Introduction
If you’re using Web.com to build and manage your website but are now considering moving to another platform, you may be wondering if Web.com allows you to export your website and content. This is a common question for anyone looking to migrate without starting over from scratch. Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as you might hope.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the details of what Web.com allows when it comes to exporting a website and provide some practical steps to help with a potential migration.
Understanding Web.com’s Platform and Limitations
Web.com offers a range of services, including website building, hosting, domain registration, and digital marketing. While it’s a user-friendly platform that appeals to business owners who want an easy, code-free way to create a website, it lacks flexibility when it comes to exporting data.
Unlike some other website builders like WordPress or Wix, Web.com doesn’t support direct website exports. This means there’s no “Export” or “Download” button to save your entire site as a file or to transfer it to another platform in one go. This limitation makes migrating from Web.com a bit more challenging but not impossible.
Why Web.com Doesn’t Offer a Simple Export Option
Many website builders, especially ones that provide a drag-and-drop interface, retain control over the site’s structure and design by keeping the code proprietary. This is often to ensure a certain quality and functionality that fits within the specific environment they’ve built.
Web.com is one of these closed systems, where the site’s code isn’t accessible for users to download or transfer easily. In most cases, your content exists within Web.com’s ecosystem, and moving it out requires a manual process rather than an export button.
Steps for Manually Migrating Your Website from Web.com
Since a direct export isn’t possible, here’s what I recommend for migrating from Web.com to another platform:
Step 1: Save Your Content
The first step is to copy all text and images from your Web.com website manually. This includes any pages, blog posts, or media files.
- Copy Text Content: Go through each page and copy the text into a document. Tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word can help you organize it as you go.
- Save Images and Media: For images, you can right-click and “Save As” each file individually. Organize these images into folders to make re-uploading easier.
Step 2: Take Screenshots of Your Website’s Layout
It’s helpful to have a visual reference for your site’s current layout and design. Take screenshots of each page to capture the look and feel, which will help when you start rebuilding on a new platform.
Step 3: Choose Your New Platform
Once you’ve saved your content, you’ll need to decide which platform to move to. Some popular options for greater customization and export flexibility include:
- WordPress: Known for its versatility and control, with both WordPress.com (hosted) and WordPress.org (self-hosted) options.
- Wix: Offers a flexible drag-and-drop interface with some export limitations but allows for more design control than Web.com.
- Squarespace: Ideal for visually-driven sites, but note that Squarespace also has limited export options.
Each platform has different benefits, so consider your priorities in terms of design, ease of use, and the potential for future migration.
Step 4: Rebuild the Site on the New Platform
With your content saved and new platform selected, it’s time to start rebuilding:
- Use the Screenshots as a Guide: Refer to the screenshots you took to replicate the layout.
- Add Text and Images: Copy and paste the text content, and re-upload the saved images. Most platforms allow you to drag and drop images, making this process quicker.
- Customize Design Elements: Adjust fonts, colors, and layouts to match or improve on your Web.com site’s original design.
Transferring Your Domain Name
If your domain is registered with Web.com and you want to keep it with your new website, you’ll need to transfer it. Here’s how:
- Unlock the Domain: Log in to your Web.com account, go to your domain settings, and unlock the domain for transfer.
- Obtain an Authorization Code: You’ll receive an authorization code (also called an EPP code) from Web.com, which allows you to initiate the transfer with your new hosting provider.
- Initiate the Transfer with the New Provider: On your new platform, follow the steps for domain transfer and provide the authorization code when prompted.
- Wait for Confirmation: The transfer process can take several days, so be prepared to wait until it’s complete.
If you don’t want to transfer the domain, you can still update the DNS settings in your Web.com account to point to your new website’s hosting server. This option keeps your domain registered with Web.com but routes traffic to your new site.
SEO Considerations When Migrating a Website
Maintaining your SEO during a migration is crucial, especially if you’ve built up significant search traffic on your Web.com site. Here are a few SEO best practices to keep in mind:
- Match URLs Where Possible: If you can keep the same URLs, it will help preserve your rankings. However, if you must change URLs, set up 301 redirects from the old URLs to the new ones.
- Create a Custom 404 Page: Some links may break in the migration, so set up a custom 404 page to help visitors find what they’re looking for.
- Submit a New Sitemap to Google: Once the new site is live, submit an updated sitemap to Google Search Console so that Google can index the new pages.
- Maintain On-Page SEO Elements: Ensure all meta titles, descriptions, headers, and alt text are carried over to the new site. These elements play a big role in search rankings.
Consider Working with a Developer for a Smooth Transition
If you’re moving to a platform like WordPress, which offers more customization options, a developer can help streamline the process, especially if you want to retain the look and functionality of your Web.com site. A developer can recreate your Web.com site’s design, set up redirects, and ensure your SEO elements are intact.
Final Thoughts: Is Exporting from Web.com Worth It?
Moving a website from Web.com does take effort, particularly because of the lack of a straightforward export function. But if you’re looking to grow your website with more customization options and flexibility in the future, migrating can be worth the time investment. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer more control over your content and design and provide better options for future growth or migration.
While Web.com is a solid platform for basic website building and hosting, its limitations in exporting highlight an important consideration for site owners: choose a platform that not only meets your current needs but can also grow with you. So, if you’re set on transferring your site, following these steps should make the process easier and help you preserve as much of your original site as possible.
