How to migrate from Wix or Squarespace to WordPress without losing SEO
Introduction. If you’re tired of limited design flexibility, slow loading times, and high long‑term costs on Wix or Squarespace, moving to WordPress can unlock powerful customization and scalability. This guide walks you through the full migration journey—from pre‑migration audits to post‑launch monitoring—so you keep traffic, rankings, and user experience intact. By following these steps, you’ll avoid common pitfalls that often dent site performance and SEO during a platform switch.
Assessing your current website
A thorough audit is the foundation of a smooth transition. Start by cataloguing every page, post, image, and internal link. Export data from Wix or Squarespace, then map URLs to new WordPress slugs to preserve 301 redirects. Measure baseline metrics—organic traffic, keyword rankings, bounce rate—to compare after launch.
- Use tools like Screaming Frog to crawl the existing site and capture URL structure.
- Create a spreadsheet of page titles, meta descriptions, and canonical tags for reference during migration.
Selecting the right WordPress setup
Your hosting choice influences speed, security, and support. Opt for a managed WordPress host that offers automated backups, SSL, and staging environments. Choose a theme that matches your brand’s visual identity while remaining lightweight and SEO‑ready. Install essential plugins—Yoast or Rank Math for on‑page optimization, WP Rocket for caching, and Redirection to manage any leftover URLs.
| Item | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Managed hosting | Pre‑configured for WordPress, includes SSL and backups. | Reduces downtime and improves security. |
| Lightweight theme | A theme with minimal code and responsive design. | Boosts page speed and mobile SEO. |
| Caching plugin | Saves generated pages to serve faster. | Improves user experience and search rankings. |
Transferring content and media
Export your Wix or Squarespace content into a format WordPress accepts—typically CSV or XML. Use plugins like “All-in-One WP Migration” to import posts, pages, images, and custom fields. After import, verify that image alt tags, post formats, and category hierarchies match the original structure.
Implementing redirects and SEO preservation
Every URL change must trigger a 301 redirect to prevent loss of link equity. Use the Redirection plugin or host‑level .htaccess rules to map old paths to new ones. Double‑check that canonical tags point to the correct WordPress URLs, and submit an updated sitemap to Google Search Console once the site is live.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Many sites see a traffic dip after migration due to broken links or slow load times. To mitigate this, test all redirects in a staging environment before going live, compress images during import, and monitor server response time with GTmetrix. Also watch for duplicate content—ensure no old Wix pages are still accessible through the new domain.
Conclusion. Moving from Wix or Squarespace to WordPress can deliver greater control, faster performance, and stronger SEO potential if you plan carefully. By auditing your current site, choosing a robust hosting solution, migrating content methodically, and preserving redirects, you’ll keep search rankings steady while unlocking new growth opportunities. Start today by setting up a staging site—your future self will thank you for the smooth transition.
Image by: Designecologist
