How to Migrate from GoDaddy to WordPress.com

Switching from GoDaddy to WordPress.com is a strategic move that a website owner may consider to improve their online presence. In this comprehensive guide, we, as seasoned experts, provide a step-by-step roadmap to ensure a smooth transition so you can take advantage of the powerful features of WordPress while leaving GoDaddy behind.

Why Migrate to WordPress.com?

Migrating to WordPress.com enhances your online presence and offers numerous advantages. Let’s explore why transitioning from your current platform is a wise choice.

  • User-Friendly Interface – User-friendly interface for easy navigation and content creation on WordPress.com.
  • Vast Array of Themes for Visual Appeal – Choose from a diverse range of professionally designed themes on WordPress.com, enhancing visual appeal to captivate and retain your audience’s attention.
  • Plugin Ecosystem for Enhanced Functionality – Extensive plugin ecosystem for flexible functionality without custom development.
  • Robust Security Measures – Robust security measures, including automatic updates and monitoring.
  • Seamless Mobile Responsiveness – Seamless mobile responsiveness for an optimal user experience.

Preparing for the Migration

Before initiating any modifications, creating a backup of your current GoDaddy content is essential. This precautionary step ensures the preservation of your data throughout the migration process. Here’s the procedure:

  1. Log in to your GoDaddy WordPress site either by entering your username and password or opting for the GoDaddy credentials login.
GoDaddy WordPress Login Page
  1. Navigate to the “Plugins” section in the left-hand menu and click “Add New.”
Add new plugin
  1. Click the “Upload Plugin” button, then click the “Choose File” option to upload the WP Staging | Pro plugin.
Upload and choose wp staging pro plugin
  1. Next, click the ‘Install Now’ button.
Install plugin
  1. After installing the plugin, proceed to activate it.
Activate plugin
  1. Navigate to the left-hand menu, locate ‘WP Staging,’ and then click the ‘Backup & Migration’ option.
Backup & Migration Option in WP Staging
  1. If you already have an existing backup, that’s great. Otherwise, to create a new backup, click the “Create Backup” button.
Create new backup
  1. Enter a name for your backup, and then click the “Start Backup” button.
Enter Backup Name
  1. The backup has been successfully finished.
Backup Complete
  1. Once the backup process is complete, you will usually see a “Download” option under the “Action” button. Make sure to save this backup file in a secure location on your computer.
Download Backup

The Migration Process

  1. Log in to your WordPress.com account.
Login in your wordpress.com account
  1. Within the WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Plugins” and click the “Upload” button.
Upload Button
  1. Now, upload your WP Staging Pro plugin.
Install and activate WP Staging plugin
  1. After installing and activating it, go to the “Backup & Migration” section, typically found in the WordPress dashboard under “WP Staging Pro.”
Backup & Migration in wp staging plugin
  1. Next, click the ‘Upload Backup’ button.
Upload Backup Button in WP Staging
  1. Upload the backup file that you exported from your GoDaddy site.
Upload your website backup
  1. The backup has been successfully uploaded.
Backup Success Uploaded
  1. Now, click the ‘Action’ button and the ‘Restore’ option.
Click on restore button
  1. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Click on next button
  1. Subsequently, click the ‘Restore’ button.
Click on the restore button
  1. The backup has been successfully restored.
Backup has been successfully restored

Conduct a comprehensive test of your website on WordPress.com to verify proper functionality and review all content for accuracy and formatting.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the intricate process of migrating from GoDaddy to WordPress.com. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ve not only preserved your valuable content and SEO efforts but also positioned yourself for a more dynamic online presence. Embrace the possibilities that WordPress.com offers, and watch your website thrive in its new home.