How to migrate from Wix to WordPress : A Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating to WordPress isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a business decision. It reduces costs, accelerates your marketing, improves SEO, and ensures your organization isn’t stuck maintaining limited software.

Updated: Aug 30, 2025 

Getting started

Introdution

If you started on Wix, you probably chose it for speed and simplicity. As your site (and marketing) matured, a few constraints started to sting: layouts that won’t bend the way you need, SEO settings that feel shallow, page speed you can’t fully control, and “apps” that add cost without giving you ownership. That’s usually the signal you’ve outgrown a site builder and need a CMS you fully control—design, data, SEO, and performance included.

Here are the most common pain points real Wix site owners report before moving:

  • Design & layout ceilings: Sections you can’t nest the way you want, fixed spacing/stacking behavior, limited control over responsive breakpoints, and global style systems that don’t apply consistently across pages.

  • Content modeling limits: Blog + basic pages are fine; anything beyond (case studies, services with attributes, resources, team, locations) becomes hard without hacks. Dynamic pages (“collections”) work, but you hit walls with filtering, relationships between content types, and deep templating.

  • SEO control gaps: Custom schema (JSON-LD) at scale, nuanced canonical tags, faceted/filtered URL handling, log-level insights, and full control of sitemaps/robots are tough. Wix gives checkboxes; advanced SEO needs surgical access.

  • Page speed/Core Web Vitals: You can tweak images and apps, but you can’t fully control server response, caching strategy, or code output. When you need sub-1s LCP and tighter CLS, you want to control the stack.

  • Integrations & automations: Connecting CRMs, marketing automation, custom webhooks, and server-side tracking often requires compromises or paid apps. You want a pipeline you own.

  • Scaling costs & lock-in: As you add apps/users/bandwidth, subscription creep sets in. You don’t control the underlying code, so “outgrowing” the platform means rebuilding later anyway.

  • Ecommerce constraints (if using Wix Stores): Checkout customizations, multi-currency, complex shipping/tax logic, subscriptions, and ERP/POS integrations are limited versus open ecosystems.

Why WordPress solves this:

  • You own the stack: Hosting, database, code, assets—no lock-in.

  • True content architecture: Custom post types, custom fields, and taxonomies let you model any content and template it cleanly.

  • Serious SEO: Full control of URLs, metadata, schema, robots rules, sitemaps, redirects, and server headers.

  • Performance budget: Choose hosting, caching, and image/CDN strategy; optimize Core Web Vitals with precision.

  • Integrations without handcuffs: Connect to CRMs, analytics, CDPs, webhooks, custom APIs—client- or server-side.

  • Scale sanely: Costs stay predictable; you avoid per-feature rent.

What this guide covers (practical, step-by-step):

  • A clear Wix vs WordPress comparison so you know exactly what changes (and what doesn’t).

  • A pre-migration checklist that prevents lost content, broken links, and SEO regressions.

  • A realistic, doable migration process—including how to handle pages, blog posts, media, forms, redirects, and dynamic content.

  • A post-migration QA checklist for speed, SEO, and tracking so launch day is calm, not chaotic.

  • FAQs with straight answers on cost, timeline, and risks.

Who should not migrate yet:

  • If your site is <10 pages, you don’t need advanced SEO, and you’re not hitting speed or layout walls, staying on Wix a bit longer can be perfectly rational. Migrate when the constraints start costing you time, ads ROI, or opportunities.

Wix vs WordPress: Which CMS Is Better for You?

When deciding whether to leave Wix, it helps to compare it directly with WordPress across the areas that usually matter most. Here’s the breakdown:

