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Switching to Wordpress

by Julia B
29 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
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I've been considering rebuilding my fitness website using Wordpress for a while and I think I'm going to go for it.

Here's the site: www.fitnessrocks.co.uk

Currently it is on Drupal and was built by a developer. It works OK, although some aspects are a bit clunky. Plus adding things like Twitter/Facebook login has been problematic and, as I grow and develop the site, I want to be able to do more things myself and not have to keep paying a developer for anything more complex than updating content.

I have built a couple of basic sites using Wordpress and am very impressed with how easy it is to set up, but I can see setting up a larger site like mine would be more complex. I am willing to put time into doing it, but I'm concerned about whether some things might be beyond a non-developer like me.

I have a few questions and it'd be great to get a bit of advice from anyone with experience of building large content site using Wordpress on the following:

- Is it possible to install templates which auto-add the latest content to homepages, or do you have to manually link through to articles you want to promote?

- How easy is it to set up section homepages within a site? Are there templates for this?

- I have a blogs section, where several writers have their own blogs (Bloggers | Fitness Rocks). There's an aggregated feed of the latest posts from all writers on the Blogs section homepage, but the blogs can be viewed as individual stand-alone blogs too (e.g. James Simpson's blog | Fitness Rocks). How complex would something like this be to set up on a Wordpress site?

- Any tips on finding the right theme? I've seen some that come close to what I'd like, but nothing exactly spot on. Is it difficult to customise themes? Are you allow to do that?

It'd be great to see some examples of larger content sites on Wordpress if you'd care to share a link. I know it's great for blogging, but I don't want my site homepage to look like a blog and the articles need to look like articles rather than posts... However, the does have blogs within it and they do need to look like blogs of course!

...I think I'll stop here whilst I'm still making some kind of sense!


Thanks
#switching #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author Rashell
    You'll probably want to check out WPMU DEV – The WordPress Experts

    Rashell
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    • Profile picture of the author rhinocl
      1) Re autobloging. There are plugins that handle this. Most are paid. Search on galert in WSO. I think it is easier than WPRobot.
      2)Easiest way to manage separate blogs would be to install Wordpress on your primary domain as multisite then install WordPress on all the subdomains. Then they can each have their own home page.
      I like Atahaulpa because it is easy to customize. All the instructions are in the theme options. Probably needs 5 read- throughs to become functionally decent at managing it. A few tasks will need an expert but very few. Some themes are not as easy to customize.
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      • Profile picture of the author Julia B
        Originally Posted by rhinocl View Post

        1) Re autobloging. There are plugins that handle this. Most are paid. Search on galert in WSO. I think it is easier than WPRobot.
        2)Easiest way to manage separate blogs would be to install Wordpress on your primary domain as multisite then install WordPress on all the subdomains. Then they can each have their own home page.
        I like Atahaulpa because it is easy to customize. All the instructions are in the theme options. Probably needs 5 read- throughs to become functionally decent at managing it. A few tasks will need an expert but very few. Some themes are not as easy to customize.
        Thanks. That all sounds good, but I don't know what you mean by adding Wordpress as multisite. Could you please explain a bit further?
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        • Profile picture of the author Rashell
          Multisite is how you turn your single installation of wordpress into multiple blogs. It's similar to what you're doing already where you can give each person a blog of their own but there's a main central blog.

          The team over a WPMU DEV – The WordPress Experts are really helpful in setting up multisite blogs.

          Rashell
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          • Profile picture of the author Julia B
            Originally Posted by Rashell View Post

            Multisite is how you turn your single installation of wordpress into multiple blogs. It's similar to what you're doing already where you can give each person a blog of their own but there's a main central blog.

            The team over a WPMU DEV - The WordPress Experts are really helpful in setting up multisite blogs.

            Rashell
            Thanks Rashell, but my main reason switching is so I can rebuild the site myself and know how to develop most things myself without the need for paying techs.
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            • Profile picture of the author Rashell
              Originally Posted by Julia B View Post

              Thanks Rashell, but my main reason switching is so I can rebuild the site myself and know how to develop most things myself without the need for paying techs.
              They don't really build the site for you (although they give you access to developers). They offer a nice selection of plugins that will make it easier for you to develop a multisite. Plus there are forums etc. to help you if you get stuck.

              Rashell
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  • Profile picture of the author alamest
    Never done changes from Drupal to Wordpress, but have done from blogger to wordpress.. probably someone knows about it and might share over here..
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  • Profile picture of the author LimitLessJZ
    -- Is it possible to install templates which auto-add the latest content to homepages, or do you have to manually link through to articles you want to promote? : Yes. This can be done with a Wordpress plugin if you're using a static front page for Home.

