So, you started a website on the first platform that you came across. Maybe the price was right, or maybe you were enticed with some attractive themes. But now you’ve seen that the grass is greener over on WordPress. What can you do?
You’ve put time and effort into making your current site what it is. You’ve built up readers that know you at that address and you’ve got a lot of content build-up. You can’t just walk away from it.
Don’t worry. It is possible to move your site from HTML to WordPress quite easily.
Before you rush and convert your website to WordPress, here are six essential preparation tips for moving your site from HTML to WordPress.
1. Find a Reliable Webhost
Your first step before moving your site to WordPress will be to find a reliable web host. There are hundreds out there so do make sure and carry out lots of research. Read reviews and find out how easy it is to use the control panel and what security measures are in place for the site.
2. Set up a Temporary Domain for Moving HTML to WordPress
Before you make the switch, you may need to make a temporary WordPress domain. Before you set one up, check with your new web host as some will supply this free of charge.
Then, note down the nameserver information for your new host. You’ll then need to add a DNS record in the domain section of your old website account.
3. Install WordPress at Your Temporary Domain
This option will only apply if you’re not moving to a web host that automatically does this for you. Many hosts offer a straightforward installation process that may only require a single click. If that is not an option on your host, you can manually install WordPress in less than five minutes.
4. Start Migrating Your Content
Although tedious, one of the most thorough ways of ensuring your entire website gets moved over is by copying and pasting every single page. Start off by setting up posts and pages using mass posts and pages creator plugin. Then, copy and paste everything in.
There are WordPress plugins that can help speed things along.
5. Choose a Theme
Your site needs to look great. On WordPress, there are thousands of themes to choose from. Some range from being free, some will cost. If you want your site to look the part, you should look at paying for a well-designed site.
6. Test Everything
Before you unleash your new site on the world, check everything. Visit every page to make sure that all of the links work and that every widget functions as it should. Try the site from your phone and from your laptop.