Understand content exports versus full-site transfers, import your posts and media, and rebuild what does not transfer.
WordPress.com is a hosting service; WordPress software can also run in your own Lizard Hill account. The two are related, but your export options depend on your WordPress.com plan. Keep the source site and its subscriptions active until the new website works.
Choose what you are moving
Content route: WordPress.com's Tools → Export creates an XML/WXR export for posts, pages, comments, and related content. It references media rather than containing the actual image files, and it does not include the complete theme, custom design, or plugin installation. This route is useful when you are happy to rebuild the appearance.
Full-site route: A plugin-enabled WordPress.com site on an eligible plan may support a complete migration plugin export. Check its current requirements, size limits, and any extension charges. For that route, follow the full WordPress migration guide and verify platform-specific features separately.
- Inventory first. Record your domain registrar, DNS and mail provider, current page addresses, menus, forms, media, subscriptions, and any paid features. Save an independent content export and media copy. Do not cancel your domain registration as part of cancelling website hosting.
- Install the destination. Use Installatron to install WordPress in your assigned DirectAdmin account. Choose a theme you can use on a self-hosted site. Your existing theme or service may have separate licensing or compatibility requirements.
- Import the content. For the content route, use WordPress Tools → Import → WordPress on the new site and install the importer when prompted. Import the export file, map authors carefully, and select the attachment-download option if offered. Leave the source publicly reachable while authorized media is being copied.
- Verify the media. Check the Media Library and important pages. Confirm images are served from the new site, not just linked to the old host. Download and re-upload any missing files you own; keep the independent media copy until everything is accounted for. Large imports may require smaller batches or help interpreting an error.
- Rebuild service-dependent features. Check menus, widgets, navigation, forms, subscriptions, analytics, and store features. Followers, paid subscriptions, orders, and member access need their own supported transfer process; do not assume a content import moves them. Reconnect required services and test them without sending duplicate customer messages or payments.
- Choose how to edit. WordPress includes a visual block editor. You can also install the free Elementor plugin for WYSIWYG drag-and-drop page editing. Elementor Pro and other paid themes/plugins are optional separate purchases; neither a paid license nor design reconstruction is bundled with Lizard Hill hosting.
- Keep familiar addresses where possible. Check slugs and permalink settings. Make an explicit redirect map for changed page addresses. If leaving a wordpress.com subdomain, review WordPress.com's current redirect option and charges; Lizard Hill cannot redirect a domain you do not control.
- Switch only after testing. Use our DNS and email checklist, verify HTTPS and mail, then decide which old subscriptions you still need. Keeping your domain registrar or outside email provider is fine.
This is a self-service move. Content import does not guarantee an identical design, preserved rankings, or automatic transfer of every WordPress.com service.
Official references
WordPress.com content exports · WordPress.com full-site plugin exports · Elementor's free WordPress visual editor
