Introduction: Why Businesses Move from Wix to WordPress
Wix is a popular choice for beginners who want a simple website builder. But as businesses grow, many discover its limitations in flexibility, SEO, and scalability. That’s why more companies are making the move and asking: how do I migrate from Wix to WordPress?
This guide provides a step-by-step checklist for a smooth CMS migration without losing content, SEO rankings, or functionality.
Wix vs WordPress: Key Differences
Flexibility and Customization
- Wix: Drag-and-drop, but limited templates and rigid structure.
- WordPress: Unlimited design freedom with themes, plugins, and custom code.
SEO and Marketing Power
- Wix: Basic SEO features.
- WordPress: Advanced SEO plugins (Yoast, RankMath), schema, analytics integrations.
Cost and Long-Term Value
- Wix: Low upfront but costs more over time due to premium add-ons.
- WordPress: Higher setup cost, but far better long-term scalability and ROI.
Preparing for CMS Migration
Audit Your Current Wix Website
Review pages, blog posts, images, and functionality (forms, e-commerce, etc.) so you know what needs migrating.
Backup Content and Assets
Download images, copy text, and export anything you can from Wix.
Choose the Right Hosting for WordPress
Unlike Wix (which is hosted), WordPress requires hosting. Pick a reliable UK or global hosting provider.
Plan Your URL Structure and SEO Strategy
To avoid SEO loss, map your old URLs to your new WordPress structure before migrating.
Step-by-Step Checklist: Migrate from Wix to WordPress
Step 1: Set Up WordPress and Choose a Theme
Install WordPress on your hosting. Pick a theme that matches your brand or custom design.
Step 2: Transfer Content (Pages, Posts, Media)
Manually copy text and images, or use migration tools to export/import content.
Step 3: Recreate Design and Layouts
Use a page builder (Elementor, Bricks, or Gutenberg) to replicate or improve your Wix design.
Step 4: Set Up Plugins and Functionality
Install plugins for contact forms, e-commerce (WooCommerce), SEO, and security.
Step 5: Configure SEO Settings
Set metadata, permalinks, and analytics. Install Yoast SEO or RankMath.
Step 6: Redirect URLs and Preserve Rankings
Use 301 redirects from your old Wix URLs to your new WordPress site.
Step 7: Test Everything Before Launch
Check links, forms, checkout, mobile responsiveness, and page speed before going live.
Common Challenges During CMS Migration
Design Differences Between Platforms
Wix designs can’t be copied directly, so recreating layouts is necessary.
Preserving SEO and Traffic
Without proper redirects, you risk losing organic traffic.
Data Loss Risks and How to Avoid Them
Always keep a backup of your Wix content and test migration thoroughly.
Tools to Help Migrate from Wix to WordPress
Manual Copy-Paste Method
Best for small sites with fewer pages.
Automated Migration Tools
Plugins and third-party services can speed up migration, though results may need fine-tuning.
Professional CMS Migration Services
Agencies ensure accuracy, SEO preservation, and a faster process.
Why Work with a WordPress Agency for Migration
Avoiding SEO Losses
An experienced WordPress agency preserves rankings with proper redirects and SEO setup.
Faster, Smoother Migration
Agencies handle technical complexities while you focus on running your business.
Long-Term Maintenance and Support
Ongoing support keeps your WordPress site secure, fast, and scalable.
Explore More: Migrate to WordPress
Want expert help moving from Wix? Explore our WordPress migration services for a seamless switch.
FAQs About Migrating from Wix to WordPress
Can I transfer my Wix site directly to WordPress?
Not directly. Wix is a closed platform, so content must be manually or semi-automatically migrated.
How long does a Wix to WordPress migration take?
Anywhere from a few days (small sites) to a few weeks (large/e-commerce sites).
Will I lose my SEO rankings?
Not if redirects and SEO are handled correctly. Many sites even gain SEO improvements on WordPress.
Can I keep my Wix design in WordPress?
Not exactly—but you can replicate or improve it with a page builder.
Is it expensive to migrate from Wix to WordPress?
DIY is cheap but time-consuming. Professional migrations typically start around £1,000–£3,000 depending on complexity.
Do I need technical skills to migrate?
Some skills are helpful, but with the right agency or tools, non-technical users can still migrate.
Conclusion: A Checklist for a Smooth CMS Migration
Migrating from Wix to WordPress can feel daunting, but with the right checklist—and the right support—it’s entirely manageable. WordPress offers flexibility, SEO power, and long-term scalability that Wix can’t match.
If you’re ready to upgrade your website and want a smooth transition, our expert team can help you migrate to WordPress without the stress, risk, or downtime.
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