Feature
Wix
WordPress
Ease of Use
Drag-and-drop builder, quick setup, no hosting headaches. Great for beginners.
Slight learning curve. Needs hosting + theme/plugin setup. But modern page builders (Elementor, Gutenberg) make editing almost as visual as Wix.
Design Flexibility
Limited to template structure. Pixel-perfect edits are tricky. Advanced responsive design is rigid.
Unlimited. Any design system is possible with themes + custom CSS. Page builders rival (and surpass) Wix’s visual control.
Content Structure
Pages + blog + limited “collections.” Custom layouts beyond these are hard.
Native support for custom post types, custom fields, and taxonomies. Perfect for complex sites (directories, multi-location, case studies, products, etc.).
SEO Control
Covers basics (titles, meta, alt text). Limited schema support. Some URL quirks.
Industry-standard SEO control. Plugins like Yoast/RankMath + direct access to robots.txt, sitemaps, schema, redirects, and canonical tags.
Performance & Speed
Hosted on Wix servers. Optimization is limited. Users report mixed Core Web Vitals scores.
Full control. Choose high-performance hosting, add caching/CDN, optimize images, run lean code. Easy to achieve sub-1s LCP.
Ecommerce
Wix Stores = easy to launch. But checkout customizations, advanced tax/shipping, and integrations are limited.
WooCommerce gives full ecommerce control. Add-ons for subscriptions, multi-currency, ERP/CRM, POS sync, etc.
Integrations
Mostly via Wix App Market. Good for basics, but advanced connections (CRM, CDP, analytics pipelines) are harder.
Thousands of plugins + direct API access. You can connect almost any system (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zapier, GA4, server-side tagging, etc.).
Ownership & Portability
Hosted and locked inside Wix. You can’t move the raw site elsewhere.
100% ownership of files, database, hosting. You can migrate anywhere. No lock-in.
Cost Structure
Subscription tiers + extra apps. Price scales with features.
Hosting + domain are base costs. Most plugins are free; premium add-ons optional. Long-term usually cheaper at scale.
Scalability
Great for simple sites. Struggles when sites hit 50+ pages, custom logic, or heavy SEO needs.
Proven to scale to enterprise-level. Used by ~40% of the web, from blogs to Fortune 500 companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Wix is strongest at the start: low barrier to entry, easy to launch, no maintenance.
  • WordPress is strongest long-term: ownership, performance, SEO, scalability, integrations.
  • Migrating is rarely about “better design.” It’s about removing ceilings that limit growth (SEO depth, integrations, performance, scaling costs).

Why WordPress for Your Business

If you’ve been running your site on Wix, you’ve probably noticed that the issues slowing you down aren’t “lack of effort” — they’re structural limits of the platform. Here’s how WordPress addresses those exact bottlenecks:

1. When Wix locks you into a template, WordPress opens it up

  • The problem: Wix’s template system is rigid. Even with “flexible” layouts, there are things you just can’t do — nested layouts, advanced grids, conditional content, global design tokens that behave consistently.

  • How WordPress helps: With modern page builders (Elementor, Gutenberg, Divi), you can build any layout. Want a different hero design per template? Want a global design system that actually works? WordPress does it without locking you into one framework.

2. When your content outgrows Wix “collections,” WordPress scales with you

  • The problem: Wix has basic dynamic content, but it gets messy when you want structured data (e.g., case studies linked to services, locations linked to team members, or filtering by attributes).

  • How WordPress helps: Custom post types + custom fields let you model your content exactly how your business works. You can build directories, multi-location businesses, course libraries, product catalogs, all with clean URLs and templates.

3. When Wix’s SEO boxes stop being enough, WordPress gives you the full toolkit

  • The problem: You can set titles, meta descriptions, and alt text, but advanced SEO — schema markup, canonical tags, robots rules, log-level SEO audits — is nearly impossible. Wix-generated code can also bloat Core Web Vitals scores.

  • How WordPress helps: With SEO plugins (Rank Math, Yoast), you get granular control over every SEO element. You can inject schema, manage redirects, generate optimized sitemaps, fine-tune indexing, and integrate with Google Search Console/GA4 at a professional level.

4. When speed and performance matter, WordPress gives you the levers

  • The problem: Wix servers are “good enough” for small sites, but you can’t optimize caching, reduce JavaScript bloat, or tweak server response times. Site speed often flatlines.

  • How WordPress helps: You choose the hosting (from budget to enterprise). Add caching/CDN, lazy loading, image optimization, and Core Web Vitals monitoring. You’re not stuck waiting for Wix updates — you control your performance budget.

