What the builders say about exporting
- Wix says that because it’s a SaaS platform, a Wix site must run on Wix’s servers and can’t use another host. It also says the content you build on Wix belongs to you (Wix Help Center).
- Squarespace lets you export some content as an .xml file in WordPress format. It says not every type of content exports, only one blog page exports, you can’t export from a trial site, and you can’t import the export into another Squarespace site (Squarespace Help).
In practice, moving off a builder usually means rebuilding the design and moving the content across, page by page.
Planning a move
- List every page and its address, so you can set up redirects from old addresses to new ones.
- Download your images and documents, and export whatever the platform allows (blog posts, product lists, contacts).
- Note your email set-up (MX and other DNS records) so email keeps working.
- Build and test the new site before switching the domain.
- Switch DNS, check redirects and forms, then cancel the old plan.
Moving your domain
- If you bought the domain through the builder, you can usually transfer it to another registrar. Wix, for example, explains how to transfer a Wix-purchased domain away and notes that your Wix site is then disconnected.
- For .UK domains, you can ask your registrar to switch you, or move registrar in Nominet Online Services for £10 plus VAT (The UK Domain, checked 20 October 2026).
- Better still, register the domain separately in your own name from the start and just point it at the builder. Then moving platform never involves moving the domain.
Questions people ask
Can I download my Wix website and host it elsewhere?
Wix says no: Wix sites must run on Wix’s servers. You can move your domain and your content, but the site itself would need rebuilding elsewhere.
Will I lose my Google rankings if I move?
A move can cause temporary changes. Setting up redirects from every old page address to its new equivalent helps preserve what you’ve built.
Should I register my domain with my website builder?
It’s convenient, but registering it separately in your own name keeps it independent of the platform, which makes future moves simpler.
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