How to Merge Two WordPress Sites Without Using the Export Function

Merging two WordPress sites can be a daunting task, especially if you want to avoid using the export function. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to achieve this.

In this article – How to Merge Two WordPress Sites Without Using the Export Function -, we’ll explore different techniques and provide step-by-step instructions to help you combine two WordPress sites seamlessly.

Methods to Consider

  1. Use a Page Import Plugin: Head to the admin area of the destination site (the site you want to merge content into) and navigate to Tools > Import Page. From there, you can choose an import plugin like All-in-One WP Migration or Import Any Content to transfer content from the source site to the destination site.
  2. Manual Copy and Paste: If the content is limited, you can simply copy and paste posts and comments manually. However, this method can be time-consuming and prone to errors, so it’s only recommended for sites with a small amount of content.
  3. Use a Synchronization Plugin: Some plugins, like WP Sync, allow you to synchronize content between two WordPress sites without the need to export and import. This can be a quick and simple way to merge sites.
  4. Create a WordPress Multisite: If you want to manage multiple WordPress sites under a single domain, you can configure a WordPress Multisite. This allows you to manage multiple WordPress sites with a single WordPress installation, making it easier to manage and update content.
  5. Professional Consultation: If the sites are complex or contain a large amount of content, it may be helpful to consult a professional to ensure the merge is done correctly and without losing important data.

Merging Inactive WordPress Sites

If the WordPress sites are no longer active but you have the SQL database files and a copy of all directories with the original files, you can still merge them. Here’s how:

Step 1: Preparation

  1. Backup: Even though the sites are inactive, it is always recommended to back up all files and databases.
  2. Test Environment: Set up a local test environment or a staging server to avoid issues on the live site.

Step 2: Setting Up the New Site

  1. Install WordPress: Install a new copy of WordPress on the destination server.
  2. Upload Files: Upload all directories (wp-content, wp-admin, wp-includes) from the source site to the destination site, overwriting existing files if necessary.

Step 3: Importing Databases

  1. Access the Database: Access the MySQL database of the destination site using phpMyAdmin or a MySQL client.
  2. Import the Database: Import the SQL files from the source sites into the database of the destination site. To avoid conflicts, it might be helpful to import the tables from the second site with a different prefix (e.g., wp2_ instead of wp_).

Step 4: Merging Content

  1. Merge Tables: Use SQL queries to merge tables that contain posts, comments, users, etc. For example:INSERT INTO wp_posts SELECT * FROM wp2_posts;
  2. Update URLs: Update all URLs within the database to ensure they point to the new domain. For example:UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = REPLACE(option_value, 'oldsite.com', 'newsite.com') WHERE option_name = 'home' OR option_name = 'siteurl'; UPDATE wp_posts SET guid = REPLACE(guid, 'http://oldsite.com', 'http://newsite.com'); UPDATE wp_posts SET post_content = REPLACE(post_content, 'http://oldsite.com', 'http://newsite.com'); UPDATE wp_postmeta SET meta_value = REPLACE(meta_value, 'http://oldsite.com', 'http://newsite.com');

Step 5: Verification and Testing

  1. Full Tests: Check that all content has been imported correctly and that the site functions properly.
  2. File Permissions: Ensure that file and directory permissions are correct.
  3. Internal Links: Verify that all internal links work and update them if necessary.

Step 6: Live Site Migration

  1. Migration: Once you’ve confirmed everything is functioning correctly in the staging site, repeat the process on the live site.
  2. Final Tests: Perform a final check to ensure everything is in order.

Helpful resources on WordPress site merging

Here are some helpful resources on WordPress site merging (How to Merge Two WordPress Sites Without Using the Export Function), database import, and multisite setup:

  1. Merging Two WordPress Sites Without Losing SEO: WPBeginner Guide
  2. Ultimate Guide to Merging Multiple WordPress Sites: Seahawk Media
  3. How to Merge Two WordPress Blogs Without Losing SEO Rankings: Elegant Themes
  4. How to Perform WordPress Import Database: LitExtension Tutorial
  5. Step-by-Step Guide on Migrating Your WordPress Site: Multidots Blog
  6. How to Install and Setup WordPress Multisite Network: WPBeginner Tutorial
  7. Complete Guide to WordPress Multisite (Setup + Tips): Hostinger
  8. Introduction to WordPress Multisite Networks: Learn WordPress