5. When you need serious integrations, WordPress connects the dots

  • The problem: Wix’s App Market is fine for basics (mailing lists, chatbots, booking). But custom integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zapier, advanced analytics pipelines) are either impossible or hacky.

  • How WordPress helps: With 60,000+ plugins and open APIs, WordPress connects to almost any CRM, CDP, ERP, or automation platform. No more bending your business to fit your CMS.

6. When costs creep up, WordPress stays predictable

  • The problem: On Wix, each “extra” — extra storage, ecommerce features, premium apps — stacks up. And you’re locked into Wix hosting forever.

  • How WordPress helps: You pay for hosting and domain, then add plugins as needed (most are free or one-time costs). You’re not paying rent to access your own website features.

👉 In short: if Wix feels like training wheels that you’ve now outgrown, WordPress is the full bike. You’ll have to steer more, but you’ll never hit a “sorry, that’s not possible here” wall again.

Pre-Migration Checklist: Preparing to Move from Wix to WordPress

Before you move from Wix to WordPress, preparation is everything. The actual transfer is simpler when you’ve already gathered assets, mapped content, and planned redirects. Here’s what you should do:

1. Audit your existing site

  • Go through every page, post, and resource.

  • List them in a spreadsheet: URL, page title, type (page/blog/media), priority (must-migrate, optional).

  • This becomes your master migration map.

2. Export what you can from Wix

  • Wix doesn’t allow full site exports. But you can:

    • Export blog posts in XML format.

    • Download media files manually or in batches.

    • Copy page text and metadata into documents.

  • It’s tedious, but worth it — otherwise you risk losing content.

3. Collect SEO data

  • Export your sitemap from Wix (use yoursite.com/sitemap.xml).

  • Note current URL structure: important for setting up redirects later.

  • Pull meta titles and descriptions for every page (use a crawler like Screaming Frog if needed).

4. Back up branding assets

  • Logos, brand colors, fonts, favicon, design elements.

  • Save them in a shared folder — you’ll need these to rebuild consistent styling on WordPress.

5. Identify active integrations

  • Check which apps you’re using: forms, chat, booking, email marketing, ecommerce.

  • List each integration with its function. You’ll need WordPress equivalents (plugins or API connections).

6. Plan your new site structure

  • Decide whether to keep the same URL structure or improve it.

  • Example: /about instead of /about-us-1.

  • Simplify if possible — migration is the perfect time to fix messy URLs.

7. Note down ecommerce requirements (if applicable)

  • Product catalog, categories, variants, pricing rules.

  • Shipping zones, tax settings, payment gateways.

  • Subscriptions or recurring billing needs.

8. Set up hosting and staging

  • Choose a WordPress host before migration.

  • Spin up a staging site — migrate there first, not on the live domain.

  • This avoids downtime and lets you test everything safely.

9. Decide on a theme/page builder

  • Pick a WordPress theme that matches your design goals (lightweight + customizable).

  • If you prefer drag-and-drop, line up Elementor/Divi or stick to Gutenberg.

10. Create a redirect plan

  • Every old Wix URL should map to a new WordPress URL.

  • This preserves SEO equity and prevents broken links.

This checklist is your foundation. Once you’ve ticked these boxes, the actual migration (content, design, SEO, testing) goes much smoother.

Migration Process: How to Move from Wix to WordPress

Migrating from Wix to WordPress is not a single-click operation. Wix keeps you locked in, which means you’ll be working with partial exports and a fair amount of manual rebuilding. Here’s how to do it in a way that avoids data loss, broken SEO, or downtime.

Step 1: Set up your WordPress environment first

Don’t start by pulling content out of Wix — first prepare the new home.

  • Choose a hosting provider that matches your traffic and performance needs. Even a mid-tier managed host (like SiteGround, Cloudways, Kinsta) will outperform Wix on speed.

  • Install WordPress on your staging server (not your live domain yet). This gives you a sandbox to build safely.

  • Configure basics: set permalinks to “Post name” under Settings > Permalinks, add HTTPS with an SSL certificate, and adjust timezone and language.

