Switching from WordPress to Wix: The Ultimate Guide

At some point, you might find that your WordPress site is no longer meeting your needs. Whether you're looking for a more intuitive platform or a more straightforward way to manage your website, switching to Wix could be the solution you've been searching for.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of switching from WordPress to Wix step by step. We'll cover everything from choosing a template to migrating your content and provide helpful tips along the way. Let's get started!

All The Possible Reasons For Migrating A Website From WordPress To Wix

There are various reasons why website owners may choose to migrate their website from WordPress to Wix. Here are some possible reasons:

1. Ease of use: Wix's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for users to create and customize their websites without technical knowledge or coding skills. WordPress, however, can be more complex and may require some technical expertise.

2. Templates: Wix offers a wide range of templates that can be customized to suit the user's needs. WordPress also has templates that may require more customization to achieve the desired look and feel.

3. Support: Wix offers customer support and a knowledge base that can help users with any issues they may encounter. WordPress is an open-source platform, meaning support can vary depending on the user community.

4. Cost: Wix offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan, while WordPress requires users to purchase web hosting and a domain name separately.

5. Security: Wix provides security measures such as SSL certificates and automatic backups, while WordPress may require additional security plugins or measures to ensure website security.

6. Mobile optimization: Wix offers built-in mobile optimization for websites, while WordPress may require additional plugins or custom development to achieve the same level of mobile responsiveness.

7. Integration with other Wix services: Wix offers a range of other services, such as email marketing and e-commerce, that can be integrated with a Wix website. WordPress may require additional plugins or custom development to achieve the same level of integration.

8. Maintenance: Wix handles website maintenance, updates, and backups, while WordPress requires users to handle these tasks themselves or hire a developer to do so.

However, each website is unique, and the decision to migrate should be based on the specific needs and goals of the website owner.

Preparing for Migration from Wordpress to Wix

Migrating a website from WordPress to Wix requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining SEO, design consistency, and functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare for the migration:

1. Define the Migration Scope

• Determine whether you are replicating the existing WordPress site exactly or making improvements.

• Identify which pages, blog posts, images, and features need to be migrated.

• Decide whether to use Wix Classic Editor or Wix Studio (for advanced design needs).

2. Backup Your WordPress Website

• Export all content:

  • Pages & Posts: Use the WordPress Export Tool (Tools > Export).

  • Media Files: Download via FTP or use plugins like UpdraftPlus.

  • Database & Custom Code: If applicable, export the MySQL database.

3. Choose the Right Wix Plan & Template

• Select a Wix plan that fits the website’s needs (e.g., Business & eCommerce if selling products).

• Choose a template or start from scratch in the Wix Editor.

4. Rebuild the Website Structure in Wix

• Recreate the navigation menu and page hierarchy to match the WordPress structure.

• Manually copy and paste content from WordPress pages to Wix.

5. Transfer Blog Content

• If you have a blog, use Wix’s WordPress Blog Importer or manually recreate posts.

• Maintain categories and tags for organization.

6. Upload Media & Optimize

• Upload images and files to the Wix Media Manager.

• Ensure images are optimized for performance to maintain load speed.

7. Configure SEO Settings

• Set up 301 Redirects from old WordPress URLs to Wix URLs.

• Customize SEO settings for each page in Wix (Page Settings > SEO).

• Submit the new sitemap to Google Search Console.

8. Test Website Functionality

• Check forms, buttons, and links.

• Verify responsiveness on mobile and desktop.

• Test any integrations (e.g., Google Analytics, third-party plugins).

9. Set Up Wix Apps & Features

• Install Wix Blog (if applicable).

• Add necessary Wix Apps for features like contact forms, booking, or eCommerce.

10. Launch & Monitor Performance

• Preview and test the site before publishing.

• Update DNS settings to point the domain to Wix.

• Monitor traffic & performance post-launch using Wix Analytics.

Key Steps For Migrating A Site From WordPress To Wix

Migrating a website from WordPress to Wix is a strategic move for businesses seeking a more intuitive, secure, and maintenance-free platform. While the process is straightforward, a structured plan ensures that your SEO, content, and design remain intact during the transition. Below are the essential steps to follow for a smooth migration.

1. Audit Your Current WordPress Website

Before beginning the migration, perform a complete audit of your existing WordPress site. Identify the pages you want to keep, remove outdated content, and list all posts, images, plugins, and integrations. This audit helps you understand which elements require manual transfer and which features may need recreating in Wix. A valuable outcome of this step is a clear migration roadmap that avoids missing important assets. It also helps prevent duplicating unnecessary pages. Finally, an audit ensures that your new Wix site launches with cleaner, more organised content.

