Quick Summary
- Export content using Squarespace’s built-in tool (only blog posts, basic pages, and images transfer).
- Set up WordPress.org on reliable hosting with staging and SEO-friendly permalink structure.
- Import XML file via the WordPress importer and verify blog post/page accuracy.
- Rebuild unsupported pages like products, galleries, and forms manually with block themes or Elementor.
- Fix missing images using Media Tools by ShortPixel; compress them for speed.
- Set up 301 redirects to preserve SEO; update and submit sitemap to Google Search Console.
- Update domain DNS and preview site before going live; test for speed and mobile-friendliness.
- After-migration checklist: Install SEO plugin, enable backups, secure site, and test all links.
It’s a smart upgrade if you want full control, better SEO, and unlimited design freedom. But it’s not a one-click switch. From exporting content to preserving your URLs, this guide walks you through every key step clearly and simply so you can migrate without breaking your layout, traffic, or functionality.
Step 1. Export Content from Squarespace (Know What Comes Over and What Doesn’t)
Start with Squarespace’s built-in export tool. It lets you download an XML file with your blog posts, static pages, and basic images. But not everything makes the trip.
You’ll lose product pages, event listings, galleries, audio/video blocks, and custom CSS they don’t get exported and must be manually rebuilt in WordPress.
Tip: Before you migrate, make a checklist of what Squarespace content needs to be recreated later. This keeps your structure intact and avoids surprises.
How to Export Your Content from Squarespace
- Go to Settings → Website → Import/Export in your Squarespace dashboard.
- Click Export and choose the WordPress option when prompted.
- Squarespace will begin generating your XML file.
- Once ready, click Download to save the
.xmlfile to your computer. - Keep this file safe—it will be imported into WordPress in the next step.
Step 2. Set Up WordPress.org on Reliable Hosting (Build a Stable Foundation)
Before moving your content, choose a trusted WordPress hosting provider like SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger. These offer one-click WordPress.org installs, making setup fast and beginner-friendly.
Use a staging site (if your host provides one) to test the migration without affecting your live domain. This ensures everything works before going public.
Go to Settings → Permalinks and select the “Post name” structure. This keeps your URLs clean, SEO-friendly, and easier to redirect from your old Squarespace links.
Step 3. Import Content Using WordPress Tools
- Go to Tools → Import in your WordPress dashboard.
- Select WordPress from the list and install the importer plugin when prompted.
- Upload the XML file exported from Squarespace.
- After import, review your blog posts, pages, and media to ensure they transferred properly.
- Check for common issues like:
- Missing formatting (headings, lists, embeds)
- Broken or missing image links
- Incomplete categories and tags
- Clean up any content discrepancies before moving forward with design or redirects.
Step 4. Rebuild Unsupported Pages Manually
Squarespace doesn’t export everything so now it’s time to rebuild the missing parts. Pages like product listings, galleries, custom forms, and styled sections must be recreated in WordPress.
Use block-based WordPress themes or visual builders like Elementor with addons like Unlimited Elements to recreate layouts. Aim to match your original look and feel by using similar fonts, colors, and structure. This helps maintain design consistency and a smooth user experience.
Don’t rush this step is key to preserving the branding and usability your visitors expect.
Step 5. Fix Missing Images Automatically
After import, you may notice that some images don’t display properly this happens when Squarespace-hosted images aren’t transferred fully.
To solve this, install Media Tools by ShortPixel or manually upload missing images by downloading them from your Squarespace site and re-adding them in WordPress.
Once your images are in place, use an image optimization plugin like ShortPixel or Smush to compress them. This reduces file size, improves site speed, and helps your pages load faster especially on mobile.
Step 6. Redirect Old Squarespace URLs
Changing platforms without redirecting your old URLs can tank your SEO. To avoid losing search traffic, set up 301 redirects from your original Squarespace URLs to their new WordPress versions.
Use the Redirection plugin in WordPress to map each old link to its updated path. If you’re comfortable editing server files, you can also add redirect rules in your .htaccess file.
After redirects are in place, submit your new sitemap in Google Search Console to help search engines index your WordPress site correctly.
Step 7. Connect Your Domain and Go Live
Once your new WordPress site is ready, update your DNS settings to point your domain to the new host. This is usually done through your domain registrar by changing the nameservers or A records.
Before going live, preview your site using a staging URL or by modifying your host file. This lets you test everything without making it public.
Finally, check mobile responsiveness, site speed, and all major links. A smooth launch keeps users happy and avoids search engine indexing issues.
After-Migration SEO & Plugin Checklist
Your site is live but the job isn’t done yet. Use this checklist to tighten security, boost SEO, and ensure everything works properly after switching from Squarespace to WordPress:
- Install an SEO Plugin – Use Rank Math or Yoast SEO to optimize meta tags, titles, and structured data for better visibility in Google.
- Set Up Backups and Security – Add UpdraftPlus to schedule automatic backups, and Wordfence for firewall protection and malware scans.
- Connect Google Analytics & Search Console – Track traffic and monitor performance by linking your WordPress site to Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
- Test Internal Links & Buttons – Click through every page, menu, and button. Make sure links are working and pointing to the correct WordPress URLs broken links hurt both UX and SEO.
Conclusion
Migrating from Squarespace to WordPress.org doesn’t have to be overwhelming just follow these clear steps to move your content, protect your SEO, and launch smoothly. With the right setup and tools, you’ll gain the flexibility, control, and freedom that Squarespace couldn’t offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my content when migrating from Squarespace to WordPress?
Squarespace exports only blog posts, basic pages, and text/image blocks. Features like product pages, galleries, audio/video elements, and custom CSS don’t transfer and must be rebuilt manually in WordPress.
How do I handle image transfer when moving to WordPress?
Squarespace doesn’t export hosted images directly. Use a plugin like Media Tools by ShortPixel to fetch and import images from external links. Then compress them via ShortPixel or Smush for faster loads and better performance.
Do I need a domain transfer or just update DNS?
You can either transfer your domain to a new registrar or simply update its DNS (nameservers/A records) to point to your WordPress host. Both approaches work DNS updates avoid transfer delays and downtime.
How can I preserve SEO and rankings after migration?
Set up 301 redirects from old Squarespace URLs to the new WordPress versions using a plugin like Redirection or via .htaccess. Then submit your updated sitemap in Google Search Console to retain search visibility.
How much technical expertise do I need to migrate?
Basic migration is doable for non-technical users if you follow step-by-step guides. However, expect manual rebuilding of layouts, product pages, media optimization, and redirect setup so some familiarity with WordPress admin helps.