  • Pick a lightweight, flexible theme (Astra, Kadence, GeneratePress). Avoid bloated themes with too many built-ins — you’re moving to WordPress for control, not bloat.

Tip: Always start with a staging site. Never replace your Wix site until the new WordPress build is tested end-to-end.

Step 2: Recreate static pages in WordPress

Unlike WordPress, Wix doesn’t let you export static pages. You’ll need to copy-paste text and rebuild layouts.

  • Copy all text manually or with a scraping tool.

  • Download images as you go and re-upload them into the WordPress Media Library.

  • Rebuild the page designs in your chosen page builder (Elementor, Gutenberg blocks, or Divi). This is the moment to fix all the design frustrations you had on Wix — spacing issues, header/footer limits, and poor responsive layouts.

  • Keep URL slugs consistent with your redirect plan. Example: if you had /services on Wix, don’t suddenly change it to /our-services unless you plan a redirect.

Pitfall: Don’t rush layouts. Users often migrate “as is” and carry Wix’s design limitations into WordPress — wasting the opportunity to improve UX.

Step 3: Import blog posts

The good news is Wix allows blog export.

  • Go to your Wix dashboard → Blog → Settings → Export → generate an XML file.

  • In WordPress, go to Tools > Import > WordPress → upload the XML file.

  • Check categories, tags, and authors — sometimes they import oddly (all posts under “Uncategorized”).

  • Clean up formatting. Wix often adds inline styles that don’t match your new WordPress theme.

Tip: Use this as a chance to improve blog structure: add proper categories, pillar pages, and internal links.

Step 4: Transfer media files properly

Wix hides media inside its CDN, so you can’t just “download everything.”

  • Easiest method: extract URLs from your sitemap (/sitemap.xml) and batch-download with a tool like wget.

  • Re-upload all files into the WordPress Media Library.

  • Use a plugin like Auto Upload Images — it automatically fetches remote image URLs in your posts and downloads them to your library, updating references.

Pitfall: Don’t rely on hotlinking Wix images. Once you cancel Wix, those image URLs will break. Always download and rehost.

Step 5: Rebuild forms and interactions

Every form (contact, lead, booking) needs to be rebuilt.

  • Install a form plugin: Contact Form 7 (lightweight), WPForms (user-friendly), or Fluent Forms (good balance).

  • Recreate fields, confirmation messages, and email notifications.

  • Test form submissions on both desktop and mobile.

Advanced move: If you used Wix’s lead capture, integrate your WordPress forms with your CRM or email marketing tool via API/Zapier.

Step 6: Structure navigation and menus

  • Recreate your main navigation under Appearance > Menus in WordPress.

  • Add dropdowns, footer links, and secondary navs.

  • Don’t forget the utility links (privacy policy, login, careers).

  • Preview menus on mobile — collapsible menus often need styling tweaks.

Pro tip: WordPress lets you build multiple menus for different contexts (e.g., separate menu for logged-in users or ecommerce sections).

Step 7: Reimplement integrations and apps

Wix’s App Market doesn’t follow you to WordPress — but you’ll usually find more powerful equivalents.

  • Email marketing: Replace Wix Email with plugins for Mailchimp, Brevo, ActiveCampaign, or HubSpot.

  • Chat: Swap Wix Chat for Crisp, Tawk.to, or Intercom.

  • Booking: Replace Wix Bookings with Amelia or Simply Schedule Appointments.

  • Analytics: Set up GA4, Google Tag Manager, and Meta Pixel manually — you now have full control.

Tip: Document all integrations you had on Wix before migration so you don’t forget anything (e.g., event tracking).

Step 8: Rebuild ecommerce (if using Wix Stores)

  • Install WooCommerce on WordPress.

  • Configure core settings: currency, taxes, shipping zones, and payment gateways.

  • Export products from Wix if possible (CSV) → import into WooCommerce. Otherwise, add them manually.

  • Recreate categories, variations, and product images.

  • Set up transactional emails, discount codes, and checkout customizations.

