AIRA vs native WordPress export/import
Native WordPress export is the right tool for moving posts between installs. It does not turn a Divi homepage into your hero ACF block — structure changes need mapping.
WXR export/import preserves post_content and much postmeta — useful for blogs, simple pages, and SEO fields. It does not classify builder sections into a new block library or sideload media from an external platform.
Side-by-side
| Factor | WordPress export/import | AIRA |
|---|---|---|
| Content shape | post_content + meta as-is | Classified ACF block markup |
| Page builder pages | Imports shortcodes/JSON | Rendered → blocks |
| Cross-platform source | WordPress only | Any public website |
| Media | Attachments in WXR (sometimes) | Sideload from crawl |
| Blog archive migration | Often sufficient | Optional — WXR may be faster |
| Marketing page redesign | Still manual block mapping | Automated classification |
When WordPress export/import wins
- checkBlog posts and news articles with mostly rich text.
- checkSame block editor on old and new site — no builder exit.
- checkMoving CPT records when postmeta maps 1:1.
- checkQuick content seeding on staging before block migration.
When AIRA wins
- check_circleMarketing pages built in Elementor, Divi, or WPBakery.
- check_circleNew site uses a different ACF block library than old shortcodes.
- check_circleSource is Webflow, Squarespace, or a static marketing site.
- check_circleYou need per-page redirect and SEO bundles with block import.
Want the full walkthrough?
Read the full comparison guidearrow_forwardCommon questions
Should I WXR import first, then AIRA?expand_more
Common hybrid: WXR for blog posts and CPT records; AIRA for builder-heavy marketing pages into ACF blocks. Avoid duplicating the same page through both paths.
Does WordPress import map to ACF fields?expand_more
Only if postmeta keys already match your field groups. It does not read a Divi front page and decide which repeater rows belong in your card-grid block.
Which preserves Yoast meta?expand_more
WXR can, if you include postmeta. AIRA also carries SEO in page bundles. Pick based on whether post_content or section structure is the harder problem.
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