We have already seen how to create a multisite network, but only this situation allowed us to transform a single WordPress blog into a multisite, except that here, the content of the first site, is not used in the multisite network. So how can we not only create a multisite network, but also how to use the content of the first blog in the network? In other words, how do you integrate an existing WordPress site into a multisite network?

This tutorial is designed to answer this question and guide you through the steps you need to follow to move a site in a network. We will approach :

• How to use the import / export tool to migrate content.
• How to use the plugin « Widgets Settings To migrate widgets.

Choosing a migration method

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to migrate your site, using a set of plugins. This has the advantage of being quick and easy, and for most sites, it will allow you to migrate almost anything you need.

But if you did a lot of customizations to your site using the Customizer, or you spent a lot of time setting up your plugins, this method won't migrate all of that. You can take the time to tweak everything manually or you can manually migrate the data du website.

Migration of database tables data consists of using phpMyAdmin to download the tables from the database data, modifying the resulting sql file and using it for the new installation. This will save you from having to make all the edits at the end, but it can be a little intimidating.

Before you begin

You should know that we are in the situation where there is a unique WordPress blog and a multisite network in which we want to integrate the unique site.

But wait. Before you begin, there is one very important thing you need to do. Save your site. Make a backup of the site you want to move and your network.

Exporting content from the old site

I will normally have to say that this method is easy, given the different tutorials we have written here on the subject, but I think a little repetition will not hurt me.

WordPress provides a tool that allows you to export content easily. This is the tool " Export ».

Unless you just want certain types of content, you can export all the content and click on " Export ". WordPress will create an XML file and download it to your computer.

Creation of a new site in your network

Now open the network in which you want to import your site. Start by creating a new site following the normal procedure.

Installing and activating plugins and themes

Before importing content, install the same theme that you are using in the old site on your network and activate it for your new site. Do the same for all plugins.

Importing content to your new site

Now, before importing content from your old site, navigate to the content that was created during the creation of the subsite and delete them. Remove all widgets as well. You should have an empty site.

Before you can import content from your old site, you need to install the plugin " WordPress Importer ". Check out our tutorial on how to install a WordPress Plugin. Make sure to install and activate the plugin. Once done, navigate to " Tools - Export ».

Click on the file Choose file And then select the XML file exported earlier. Remember that you are looking for an XML file. Once you've done that, click on the " Upload file and import ».

The importer will now ask you if you want to assign content to existing authors on your network, or create a new author:

You can also choose to import the content of each article. Once everything is correct, start the import procedure.

Importing widgets

Before migrating widgets, make sure you have the same themes and plugins enabled on your new site. Then install the plugin « Widget Settings Import / Export And activate it on your new site.

Note: Widgets go to widget areas defined by your theme, so if you haven't enabled the correct theme this step will not work correctly. And if there are widgets provided by the plugins, they won't be imported if you haven't installed them on the new site.

Now go to the dashboard of your old site and install the widget " Widgets Settings ". Go to " Tools> Widget Settings To export the widgets:

Unless you just want to select some of the widgets from your old site (and not all), select the box Select All Active Widgets ". Click on the button " Export Settings Widget To download the export file.

Now go to your new site and go to " Tools> Widget Settings ":

Click the "Select a File" button and find the file you want to import. Note that you are looking for a json file this time, not an XML file. Then click on " Displays Settings Widget To see the widgets in the file:

Select the widgets you want to import, or just click on the button Select All Active Widgets ”, And make sure to remove the current widgets, along with the import. Then click on " Import Widget Settings ».

All you need to do now is check that your new site is similar to the old one. It's that simple. I hope you will be able to move your website in a WordPress multisite network. If you have any problems, you can send them to us.