If you have been using WordPress.com for your website and want to switch to the self-hosted version of WordPress, which is WordPress.org, then you need to migrate your website to a new hosting account. This process can seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Set up a Hosting Account
Before you can migrate your website, you need to set up a hosting account. You can choose from a variety of web hosting providers such as Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator. Once you have a hosting account set up, you can proceed with the migration process.
Step 2: Export Your Content from WordPress.com
To export your content from WordPress.com, go to your WordPress.com dashboard and click on the Tools menu. Then click on the Export option. You will be asked to choose what you want to export. Select the All Content option and click on the Download Export File button. This will save a file to your computer with all of your website’s content.
Step 3: Install WordPress on Your New Hosting Account
Most hosting providers have a one-click install option for WordPress. This will automatically install the latest version of WordPress on your hosting account. If your hosting provider does not offer a one-click install option, you can install WordPress manually by downloading it from the official website and following the installation instructions.
Step 4: Import Your Content to WordPress.org
After you have installed WordPress on your new hosting account, you can import your content from WordPress.com. To do this, go to your WordPress dashboard and click on the Tools menu. Then click on the Import option. You will be prompted to install the WordPress importer plugin if it is not already installed. Once the plugin is installed, you can upload the export file that you downloaded in Step 2. WordPress will then import all of your content, including posts, pages, comments, and media files.
Step 5: Redirect Your Domain Name
Once you have imported your content to WordPress.org, you need to redirect your domain name to your new hosting account. To do this, go to your domain registrar’s website and change the nameservers to point to your new hosting account. This may take up to 48 hours to take effect.
Step 6: Check Your Website
After you have redirected your domain name, you should check your website to make sure that everything is working properly. You may need to make some adjustments to your website’s settings, such as updating permalinks or installing plugins.
By following these steps, you can easily migrate your website from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. Once you have made the switch, you will have more control over your website and be able to customize it to your liking.
WordPress setup maintenance note
Before changing a live WordPress site, make the work repeatable: take a backup, write down the current theme and plugin versions, confirm PHP compatibility, and test the change on staging or during a quiet maintenance window when possible. That keeps a small design, migration, webhook, or repair task from turning into a broken storefront or contact form.
Safe verification checklist
- Back up the database, uploads, themes, plugins, and
wp-config.phpbefore editing files or running imports. - Confirm the admin dashboard, homepage, menu, forms, search, and one deep page still load after the change.
- Clear page cache, object cache, CDN cache, and browser cache before judging the public result.
- Check mobile layout and at least one private or logged-in workflow if the post touches themes, builders, or WooCommerce.
- Keep the rollback path simple: know which backup, plugin version, theme file, or DNS value you would restore first.
Related WordPress setup guides
- How To Create A 5 Page Website For Your Business With WordPress And Elementor Pro
- Create Header Template With Elementor Pro in WordPress
- Fix WordPress Database Connection String With cPanel File Manager
- Optimizing Images with EWWW Image Optimizer WordPress Plugin
- Installing WordPress on Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Fixing WordPress Maintenance Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Mastering Divi: Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for WordPress
- Elementor and Hello Theme: Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for WordPress
- Migrating WordPress Using wp-content and .sql File: A Comprehensive Guide
- Creating a WordPress Child Theme: Why Base Theme Choice Matters
For official background on routine WordPress maintenance, keep the WordPress update documentation and the WordPress backup guidance handy while planning changes.