2. Set Up Your New Wix Environment

Create a new Wix site using Wix Studio or the Classic Editor depending on your project requirements. Choose a template or create a custom design that reflects your brand identity. At this stage, set up your pages, navigation structure, fonts, colours, and global design elements. Preparing this foundation allows you to transfer content much more efficiently. It also ensures consistent design across your entire site. A well-structured Wix environment reduces post-migration cleanup work.

3. Export Content From WordPress

WordPress allows you to export blog posts and pages using the native “Export” tool. Blog posts can be imported directly into Wix using the Wix Blog importer, which makes the process fast and reliable. Static pages, however, must be manually copied and pasted into Wix. Gather your media library as well, especially images that are externally hosted or tied to theme folders. This ensures that all asset URLs remain intact once moved.

4. Import and Rebuild Content in Wix

Wix provides import tools for blog articles, but pages require manual recreation within the platform. Copy your text content, upload media, and arrange elements based on your new design. During this stage, you can modernise layouts, simplify navigation, and improve user flow. Adding animations, responsive behaviours, and updated SEO settings will help your new Wix site outperform the original version. This is also the best moment to remove outdated or low-quality content.

5. Recreate Plugins and Functionalities

WordPress plugins do not transfer directly to Wix. Instead, identify the plugin functionalities you previously relied on and recreate them using Wix Apps, Velo custom code, automation tools, or native Wix Studio features. Common replacements include contact forms, booking tools, galleries, membership systems, and CRM integrations. In many cases, Wix provides simpler and more secure alternatives that reduce the need for ongoing maintenance.

6. Optimise SEO Before Launch

Before going live, review all SEO elements inside Wix. Update meta titles, descriptions, alt tags, URL slugs, and structured data where needed. Ensure 301 redirects are set up so old WordPress URLs correctly lead to the corresponding Wix pages. This preserves search rankings and avoids broken links. Additionally, connect analytics tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, and Wix Analytics to begin collecting performance insights immediately.

7. Set Up 301 Redirects

301 redirects are critical when migrating from WordPress, especially if your URL structure changes. Wix provides a simple redirect manager where you can map old URLs to their Wix equivalents. This prevents the loss of organic traffic and ensures search engines understand the site has permanently moved. Redirects also provide a smoother user experience by ensuring no visitor lands on a 404 page after launch.

8. Connect Your Domain and DNS

Once the new Wix site is ready, connect your domain by updating DNS records or transferring the domain to Wix. Ensure that SSL, email settings, and any third-party integrations remain functional after the switch. Checking everything in advance helps avoid downtime and ensures a seamless transition for site visitors.

9. Perform Testing Before Publishing

Before officially publishing the site, test it thoroughly. Review the mobile version, check all links, test forms, ensure embedded media is working, and verify performance on multiple browsers. Fixing issues before launch improves user experience and prevents post-migration errors. Finally, validate that all SEO redirects are working correctly.

10. Publish and Monitor the New Wix Site

After publishing, closely monitor site traffic, indexing status, performance metrics, and user behaviour. This allows you to immediately address any anomalies caused by the migration. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console to speed up re-indexing, and keep an eye on organic rankings during the first few weeks. Continuous monitoring ensures your migration remains successful from both a technical and SEO perspective.

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Transfer Domain Name From WordPress To Wix

Transferring a domain name from WordPress to Wix is a straightforward process, but it requires a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to transfer your domain name:

Unlock your domain name

To transfer your domain name, you need to unlock it from WordPress. Log in to your WordPress account and navigate to the domain management section. Look for an option to unlock your domain name and follow the instructions to complete the process.

Obtain your authorization code

Once your domain name is unlocked, you will need to obtain an authorization code. The authorization code is a unique code that is required to transfer your domain name. To get your authorization code, go to the domain management section of your WordPress account and look for the option to request the code. Follow the instructions to obtain the code.

Initiate the transfer in Wix

With your authorization code in hand, log in to your Wix account and navigate to the domain management section. Look for an option to initiate the transfer and follow the instructions to complete the process. You will need to provide your authorization code and pay any transfer fees that may apply.

Confirm the transfer

After initiating the transfer, you will receive an email from your domain registrar confirming the transfer request. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm the transfer.

Wait for the transfer to complete

After confirming the transfer, it can take up to 10 days for the transfer to complete. During this time, your website and email may be temporarily unavailable.

Verify the transfer

Once the transfer is complete, verify that your domain name is now registered with Wix. Log in to your Wix account and navigate to the domain management section to confirm that your domain name is now listed in your account.

Following these steps, you can easily transfer your domain name from WordPress to Wix. Remember that some domain registrars may have slightly different procedures, so be sure to check with your registrar for specific instructions. Additionally, it's always a good idea to back up your website data before making any changes to ensure you don't lose any important information.

