How to import Tumblr into WordPress in 5 easy steps _ Thanks to an integrated tool in WordPress, it's easy to move your content from Tumblr to your own self-hosted WordPress website.
In this article, we will begin to discuss the meaning of moving from Tumblr to WordPress.
We will then show you how to import Tumblr into WordPress in five easy steps.
What you need to consider when you switch from Tumblr to WordPress
Tumblr sites are relatively simple when it comes to their structure. At their core, you have posts, which can contain both text and media elements:
Because Tumblr is primarily a ‘micro post,’ importing its content into WordPress is straightforward in most cases.
Your posts look almost identical in WordPress, with two notifications - WordPress cannot re-enter 'blog again' or likes, since they are derived from Tumblr.
You will not be able to carry your exact Tumblr design. There are thousands of free and paid WordPress themes, though, so you might find something similar (or even better).
How to import Tumblr into WordPress in 5 easy steps
Before you can import Tumblr into WordPress, you need to buy web hosting and install WordPress software.
Step 1: Register for the Tumblr application
WordPress includes an integrated tool to import Tumblr into WordPress. However, for this tool to access your Tumblr account, you first need to give it permission.
To do this, you must create a Tumblr ‘app’ that allows you to connect both platforms:
- Log in to Tumblr
- Open your account settings
- Find the Application tab on the menu on the right
On the next screen, Tumblr will ask you to register for its API if you have not done so before. Click the Register button and select the Register option on the next screen:
Then you fill out the form. Here's what you need to enter in each required field:
- Application name: This is for your reference only, so go with any name you want.
- Application site: Enter the URL of the WordPress website.
- App description: This is just for you too, so write whatever you like.
- Admin contact email: Please use the same email you have signed up for Tumblr.
- Default callback URL: Enter the WordPress website URL again.
When you're done, scroll to the bottom of the screen and confirm registration. Your application details will appear on the next screen:
You will notice some information about your application under its name. You will need the ‘OAuth Consumer Key’ for a minute, as well as your secret key. You can reveal the latter by clicking on the Show secret key option.
Step 2: Add your application key to WordPress
As we mentioned, you use an integrated Importer tool to do a lot of transferring all your Tumblr content to WordPress. To access this section, go to the Tools tab> Import in WordPress. Here, you find an option called Tumblr - choose the Settings option right below:
It only takes a few seconds for the importer to install. When it's ready, the Install Now button is replaced with the option to read Run Importer. After clicking here, Importer will guide you through the Tumblr application creation process. Of course, you've already done this, so skip right where it asks you about OAuth Consumer Key and OAuth Secret Key:
After that, you need to go back to the previous tab, copy both keys to WordPress. Once you've added both keys to their respective fields, click the Connect with Tumblr button in WordPress.
If everything is done the same way, the plugin will ask you to allow connections between both platforms - go ahead and do so:
Tumblr will ask you to confirm authorization:
At the end, you are ready to begin the import process seriously.
Step 3: Run the WordPress Tumblr importer
After enabling the connection between the two platforms, you will see the Tumblr blog problem with its post. From this screen, you can choose the WordPress author you want to assign your Tumblr content to:
When you make a decision, press the Inport this blog button and let WordPress do the magic. This part of the process may take some time depending on the amount of content you enter and the WordPress web server.
While the plugin is doing its job, you will see a notification in Google's progress:
At the end, a success message will appear, which means your content is ready. To view your imported Tumblr post, go to the Posts tab and open any imported item.
Here's how your Tumblr post looks like in WordPress editor:
You will notice there are many other options to customize, format your content.
Also, your WordPress blog may look very different from what you have used on Tumblr. However, this can be corrected.
Step 4: Try to match your Tumblr design
Immediately, WordPress uses themes with a very modern, clean design. They don't look bad, but they're not as interesting (or familiar) as the Tumblr blog is. The easiest way to fix this is to install new themes - WordPress allows you to use free or premium options.
When you find a theme you like, you install a new theme and customize it with WordPress Customizer.
If you want to take it a step further, page builder plugins like Elementor allow you to become designers and provide full control over your site's layout and look.
Step 5: Redirect your Tumblr domain to WordPress
There is one detail to consider before you finish - if you're using a custom domain with your Tumblr blog, you'll want to redirect it to WordPress. To do this, go to your domain registrar and update your nameserver to point from Tumblr to WordPress. If you are not sure how to do this, you should consult your web host for assistance.
However, if you already use Tumblr subdomains (like username.tumblr.com), the process will become a bit more complicated because you can't redirect Tumblr subdomains this way. Another workaround is to create a final Tumblr blog post, directing people to your new site. However, you can also solve this with code.
First, access the Tumblr dashboard and click on the Edit interface option. Then click Edit topic:
Next, find the Edit HTML option in the sidebar menu:
A series of HTML will appear. Search for tags and paste the following code between them. Be sure to replace http: //yournewwebsite.com with the actual URL of the WordPress website:
- var new_slug = window.location.pathname;
- var new_root = "http://yournewwebsite.com";
- var new_url = new_root + new_slug;
- write ("");
Next, scroll down the tag and paste this code between them:
The final code doesn't need any modification, so it's safe to save your changes to your HTML. Now, whenever someone tries to access one of your Tumblr posts, they will be redirected to WordPress!
Conclusion
The community built around Tumblr is awesome. However, at some point, you may want to reach more broadly. This becomes much easier if you have access to a broader set of features than found in Tumblr.
Do you have questions about how to import Tumblr into WordPress? Ask in the comments section below!
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