Why Transition from Ghost to WordPress?
Although Ghost is a popular website builder, many users find that WordPress provides more features and flexibility. In this article, we will guide you through the process of effortlessly moving your website from Ghost to WordPress.
Before You Start: Get a Domain Name and Web Hosting
To begin the migration process, you will need a domain name and web hosting. While WordPress is free to use, there are costs associated with acquiring a domain name ($14.99/year) and web hosting ($7.99/month). Our recommended WordPress hosting provider, Bluehost, is currently offering our readers a free domain name and over a 73% discount on web hosting.
Export Your Ghost Content
The first step is to export your content from your Ghost account. Log in to your Ghost account, navigate to Settings, then Labs, and click on Export. Your browser will download an export file in JSON format, but WordPress importer tools do not support this format. You’ll need to convert it to WordPress XML format.
Convert the Ghost Export to WordPress Format
We have developed a free tool called the Ghost to WordPress Importer that allows you to convert your Ghost export file to WordPress XML format. Simply visit the Ghost to WordPress migration tool website, fill out the form, select the Ghost export file, and click Generate WP Import File. Download the converted WordPress XML file to your computer.
Import Content into WordPress
Now, it’s time to import your content into WordPress. From your WordPress admin area, go to Tools, then Import. Click on the Install Now link under the WordPress importer. After installation, click on Run Importer. Upload the WordPress XML file you downloaded earlier and click Upload file and import.
WordPress will begin uploading the import file and prompt you to assign authors. You can import an author from your Ghost website, create a new author, or assign all content to an existing WordPress user. Make sure to select the option to import file attachments to import images from your Ghost website into the WordPress media library. Once the import process is complete, you will receive a success message.
Import Images from Ghost
The WordPress importer may not import all images from your Ghost website. To address this, we recommend installing the Auto Upload Images plugin. Activating this plugin will import external images from your blog posts to the WordPress media library. You can also bulk update your blog posts to expedite the image import process.
Direct Users to the New Website
If your Ghost website used a custom domain, you can change the DNS settings of that domain and point it to your new WordPress hosting provider. Log in to your domain registrar account, find the option to change DNS settings, enter your new WordPress hosting provider’s nameserver information, and save the changes. Please note that DNS changes may take a couple of days to take effect.
Update Permalinks
By default, Ghost websites utilize the post or page name as the permalink structure. To match this structure on your WordPress site, go to Settings, then Permalinks, and choose Post name as your URL structure. Remember to save the changes.
Unlock the Full Potential of WordPress
Now that you have successfully migrated your website from Ghost to WordPress, it’s time to leverage the power of WordPress with essential plugins and tools. Consider installing plugins like WPForms for customizable contact forms, All in One SEO for search engine optimization, PushEngage for instant notifications, MonsterInsights for Google Analytics, and SeedProd for designing stunning landing pages and themes.
For more tools and tips on growing your WordPress website, check out our comprehensive list of essential WordPress plugins.
Conclusion
Migrating your website from Ghost to WordPress is a seamless process that allows you to take advantage of WordPress’s features and flexibility. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily transfer your website and enhance your online presence with WordPress’s extensive collection of plugins and tools. Make the switch to WordPress and take your website to new heights!