Advanced: If you had subscriptions or memberships in Wix, you’ll need WooCommerce Subscriptions or MemberPress to replicate that functionality.

Step 9: Implement SEO foundations

  • Install Rank Math or Yoast SEO.

  • Reapply all page titles, meta descriptions, and Open Graph data you exported earlier.

  • Generate a new sitemap and connect it to Google Search Console.

  • Set up 301 redirects from every old Wix URL to the equivalent WordPress URL. Use a plugin like Redirection or configure redirects in .htaccess.

Critical: Redirects are non-negotiable. Missing them = SEO tank.

Step 10: Optimize performance

  • Install a caching plugin (LiteSpeed Cache if host supports it, otherwise WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache).

  • Enable GZIP compression and browser caching.

  • Add an image optimizer (Smush, Imagify, or WebP Express).

  • Use a CDN (Cloudflare, BunnyCDN) for global delivery.

  • Test with PageSpeed Insights & GTMetrix → aim for green Core Web Vitals.

Step 11: Quality assurance before launch

  • Crawl your staging site with Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to check for broken links.

  • Test all forms, payment gateways, and popups.

  • Check responsive design on multiple devices.

  • Validate tracking (GA4 events, conversions, Facebook Pixel firing).

Pro tip: Have someone outside your team click through the site — they’ll spot UX issues you’re blind to.

Step 12: Launch

  • Point your domain’s DNS to the new WordPress host.

  • Keep Wix live for a week on a temporary subdomain (unindexed) as a backup.

  • Monitor logs in Search Console to ensure pages are being indexed correctly.

  • Keep an eye on analytics for sudden drop-offs in traffic or conversions.

Post-Migration Checklist: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Once your WordPress site is live, you’re not done yet. The launch is only half the battle — the real work is validating everything works exactly as expected. Here’s how to do it thoroughly:

1. Verify all redirects are working

  • Run a crawler (Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, Ahrefs) on your old Wix sitemap.

  • Every old URL should 301 to its new WordPress counterpart.

  • Check especially: blog posts, product pages, and odd URLs like /blog-1, /about-us-2.

  • Make sure there are no redirect chains (e.g., /page → /page2 → /page3).

Why this matters: Even a few broken redirects can cause SEO drops or 404 errors in Google Search Console.

2. Test forms, search, and interactive elements

  • Submit every contact form, signup form, and booking form yourself.

  • Verify email notifications are being delivered (check spam folders too).

  • If you have search or filters (e.g., product search), test queries with typos, categories, and long-tail terms.

Pro tip: Use a different device (mobile network) to make sure form submissions work outside your logged-in admin state.

3. Re-check SEO fundamentals

  • Titles and meta descriptions: Confirm they match your exported data.

  • Open Graph and Twitter Card previews: Paste URLs into Facebook’s Sharing Debugger and Twitter Card Validator.

  • Robots.txt: Make sure your site isn’t accidentally blocking crawlers.

  • Schema: Test with Google’s Rich Results Test for key pages (services, blog, products).

Pitfall to avoid: Forgetting to uncheck “Discourage search engines from indexing this site” in WordPress settings after staging.

4. Confirm analytics and tracking

  • GA4: Check if pageviews, events, and conversions are firing.

  • Google Tag Manager: Preview mode to confirm triggers.

  • Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insights, TikTok Pixel: Validate with browser extensions.

  • Ecommerce events (if WooCommerce): Test add-to-cart, checkout, and purchase tracking.

Why this matters: Many businesses lose weeks of conversion data after migration because pixels weren’t re-installed.

5. Run a performance audit

  • Test homepage, product pages, and blog posts on PageSpeed Insights.

  • Fix any red flags: unoptimized images, unused CSS/JS, server response delays.

  • Check Core Web Vitals in Search Console — particularly Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).

Pro tip: Performance tuning is ongoing. WordPress gives you levers Wix never did, so treat this as an opportunity to improve scores beyond what Wix allowed.

6. Check mobile responsiveness

  • Go through the site on iPhone + Android devices.

  • Look for spacing issues, broken grids, overlapping text, or buttons too close together.

  • Use Chrome DevTools to preview on multiple screen sizes.

