Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial

Would you like to export your WordPress website to a different hosting company or create a copy of your website quickly? Exporting your WordPress website is easier than you can think at the first point, follow this tutorial & guide for more. There are plenty of tools that you can use to ship a WordPress website safely. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll share everything you need to know how to export a WordPress site easily.

Why Export Your WordPress Website?

Before diving into the tutorial, let’s explore why you might need to export your WordPress website:

1. Migrating to a New Host: If you’re moving to a better hosting provider, exporting your site ensures a seamless transition.
2. Creating Backups: Regular backups protect your site from data loss due to hacks, server failures, or other unforeseen events.
3. Cloning Your Site: Exporting allows you to create a copy of your site for testing purposes, development, or setting up a staging environment.
4. Changing Domain Names: If you’re rebranding or switching domain names, exporting helps in transferring all your content.

Preparing for Export

1. Backup Your Website

Before making any significant changes, always back up your website. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong during export.

How to Backup Your WordPress Site:

• Using a Plugin: Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Duplicator simplify the backup process. Install and activate the plugin, follow the instructions, and store your backup files safely.
• Manual Backup: Access your site’s files via FTP or cPanel and download all the files to your computer. Also, export your database using phpMyAdmin.

2. Update Everything: Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial

Ensure that WordPress, themes, and plugins are up to date. This reduces the risk of compatibility issues during the export and import process.

Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial

There are several reasons to save a WordPress site. For instance, you might be moving your site to a new domain or web host, or you may want to save your blog posts to your computer. You could also be moving from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.

Export WordPress Content With Native Tool

If you want to export these types of content, be sure to do so inside your self-hosted WordPress site. Then, in the admin dashboard, go to Tools > Export in the menu on the left. At this point, you can choose All Content or one of the other options.

Click the Download Export File button and wait for the export process to complete. Once the file with your exported content is ready, you can save it to your computer. Depending on your browser and its current settings, you may be prompted before the download starts.

From WordPress.com: Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial

When you’re ready to save your WordPress site, be sure you have logged into your WordPress.com account. Once you’re in your WordPress dashboard, choose the website where you want to export content.

Click on My Sites at the top left-hand corner. If you have multiple sites, but don’t see the one you want to export listed toward the top of the menu on the left, click Switch Site. The WordPress.com dashboard. Then, click on the site listed on the left of which you want its content exported. Your websites are listed on the left.

Next, go to Tools > Export in the menu on the left-hand side. Here, you can export WordPress site content. To export all your site’s content, click the Export All button.

Exporting Your WordPress Website: WordPress comes with a built-in export tool that allows you to export your site’s content easily.

Exporting the Database

If you need a more comprehensive export, including your database, you can use phpMyAdmin.

Steps:

1. Access phpMyAdmin: Log in to your hosting account’s cPanel and find the phpMyAdmin option.
2. Select Your Database: In phpMyAdmin, select the database associated with your WordPress site.
3. Export the Database: Click on the Export tab, choose the export method (Quick or Custom), and click Go. Save the resulting SQL file to your computer.

Using Plugins for a Complete Export

Several plugins can help you export your entire site, including themes, plugins, and settings.

Popular Plugins:

• All-in-One WP Migration: This plugin exports your site as a single file, making it easy to import later.
• Duplicator: Creates a package containing your site’s content, database, themes, plugins, and settings.
• WP Migrate DB: Exports your database and helps you handle serialized data.

Steps Using All-in-One WP Migration:

• Download the Export File: Once the export is complete, download the file to your computer.
• Install and Activate the Plugin: Go to Plugins > Add New, search for All-in-One WP Migration, and install it.
• Export Your Site: Go to All-in-One WP Migration > Export. Choose the export method (e.g., File, FTP, Google Drive).

Importing Your WordPress Website

After exporting your site, you must import it to the new location.

Using the Built-in Import Tool

If you use the built-in export tool, you can import the XML file using the WordPress import tool.

Steps:

1. Log in to the New WordPress Dashboard: Go to Tools > Import.
2. Install the WordPress Importer: If it’s not already installed, you’ll be prompted to install it.
3. Import the XML File: Choose the exported XML file and follow the prompts to import your content.

Importing the Database: Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial

If you exported your database using phpMyAdmin, you must import it to the new database.

Steps:

1. Access phpMyAdmin: Log in to the cPanel of your new host.
2. Create a New Database: If you haven’t already, create a new database and user, and grant the user access.
3. Import the Database: In phpMyAdmin, select the new database, click on the Import tab, choose the SQL file, and click. Go.

Using Plugins for a Complete Import

If you used a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration for export, use the same plugin for import.

Steps Using All-in-One WP Migration:

1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Go to Plugins > Add New, search for All-in-One WP Migration, and install it.
2. Import Your Site: Go to All-in-One WP Migration > Import. Choose the file you exported earlier and follow the prompts to complete the import.

Post-Import Steps: Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial

Update Permalinks

After importing your site, update the permalinks to ensure all links work correctly.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Permalinks: In your WordPress dashboard.
2. Save Changes: Without making any changes, click the Save Changes button to refresh the permalinks.

Check for Missing Links and Images

Verify that all links and images are working correctly. Sometimes, links and images may break during the migration process.

Reinstall Plugins and Themes

If you used the built-in export/import tools, you might need to reinstall and reconfigure your themes and plugins.

Exporting WordPress Website Tutorial Final Words

Exporting your WordPress website doesn’t have to be a challenging task. By following this comprehensive tutorial, you can ensure a smooth and efficient export and import process. Remember to back up your site before making any changes, and keep your WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.

Whether you’re migrating to a new host, creating backups, or cloning your site, these steps will help you preserve your content and settings, ensuring your website remains functional and intact. Happy exporting!