Moving from Blogger to WordPress: A Complete Guide

Moving your blog from Blogger to WordPress opens up new options for your site.

This guide walks you through each step to make the switch smooth and keep your content safe.

Before You Start

Back up your Blogger content

• Sign in to your Blogger account
• Go to Settings > Other
• Click “Back up Content”
• Save the XML file to your computer

Get ready for WordPress

• Pick a hosting company
• Buy a domain name (or keep your current one)
• Install WordPress on your host

Setting Up WordPress

Pick a Host

Good WordPress hosts include:

• Bluehost ($2.95/month)
• SiteGround ($3.99/month)
• HostGator ($2.75/month)

Look for hosts that offer:

• One-click WordPress install
• Free SSL
• Daily backups
• Good speed
• Strong uptime
• Helpful support

Install WordPress

Most hosts have quick install tools. If yours doesn’t:

1. Autoinstall WordPress from your hosting partner
2. Make a database on your host
3. Complete WordPress files
4. Run the install script
5. Set up your admin account

Moving Your Content

Export from Blogger

1. Go to Blogger Dashboard
2. Click Settings
3. Find “Back up content”
4. Download the XML file
5. Check that the file opens

Import to WordPress

Install the Blogger Importer

• Go to Tools > Import
• Click “Install Now” next to Blogger
• Wait for install to finish
• Click “Run Importer”

Upload your content

• Pick your XML file
• Click “Upload file and import”
• Wait for the import to finish
• Check that your posts moved over

Fix Your Images

Blogger stores images on Google’s servers. You need to move them to your WordPress site.

Install “Import External Images”

• Go to Plugins > Add New
• Search for “Import External Images”
• Install and turn it on

Move your images

• Go to Tools > Import External Images
• Pick which posts to check
• Click “Import Images”
• Wait for it to finish

Update Your Links

Old posts might link to other posts using Blogger URLs. Fix these with:

1. Install Search and Replace

• Get “Better Search Replace” plugin
• Go to Tools > Better Search Replace
• Put your old blog URL in “Search for”
• Put your new WordPress URL in “Replace with”
• Pick which tables to check
• Run the tool

Set Up Redirects

Keep your old readers by sending them to your new site.

Make a custom domain redirect

• Go to your domain provider
• Point your domain to WordPress
• Wait 24-48 hours for changes to work

Set up Blogger redirects

• Keep your Blogger blog live
• Add this code to your Blogger template:

<script>
var new_site = "https://yournewsite.com";
window.location = new_site + window.location.pathname;
</script>

Check Your New Site

Look for these common issues:

Missing content

• Count your posts and pages
• Check comments moved over
• Look for broken images
• Test internal links

Design issues

• Pick a good theme
• Set up your menus
• Add your logo
• Check mobile views

Speed problems

• Install a caching plugin
• Optimize images
• Remove unused plugins
• Test your speed

Important Settings

Set up these key items:

Permalinks

• Go to Settings > Permalinks
• Pick a URL structure
• Save changes

Comments

• Choose comment settings
• Pick if you want nested replies
• Set up spam protection

Users

• Make admin accounts
• Set user roles
• Update your profile

SEO Setup

Keep your search rankings:

Install Yoast SEO

• Get the free version
• Run the setup wizard
• Fill out site info

Set up redirects

• Map old URLs to new ones
• Test links work
• Check Google Search Console

Final Steps to All New World

Tell your readers

• Post about the move
• Update social media
• Email subscribers

Clean up

• Test everything works
• Remove unused plugins
• Back up your new site
• Keep your Blogger backup safe

Common Problems and Fixes

Missing Posts

• Import again
• Check failed imports
• Look for error messages

Broken Images

• Run image import again
• Check file permissions
• Fix paths manually if needed

Lost Comments

• Import comments separately
• Check Disqus settings
• Update comment links

Wrong URLs

• Check permalink settings
• Run search/replace again
• Update internal links

Tips for Success

Keep these points in mind:

Take your time

• Plan each step
• Test as you go
• Keep backups
• Fix problems right away

Watch out for

• Plugin conflicts
• Broken links
• Missing images
• Speed issues

Get help if needed

• Ask your host
• Check WordPress forums
• Hire help for tough parts

After the Move

Regular tasks

• Update plugins
• Back up your site
• Check for issues
• Keep content fresh

Learn WordPress

• Try new features
• Test plugins carefully
• Read WordPress news
• Join user groups

When to Get Help

Ask for help if you:

• Can’t import posts
• Lose important content
• Have database errors
• Break your site
• Need custom features

Most hosts offer help with moves. Use their support if you get stuck.

Tools You’ll Need

Must-have plugins:

• Yoast SEO
• Wordfence Security
• WP Super Cache
• UpdraftPlus Backup

Helpful extras:

• Broken Link Checker
• Google Analytics
• Contact Form 7
• Compress images

Final Checklist

Before you finish:

• All posts moved
• Images work
• Links fixed
• Comments in place
• Redirects working
• Speed good
• Security set
• Backups running
• Forms work
• Analytics on
• Spam blocked

Keep this guide handy as you move your site. Take each step slowly and check your work.

With care and patience, you’ll have a smooth move to WordPress.