Pitfall: Many migrations look fine on desktop but fail on smaller breakpoints because Wix handled some responsive quirks automatically.

7. Secure your new WordPress site

  • Install a security plugin (Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri).

  • Force strong passwords and 2FA for all users.

  • Change default login URL (/wp-admin → /login with a plugin).

  • Enable daily backups (via hosting or plugins like UpdraftPlus/Jetpack).

Why this matters: Wix managed security for you; now you’re responsible for patching vulnerabilities.

8. Review ecommerce and payments (if applicable)

  • Place a real test order with a live payment gateway.

  • Confirm order notifications reach your inbox and customer emails look professional.

  • Test shipping/tax logic (multiple zones, international orders).

  • Verify refunds and cancellations work.

9. Monitor SEO and traffic post-launch

  • Watch Google Search Console for new crawl errors, coverage issues, or soft 404s.

  • Track rankings for your key terms — some fluctuation is normal for 1–3 weeks after migration.

  • If you see sustained drops, investigate redirects, sitemap submissions, or on-page SEO consistency.

10. Train your team

  • Show editors how to use WordPress: adding blog posts, uploading images, managing menus.

  • Document your plugins and theme setup so future admins don’t break things accidentally.

  • Make sure someone is responsible for regular plugin + core updates.

Get Your Migration Cost & Free Consultation

You’ve seen what it takes to move from Wix to WordPress — but every site is different. The fastest way to know your exact cost and timeline is to use our CMS Migration Calculator.

You can also schedule a free 30 min consultation on your migration plans – our team can walk you through the process.- no strings attached. 

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my SEO rankings if I move from Wix to WordPress?

Not if the migration is handled correctly. The key is preserving your URL structure and setting up 301 redirects from every old Wix page to its new WordPress equivalent. If you also reapply your titles, meta descriptions, and structured data, Google will usually treat the move as a site upgrade rather than a brand-new site. In some cases, sites even see an SEO boost because WordPress gives far better control over technical SEO and site speed.

Can I migrate all my content from Wix?

Most of it, yes. Blog posts can be exported directly from Wix and imported into WordPress. Static pages need to be rebuilt manually, but text, images, and media can be copied over without issue. Dynamic content like Wix “collections” and product catalogs will require some manual work or CSV exports. The important thing is to plan ahead so nothing gets lost.

How long does a Wix to WordPress migration take?

A small 10–15 page Wix site can often be migrated in under a week. Larger sites with blogs, ecommerce, or custom layouts may take 2–3 weeks depending on complexity. If you’re also redesigning during migration, factor in extra time for approvals and testing.

What happens to my Wix subscription after migration?

Once your WordPress site is fully live and tested, you can safely cancel your Wix plan. However, it’s best to keep Wix active for a short overlap period (a week or so) while you confirm redirects and traffic are flowing properly.

Will my WordPress site be harder to manage than Wix?

It depends. WordPress gives you far more control, which comes with a slight learning curve. But once set up with a page builder like Elementor or Gutenberg, editing is as simple as drag-and-drop. The main difference is that you’re responsible for updates and security — which can be automated with plugins and managed hosting.

How much does it cost to migrate from Wix to WordPress?

Costs vary depending on your site size and complexity. A small business site might range between $500–$1,500, while an ecommerce store or feature-heavy site could be higher. The best way to get an accurate number is to use the CMS Migration Calculator and see your estimate instantly.

Can I keep my same domain name when switching?

Yes. You simply update your domain’s DNS to point to your new WordPress hosting provider. The domain itself doesn’t change, and visitors will see the same web address — just a new, more powerful site underneath.

Will all my Wix features work the same way in WordPress?

Every major function can be replicated or improved in WordPress, though sometimes with a different plugin or integration. Common examples:

  • Wix forms → WPForms, Contact Form 7, or Fluent Forms

  • Wix Bookings → Amelia or Simply Schedule Appointments

  • Wix Chat → Crisp or Tawk.to

  • Wix Stores → WooCommerce. In many cases, the WordPress alternatives are more powerful and customizable.

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