Is gradual transition to WordPress possible?

  • Ultimately I want to start with WP by implementing a new blog in a subdirectory of our existing website(currently managed with Adobe Contribute) and then gradually transition the rest of the site (page by page) over to WP.

    I need to know if that’s possible and if that effects initial installation strategy (i.e. root vs. subdirectory install of WP & a Purchased Theme)

    I’ve read that I can install WP in a subdirectory and then move it to the root folder later on, but I’ve only seen feeds about transitioning the whole site at once.

    Other assumptions:
    The final website will have a very different sitemap with new page content (the site’s due for an overhaul) and small overlaps in subdirectory and page titles. So, this isn’t a matter of converting current php pages, i want to replace them outright.
    We’re also planning on purchasing this theme: Skillful by FuelThemes

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    It is entirely possible as described, but from personal experience, I strongly recommend starting in a subdomain, like blog.example.com or new.example.com, rather than a subdirectory, like example.com/blog/ or example.com/new/.

    As a subdirectory, you run the risk of overlapping pages between the old and new site. As a subdomain, it’s entirely separate and you won’t have to worry about any overlaps.

    When you’re ready, moving the site over from a subdomain is no different than moving it over from a subdirectory.

    I have done this.
    The site had lots of existing content, biographies, some galleries and brochure pages. Initially I replaced the homepage, styled it to fit in with the rest, the menus were largely links to the existing content. What was new, and the motivation for the change was to have new stories, daily specials, on the homepage. I soon added new biographies and galleries that filled holes in the old site, also migrated biographies and galleries as they were updated, permalinks made the transition painless as the pagename did not change. Creating a theme that matched the previous site was the most challenging aspect.
    I did not bother with a subdomain, if a sitemap had been required I would have used a website crawler.

    Thread Starter S4i

    (@s4i)

    So if I create the new site in a subdomain (new.example.com), I can just use a plugin that redirects old links to the new pages as I create them. Then move the whole site from the subdomain to the regular domain when it’s complete. Is that right?

    I ran into a problem though, Direct Admin doesn’t have the option to create a subdomain. It’s just not there. I’ve looked through tutorials on how to create the subdomain and they all show the option. I’m going to talk to our hosting company, maybe we don’t have that under our current plan.

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    I can just use a plugin that redirects old links to the new pages as I create them.

    Sure, if it’s in WordPress, or via .htaccess whether it’s WordPress or not.

    I ran into a problem though, Direct Admin doesn’t have the option to create a subdomain. It’s just not there.

    Yeah, I’d recommend asking your hosting company about that. If they can’t do subdomains (which seems silly), just do it in a subdirectory, but be mindful of overlapping URLs.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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