPress, you need to choose a web host to begin the migration process. We recommend opting for a WordPress-specific host, which is easy to install and begin with. Sign up for whichever suits you the best and get going on to the next step.

Step 2: Install and Setup WordPress 

Some managed web hosts offer you the option to install the CMS automatically when you create a new website. However, if that’s not the case with your web host, you can also download and install WordPress manually. It allows you to download the entire CMS and migrate from Squarespace to WordPress.

Step 3: Export your content from Squarespace 

Squarespace enables you to download not all but most of the important data for your website in an XML format. Under this, you can export your pages, posts, text, and embedded blocks. Now to export all the content from Squarespace: 

  • Access your WordPress dashboard and go to Settings> Advanced > Import/ Export Menu
  • Click on the export button 
  • When you click on Export, Squarespace will display an option for exporting your pages and posts to WordPress. Click on the WordPress option. 
  • Squarespace will create an XML file to export your website with an option to download 
  • Download and save that file for the migration process in the steps ahead

Step 4: Import your Content into WordPress 

The next step that comes into the procedure is importing all your Squarespace content into WordPress. Although there is no dedicated space for the Squarespace import tool in WordPress, you can still use CMS to import the content in XML format. 

  • Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Tools> Import 
  • Look for the WordPress option at the bottom of your screen and click on Install Now
  • This will take you to the option of Run Importer
  • Click on it and select the XML file downloaded in the last step and upload it 
  • Now click on the upload file and import

Note: Once you have initiated the import of your content, WordPress will ask you to select the author to assign your Squarespace content. Pick the suitable option and click on the Submit button to finalize the process. 

Know: How To Migrate From Joomla To WordPress

Step 5: Import your Images from Squarespace 

Since Squarespace does not allow you to import images to WordPress, there are two other ways to bring your website back to life with images. One is to manually download it from Squarespace and then upload them into WordPress. Other is to use a plugin and automate the whole process. Since humans are built to choose the easy way out, we will use an Auto Upload Images plugin which allows you to import all your images in a snap! 

This tool will automatically spot and take all the image URLs from your posts and pages in Squarespace. Further, it downloads those images, uploads them into WordPress, and replaces the old URLs. It successfully imports all your original Squarespace image Urls making it a perfect import tool. Here’s how you can use it: 

  • Install and activate the Plugin 
  • Once activated, go to Posts >All Posts in your dashboard 
  • Click on the Screens option menu reflecting on the top of the screen 
  • Update the number of items per page option to a number that shows all your WordPress posts in a single screen and click on Apply. This will enable you to update all your data at once and allow the plugin to import all the images in one go
  • Now select all the posts on your site, open the Bulks action menu, and click on edit 
  • A menu with bulk edit options for your existing posts will show on your screen. Click on update and wait for the page to load. 
  • Now sit back and let the plugin do its work. Once the page has updated successfully, the WordPress will reload and all your images will start to appear again. 

Step 6: Navigate your Domain to WordPress

Currently, your domain name is still pointing to the Squarespace nameservers. So, you need to update your existing domain records on WordPress itself. The process of editing your domain name depends on it’s origin point.  

  • If you are functioning on a domain registrar, you need to log in to its settings and manage the DNS there with some changes.
  • You can also use a web host service that enables you to update your domain records from your hosting control panel. This way you can point the domain to your new WordPress website. 

Step 7: Update your Permalink Structure on WordPress 

When you access any of your WordPress pages or posts you will notice a default URL or permalink structure used by WordPress. When you move from one platform to another, it is important to update and restructure your permalink at the beginning which favors your website’s SEO. To change your site’s permalink structure: 

  • Go to Settings > Permalinks in your dashboard 
  • Select the URL you want to use. We recommend using the Post name structure for simple and direct URL 
  • Once you have updated and selected the permalink, you can save the changes for your website. 

Once all the above steps are completed, you can go ahead and select a suitable theme and design your WordPress website. WordPress allows you to have a wide range of design outlines to polish and advance your website in the way you always wanted to.  

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.

Need Professional Help to Migrate from Squarespace to WordPress? 

Transferring your content from Squareshape to WordPress can be unsettling sometimes. With our simple step-by-step guide above, you can easily migrate from Squarespace to WordPress. However, if you find the process complicated and seeking help, contact our professional WordPress support experts to make it a hassle-free migration. 

Contact Us today and take your website to new heights with WordPress. 

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