I have an existing website built with Wix, but Wix's editing interface is almost unusable with my screen reader because many controls are unlabeled and the builder is heavily visual. I now manage the site myself and would like to move to a platform I can maintain, such as WordPress or a basic HTML/CSS site.
I understand that I may need to recreate the pages and content, so my main question is about the domain and hosting. If I keep paying for the domain, can I simply build the replacement site elsewhere, point the domain's DNS records to the new host, and then stop using Wix? How difficult is that process, how long does DNS propagation usually take, and is there a better migration approach?
4 Answers
The domain switch is usually the easy part; recreating the site is what takes time. Before making changes, record the current DNS settings, especially MX records if the domain is used for email. Keep the old site active until the new one works correctly, then update DNS and verify the domain, email, forms, redirects, and any search-engine-important pages. If the site has existing search traffic, preserve the page URLs where possible or add redirects so rankings and visitors aren’t unnecessarily lost.
Wix is a closed platform, so you generally can’t export the complete working site and install it somewhere else. You may be able to export or copy media, blog content, and product data, but the layout, widgets, and Wix-specific functionality will usually need to be rebuilt on the new platform. The domain and website are separate, so you can build and test the replacement first, then change the DNS when it’s ready.
For accessibility and control, a simple static HTML/CSS site could be a good option if you’re comfortable coding. It avoids an inaccessible visual dashboard and can be hosted on services such as Netlify or GitHub Pages. WordPress is another possibility, especially if you want a content management system, but its accessibility depends on the theme, plugins, and administration tools you choose. Whatever platform you use, test the new pages, navigation, forms, headings, and images with your screen reader before switching the domain.
If the domain is registered somewhere other than Wix, you probably only need to update the A or CNAME records to point to the new host. DNS changes often begin working within minutes or a few hours, but allow up to 24–48 hours for everyone to see the new site. Keep the Wix site online during that period. If Wix is also the registrar, you can either leave the domain there and change its DNS settings, or transfer it to another registrar using an authorization code; a registrar transfer can take several days and may add another year of registration.
I’ve used WordPress before, but it was years ago. Since I’m comfortable with HTML and CSS and I’m not in a rush, rebuilding a straightforward static site may actually be quicker for me.