Squarespace to Wix Migration: Your Complete Guide
Thinking about moving your website from Squarespace to Wix? This is a decision many business owners face. Both platforms are popular, but they work differently.
This guide will help you make a smooth switch. You will learn what to expect and how to avoid common problems.
Why Switch from Squarespace to Wix?
Squarespace is a great platform. But Wix offers some things that Squarespace does not. Here are reasons people make the change:
- More design freedom - Wix lets you move elements anywhere on the page
- Larger app market - Wix has more add-on features available
- Better booking tools - Wix Bookings offers more flexibility
- Easier editing - The drag-and-drop editor is more intuitive
- More templates - Wix offers over 500 templates to choose from
Understanding the Migration Process
Moving from Squarespace to Wix takes some work. There is no automatic transfer button. But with the right steps, you can do it yourself.
What Can Be Exported from Squarespace
Squarespace lets you export some content. Here is what you can take with you:
- Written content - Blog posts and page text
- Basic page structure - The general layout of pages
- Blog post dates - Your original publishing dates
- Blog categories - How your posts are organized
What Must Be Recreated Manually
Some things cannot be exported. You will need to rebuild these:
- Site design - Your visual layout and styling
- Images and media - All photos, videos, and files
- Store products - E-commerce items and inventory
- Custom forms - Contact forms and signup forms
- Navigation menus - Your site structure and links
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
Follow these steps to move your site successfully.
Step 1: Export Your Squarespace Content
Start by getting your content out of Squarespace.
- Log into your Squarespace account
- Go to Settings in the main menu
- Click on Advanced
- Select Import/Export
- Click Export to download your content
This creates a WordPress XML file. Yes, it uses WordPress format, but Wix can work with it.
Step 2: Download Your Images
Images do not export automatically. You need to save them yourself.
- Go through each page on your Squarespace site
- Right-click on images and save them
- Create folders to organize your images
- Label files clearly so you can find them later
This step takes time. But it ensures you keep all your visual content.
Step 3: Choose Your Wix Plan
Wix offers several plans. Here are your main options:
- Core Plan ($29/month) - Good for most small businesses
- Business Plan ($39/month) - Better for growing stores
- Business Elite ($59/month) - Best for high-traffic sites
If you had a Squarespace Business plan, the Wix Core or Business plan will meet your needs.
Step 4: Pick a Wix Template
Now comes the fun part. Choose a new look for your site.
- Browse the Wix template library
- Filter by your industry or style preference
- Preview templates to see how they work
- Pick one that matches your brand
- Remember, you can customize everything later
Do not try to match your old design exactly. This is your chance for a fresh look.
Step 5: Set Up Your Site Structure
Build the foundation of your new site.
- Create all your pages in Wix
- Add them to your navigation menu
- Organize pages into sections if needed
- Make sure the structure makes sense for visitors
Try to keep your page URLs similar to your old site. This helps with SEO.
Step 6: Import Your Blog Posts
If you have a blog, import your posts now.
- Go to your Wix dashboard
- Open the Blog section
- Click Import Posts
- Upload the XML file you exported from Squarespace
- Wait for the import to complete
Your posts should appear with their original dates and categories.
Step 7: Add Your Content and Images
Now fill in your new site with content.
- Copy text from your Squarespace pages
- Paste it into the matching Wix pages
- Upload your saved images
- Add images to the right pages
- Format everything to look good
Take your time here. Good content makes a good website.
Step 8: Set Up 301 Redirects
Redirects keep your search rankings safe. They tell Google where your pages moved.
- Go to your Wix SEO Dashboard
- Open the URL Redirect Manager
- Add a redirect for each old page
- Match old URLs to new ones
- Test each redirect carefully
This step is very important. Do not skip it.
Design Considerations When Switching
Squarespace and Wix handle design differently. Keep these things in mind.
Grid vs. Free-Form Design
Squarespace uses a strict grid system. Everything snaps into place.
