In this article, we will walk you through migrating your website manually from the GoDaddy Website Builder site to WordPress.
Step 1: Preparing for the Migration
Checklist Before You Start
Backup Your Website: Manually save all text, images, and other content from GoDady Website Builder
Create a List of URLs: Record your website's URLs to maintain structure and SEO value.
Needed Tools
HTTrack: A website copier tool to back up your site content.
Text Editors: Tools like Notepad or Google Docs for saving and organizing text.
Step 2: Backing Up Your GoDaddy Website Builder Content (including blog posts, web pages, and some images)
Since GoDaddy doesn’t offer an export tool, you’ll need to back up your site manually or use external tools.
Option 1: Manual Backup
Save Images: Right-click each image on your site and choose “Save Image As” to download it.
Copy Text: Highlight text from each page, right-click, and select “Copy.” Paste the text into a document.
Save Entire Pages: Visit each page of your website, press CTRL+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac), and save it as “Webpage, Complete.”
Verify Content: Disconnect from the internet and open your saved files to ensure all text and images are as expected and nothing is missing.
Option 2: Using HTTrack
Download and install HTTrack.
Set up a new project and input your site’s URL.
Run the program to copy the entire website.
Verify the downloaded content to ensure nothing is missing.
Step 3: Connect your domain to Hostinger
Update DNS Settings: Log in to your domain registrar account and update your domain’s nameservers to Hostinger's. How to point a domain to Hostinger
Propagation: DNS changes may take up to 24 hours to reflect globally.
Step 4: Installing WordPress on Your Hosting
Once you point your domain to Hostinger, proceed to install WordPress in your hosting plan: How to Install WordPress Using Auto Installer
Step 5: Importing Content to WordPress
With WordPress installed, you’ll need to recreate your site’s content.
Recreating Pages and Posts
Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Pages > Add New or Posts > Add New.
Copy and paste content from your backup into the WordPress editor.
Use WordPress’s built-in formatting tools to refine your content.
Uploading Media
Go to Media > Add New in your dashboard.
Upload images and other media files saved during the backup process.
Organizing Content
Use categories and tags to structure your site.
Customize permalinks to match your old URLs and maintain SEO rankings. How to recreate permalinks on WordPress
Step 6: Customizing Your New WordPress Website
Now, it’s time to make your WordPress site uniquely yours.
Choosing a Theme
Install and activate your chosen theme via the Appearance > Themes section. How to Change a Theme in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide
Adding Essential Plugins
Install and activate your chosen most essential plugins. How to Install WordPress Plugins: A Beginner's Guide
SEO: AIO SEO plugin.
Performance: LiteSpeed Cache.
Security: Wordfence or Sucuri.
Design: Elementor or Beaver Builder.
Step 7: Setting Up Redirects
Redirects ensure users and search engines can find your content at its new location, preserving your SEO rankings.
Using Hostinger hPanel
You can easily set up your redirect directly from hPanel How to set up a redirect
Using All-in-One SEO Redirect Manager
Install and activate the All-in-One SEO plugin.
Navigate to the Redirects Plugin.
Enter the old URL in the “Source URL” field and the new URL in the “Target URL” field.
Save the redirect and test it to ensure functionality.
Using Simple 301 Redirects
Install and activate the Simple 301 Redirects plugin.
Add old URLs under “Request” and new URLs under “Destination.”
Save changes and verify the redirects.
You may also want to see our guidelines on how to get started with editing your WordPress site. WordPress tutorial - WordPress guide for beginners
Alternatives:
If you prefer other alternatives other than doing the manual migration of your GoDaddy website builder or want to start afresh, you may want to consider the following options:
Start over with WordPress: WordPress tutorial - WordPress guide for beginners
Start over with Hostinger Website Builder: How to Use Hostinger Website Builder