How to Transfer Content from WordPress to Wix?

Migrating from WordPress to Wix can feel complex, but the process becomes smooth when broken down into clear steps. Whether your goal is easier management, improved design flexibility, or better performance, Wix gives you a fully hosted environment with no plugins, server maintenance, or security patches to worry about.

1. Prepare for the Migration

Before moving anything, take a few minutes to set up your workspace.

What to prepare:

• A Wix Premium plan (recommended for connecting domains)

• Access to your WordPress dashboard

• A reliable backup of your WordPress website

(use plugins like UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or your hosting backup tools)

This ensures you can safely transfer without losing data.

2. Export Your WordPress Content (XML File)

WordPress supports native export via the Tools → Export option.

Steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.

2. Go to Tools → Export.

3. Choose “All Content” (posts, pages, media URLs).

4. Click Download Export File.

5. Save the .XML file to your computer.

3. Import WordPress Content into Wix

Wix provides a WordPress Import Tool that reads your XML file.

Steps:

1. In your Wix dashboard, go to Settings → Import Data → WordPress.

2. Upload the XML file you exported.

3. Wix will scan and import:

   • Blog posts

   • Categories

   • Authors

   • URLs (for 301 redirects, if needed)

4. Transfer Your Images and Media

By default, the XML import does not move images to Wix storage.

Options for media migration:

1. Use Wix Image Importer

Wix tries to fetch images from WordPress during the import process.

2. Manual Download + Upload (Best for accuracy)

3. Download images from your WordPress /wp-content/uploads/ folder.

4. Upload them to the Wix Media Library.

5. Replace image URLs in blog posts/pages if needed.

6. Use a plugin like “Export Media Library” in WordPress

This exports all media as a .zip file for easy upload into Wix.

5. Recreate Pages in Wix Studio or Wix Editor

WordPress page layouts don’t transfer automatically.

You need to rebuild pages using Wix tools.

Rebuild the following types of pages:

• Home page

• About page

• Services / Products

• Contact page

• Custom landing pages

• Menus, footers, CTAs

Because Wix Studio allows drag-and-drop precision, rebuilding is usually quick and results in a far cleaner design.

6. Rebuild Forms, Integrations, and Plugins

You cannot “transfer” WordPress plugins.

Instead, you replace each function using Wix apps and built-in features.

Examples:

• Contact forms → Wix Forms

• SEO plugins → Wix SEO Setup + Advanced SEO

• E-commerce → Wix Stores

• Booking systems → Wix Bookings

• Multi-language → Wix Multilingual

• Pop-ups → Wix Ascend

For anything missing, Wix Velo allows full custom code.

7. Set Up 301 Redirects (Very Important for SEO)

To avoid losing search rankings, redirect all old WordPress URLs to new Wix URLs.

Steps:

1. In Wix Dashboard, go to SEO → SEO Tools → URL Redirect Manager.

2. Add manual 301 redirects from your old URLs to new ones.

3. Ensure every migrated blog post keeps a similar slug where possible.

This preserves domain authority and prevents 404 errors.

8. Connect Your Domain to Wix

Once content is migrated and design is ready:

Steps:

1. Go to Wix Dashboard → Domains.

2. Connect your domain via:

   • Nameserver method (recommended)

   • Or A-record pointing

If your domain is currently hosted through your WordPress hosting (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround), update DNS via that provider.

9. Test Everything Before Publishing

Go through your website carefully.

Checklist:

• All pages load correctly

• Blog posts look clean

• Images display properly

• Forms work

• Mobile version is responsive

• Redirects function correctly

• SEO titles/descriptions are updated

• No placeholder content remains

Once everything looks perfect-publish.

10. Launch and Monitor Performance

After publishing:

• Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console

• Re-index key URLs

• Monitor traffic for changes

• Optimise page speed in Wix Studio

• Update any external links (social profiles, email signatures, etc.)

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Migrating from WordPress to Wix comes with several challenges, primarily due to differences in how the platforms handle content, design, and functionality. Here are the most common challenges and how to overcome them:

1. Content Migration & Formatting Issues

Challenge:

• Wix does not have a direct import tool for WordPress, meaning content (posts, pages, images) must be manually transferred.

• Formatting can break due to differences in text editors (Gutenberg vs. Wix Editor).

Solution:

• Use Wix’s Import Blog Tool – Wix allows you to import WordPress blog posts via an RSS feed.

• Manually Copy & Paste for Pages – Transfer text manually to maintain formatting.

• Re-upload Images – Wix doesn’t automatically import WordPress media, so images must be uploaded again.

2. URL Structure & SEO Ranking Risks

Challenge:

• Wix and WordPress use different URL structures.

• Losing SEO rankings due to broken links or missing metadata.