Wix gives you free-form control. You can put elements anywhere. This is more flexible but requires more care. Make sure things stay aligned.
Mobile Responsiveness
Both platforms create mobile-friendly sites. But you should:
- Check how your new site looks on phones
- Adjust the mobile layout separately in Wix
- Test all pages on different screen sizes
- Make sure buttons are easy to tap
Fonts and Colors
Your exact fonts may not be available in Wix. Here is what to do:
- Note your current font names
- Find similar fonts in Wix
- Match colors using hex codes
- Update your brand guide if fonts change
Image Handling
Wix handles images differently than Squarespace.
- Upload high-quality images
- Wix will optimize them automatically
- Add alt text for better SEO
- Use the same image sizes for consistency
Moving Your Online Store
If you have a Squarespace store, migration needs extra steps.
Product Migration Options
You have three choices for moving products:
Manual Entry
- Add each product by hand in Wix
- Best for stores with fewer than 50 products
- Takes time but ensures accuracy
CSV Import
- Export products from Squarespace as a CSV file
- Import the file into Wix
- Some data may need cleanup
Migration Service
- Use a service like LitExtension or Cart2Cart
- They move products, customers, and orders
- Costs money but saves time
Store Limitations to Know
Keep these differences in mind:
- Squarespace allows 250 product variants
- Wix allows 100 variants per product
- You may need to split some products
Plan ahead for these differences.
Timeline and Costs
Here is what to expect for time and money.
Typical Timeline
The migration process takes different amounts of time:
- Simple site (under 10 pages) - 1 to 2 days
- Medium site (10 to 50 pages) - 3 to 5 days
- Complex site (over 50 pages or has a store) - 1 to 2 weeks
Add extra time for testing and fixes.
Cost Breakdown
Here are the costs involved:
- Wix subscription - $29 to $59 per month
- Domain transfer - Usually free, takes up to 7 days
- Migration service (if used) - $50 to $300 depending on size
- Professional help (if needed) - Varies by provider
Keep your Squarespace subscription active during migration. Cancel only after your new site works perfectly.
Common Migration Problems and Solutions
Learn from what others have experienced.
Problem: Missing Images
Solution: Download all images before starting. Create backup copies in the cloud.
Problem: Broken Links
Solution: Check all internal links after migration. Update them to point to new pages.
Problem: SEO Drop
Solution: Set up redirects right away. Submit your new sitemap to Google.
Problem: Different Fonts
Solution: Find the closest matching font in Wix. Your site may look slightly different, but that is okay.
Problem: Forms Not Working
Solution: Rebuild forms in Wix from scratch. Test them before going live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my domain when moving to Wix?
Yes. You can either transfer your domain to Wix or point it to your new site. The transfer process takes up to seven days.
Will my site have downtime during migration?
Not if you plan carefully. Keep your Squarespace site live while building on Wix. Switch only when the new site is ready.
Is Wix better than Squarespace?
Neither is better for everyone. Wix offers more flexibility and apps. Squarespace has cleaner templates. Choose based on your needs.
How much does Wix cost compared to Squarespace?
Prices are similar. Wix starts at $29 per month for business sites. Squarespace Business starts at $33 per month.
Can I hire someone to do the migration?
Yes. Professional migration services exist. They handle the technical work for you. This is a good option for complex sites.
What happens to my Squarespace subscription?
Keep it active until migration is complete. Then cancel to avoid double billing. Check the cancellation policy for any remaining time.
Getting Started
Ready to make the switch? Here is your action plan:
- Export your content from Squarespace today
- Sign up for a Wix account and pick a template
- Set aside time for the migration work
- Follow this guide step by step
- Test everything before going live
Take your time and do it right. A careful migration protects your business and keeps your customers happy.
If the process feels overwhelming, consider getting professional help. Migration experts can handle the technical details while you focus on running your business.