There could be several reasons as to why you want to shift from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. The latter offers many advantages over the former. Some of them are - including advertisements on your blog, installing themes that you like, the ability to use advanced tracking software etc. Whatever the reason, moving your blog is not as difficult as you think. Simply follow the steps below and you’ll soon be on your way.
1. Get a domain name: This is the first and most important thing you should do. Renting server space is another requirement. You have the option of buying a web domain from sites such as Network Solutions or Google Apps. Alternatively, you can use web hosting services (such as KnowHost, Rackspace, Blue Host etc). It does not matter which hosting provider you choose, but do ensure that the hosting account includes details such as PHP compatibility, domain registration and MySOL databases.
2. Transfer posts: Once you have your domain name and server space sorted out, you will need to transfer your posts. Most web hosting companies offer a pre-written installation for WordPress, so this should be easy. Note that the WordPress software should be installed in a sub directory. Once this is done, you will need to click Tools- Exports on your old WordPress.com administration dashboard. Save the XML file on your desktop. Then on your new website’s administration dashboard, you need to click on Tools – Import and select WordPress. Choose the file you have downloaded previously. Then check the box which reads Import Attachments. By doing the above, all information from your old blog will be imported into your new blog at WordPress.org.
3. Direct traffic to the new site: You will need to ensure that followers of your blog and search engines will still be able to find your site. In order to do this, you will need to login to the company you registered your domain with (your domain registrar). Go to your domain’s DNS settings to make the change. Click on Configure DNS Servers and change the name to ns1, wordpress.com . Be sure you write down your existing server addresses before you make the change. Now select Upgrades – Domains from the new website’s dashboard. Enter the new address and select Add domain to blog. Click on Map Domain when you are asked to confirm this. Once this is done, go back to the dashboard and click on Upgrades – Domains. Check Update Primary Domain on the box where you have the domain name.
4. Save the changes: The last step in this process is to save the above mentioned changes. Now both your old and new domains will take visitors and search engines to your new site. Do keep in mind that Domain mapping is a paid service and you will have to renew this from Wordpress.com on a yearly basis.
These are the steps that must be followed carefully to export your blog to the new site. As you can see, that’s all it takes to move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. Once you have done this, sit back and enjoy all the features you can use to enhance your blog.
Randy Collins likes writing articles related to Technology News, Gadget Reviews and How To. He also does guest posting for buycharter.com - a site that offers savings and current information on charter internet, as well as charter.com services