Solution:

1. Match URL Structure as Closely as Possible – In Wix, set up custom URLs to match your old site’s structure.

2. Use 301 Redirects – Redirect old URLs to the new ones in Wix to maintain SEO equity.

3. Optimize SEO Settings – Manually update meta titles, descriptions, alt tags, and structured data.

3. Plugin & Feature Limitations

Challenge:

• WordPress plugins offer extensive customization, whereas Wix has a more controlled ecosystem.

• Some third-party integrations may not be available.

Solution:

1. Use Wix App Market – Find equivalent apps for contact forms, e-commerce, and email marketing.

2. Use Wix Velo – For custom functionalities, Wix Velo allows custom coding.

3. Check API Integrations – If using external tools (CRM, email marketing), confirm Wix compatibility.

4. Design & Template Restrictions

Challenge:

• WordPress themes offer more flexibility, while Wix templates are more rigid.

• Recreating a WordPress design in Wix can be challenging.

Solution:

1. Rebuild Using Wix Studio or Editor X – These provide greater design flexibility compared to the standard Wix Editor.

2. Use Wix’s Advanced CSS & Code Options – For advanced customizations, use Wix Studio or Velo.

3. Redesign for Mobile Responsiveness – Adjust layouts manually for mobile optimization.

5. E-commerce & Membership Sites

Challenge:

• WordPress (WooCommerce) has more advanced e-commerce features.

• Wix’s membership system is not as flexible as WordPress plugins.

Solution:

1. Use Wix Stores – Suitable for small to medium e-commerce businesses.

2. Check Payment Gateways – Wix supports Stripe, PayPal, and Wix Payments but may lack some WooCommerce integrations.

3. For Memberships, Use Wix Members App – Alternative to WordPress membership plugins.

6. Hosting & Site Speed Differences

Challenge:

• Wix is an all-in-one platform with managed hosting, whereas WordPress allows custom hosting.

• Performance differences may be noticeable.

Solution:

1. Optimize Images & Videos – Wix automatically compresses images, but manual optimization helps.

2. Limit Excessive Apps & Animations – Too many Wix apps or effects can slow down the site.

3. Enable Wix’s Performance Tools – Use built-in caching and performance settings.

7. Learning Curve & Workflow Changes

Challenge:

• WordPress users are used to extensive control, while Wix is more user-friendly but has a different workflow.

Solution:

1. Explore Wix Academy & Help Center – Wix provides step-by-step guides and tutorials.

2. Use Wix’s Drag-and-Drop Features – Embrace the visual editor for easier site management.

3. Consider Wix Studio for Advanced Needs – More flexibility for experienced users.

In 2025, switching from WordPress to Wix has become notably simpler, thanks to enhancements on Wix’s platform and fresh migration features.

Wix has introduced Wix Studio, an advanced version of its website editor, offering:

1. Enhanced Design Features: Greater creative freedom and control for users.

2. Refined User Experience: A more intuitive interface that streamlines the design process.

These improvements position Wix as a more compelling option for those seeking both simplicity and sophisticated design capabilities.

Enhanced Migration Tools

Wix has refined its migration tools to enable a smoother transition from WordPress to Wix:

1. Wix Blog Importer: Simplifies the transfer of WordPress blog posts into Wix.

2. Wix Content Manager: Supports the migration of pages, images, and other media, easing content transfer.

These tools diminish the need for manual content migration, making the overall process more efficient

Conclusion

In conclusion, switching from WordPress to Wix can be a manageable task. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful, functional website that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

If you own a large website with a long history and don't want to lose any content, visitors, and positions in search engines, you need the help of professionals. In our portfolio, you can find many websites that have been ported to Wix from other platforms and are already receiving bonuses and benefits from the new platform. Contact us if you want to move your website to Wix as quickly and safely as possible.

FAQ

Is it difficult to migrate a website from WordPress to Wix?

The migration process is straightforward but requires preparation. Wix offers tools like the WordPress Blog Importer, though some manual adjustments are needed to maintain design and SEO.

Will I lose my SEO rankings when switching from WordPress to Wix?

If done correctly, your SEO rankings can be preserved. Set up 301 redirects, replicate metadata, and submit your sitemap to Google Search Console to maintain visibility.

Can I transfer all my WordPress content and media to Wix automatically?

Not fully - blog posts can be imported automatically, but pages and media must be moved manually. This ensures your content keeps its formatting and visual quality.

How long does it take to switch from WordPress to Wix?

It depends on the website size and complexity. Small sites can be migrated in a day or two, while larger ones may take up to a week.

What are the main advantages of using Wix instead of WordPress?

Wix offers easier management with built-in hosting, security, and SEO tools. It’s ideal for users who want professional design flexibility without handling updates or plugins.