    - How easy is it to set up section homepages within a site? You should start shopping around for some themes or maybe consider something custom. Just looking at your site looks like you could find a theme on theme forest that would probably fit your needs.

    - - Any tips on finding the right theme? I've seen some that come close to what I'd like, but nothing exactly spot on. Is it difficult to customise themes? Are you allow to do that? - Like everything else, there's a slight learning curve to Wordpress. Head over to THeme Forest and start checking out their themes. You'll probably find something that will suit your needs for cheap. The themes there usually for 35-40 bucks.

    Most themes are easy to customize if you know what you're doing. At first you'll probably have to head over to the Wordpress site to see what their functions do.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elizabeth Fee
    Hey Julia,

    I'll do my best to answer the questions that I know I can help with.

    For your first question, I would bet there's a plugin out there to help with this. One of the greatest things about WordPress is that there are literally thousands upon thousands of customized features/services/functionalities you can incorporate - you just have to find the right plugin to do the job.

    As for the fitness blog aspect - one way you could set it up similarly would be to incorporate categories, and then organize the authors by category. Someone may have a better answer on this one, but this is just my initial thought of how to make that work.

    Much like plugins, there are literally thousands of themes out there (free and paid versions). The ability to customize the theme will greatly depend on the theme itself.

    There are themes that will cater to the look you want - something less "bloggy". One of my favorites is Flexsqueeze as it is very customizable (and you don't need to know much about CSS or PHP as it's very user friendly). But I also like others including WooThemes, StudioPress themes, and I recently started getting into themes from Theme Forest.

    Here's a site I am currently working on (still a work-in-progress) for a friend of mine who is looking to start up a tax resolution business. This is not going to be used much for blogging, but rather, to provide information about her business. This one is using a theme from Theme Forest: Colorado Tax Resolution

    Hope some of this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author Julia B
    Thanks everyone.

    LimitlessJZ - Thanks. I did swing by the ThemeForest site before, but it's not great for browsing templates as it only seems to show the page logos in search lists. But I'll have take closer now.

    Elizabeth Fee - Thanks, very helpful! I'll take a look at Flexsqueeze, sounds good. The tax site looks great, by the way, nice work!
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  • Profile picture of the author DailyHealthBlitz
    I use Joomla and WordPress and if you're a do-it-yourselfer I find WordPress to be the best. You will notice most people on the Warrior Forum are very partial to WordPress.
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  • Profile picture of the author Julia B
    Yes, one of the things that has convinced me to do is the amount of praise for Wordpress I've seen on this forum. Eventually it would be good to outsource some of the work, but I think it would be good for me to build the site myself so I understand how it works and also so I know what to expect and how to explain what I need done when working with outsources on this and possibly other sites in the future. Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author rooze
    On the Multi-site issue, Rashell is correct in suggesting this route to manage multiple blogs operated by different bloggers, that's exactly what WPMU was created for.

    Regarding the link to the WPMU Dev folks, they do have some nice plugins but they mostly cost money, and there's absolutely nothing you need from them to build a WPMU site.

    On the technology side, setting up a WPMU is very simple, it takes maybe 15 minutes for a novice. There are some specific hosting requirements and a couple options you'll need to consider as far as the best way to set it up (sub-domains versus sub-directories).
    But you'll have a good platform, it's very robust and you can create potentially limitless blogs. If you're having a hard time visualizing how it works, just head over to wordpress dot com and you'll see.

    On the other points, yes there's a plugin to insert posts into any page. You can set it for different options, it's great, I use it to keep home page content fresh and changing.
    Yes you can have different category homepages each with a different template if you want to.
    There's nothing you're suggesting that should involve a developer, a few questions posted here should get you on your way.
    Also, don't forget not to leave any of your old Drupal pages behind. You'll want to use either 301 redirects or use a plugin that will allow you to map your old pages to new content. Otherwise you'll be leaving '404 page not founds' everywhere, then the skies will darken and google will frown down upon you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Julia B
      Originally Posted by Rashell View Post

      They don't really build the site for you (although they give you access to developers). They offer a nice selection of plugins that will make it easier for you to develop a multisite. Plus there are forums etc. to help you if you get stuck.

      Rashell
      Ah, OK. Thanks for explaining. I'll take a look.


      Originally Posted by rooze View Post

      On the Multi-site issue, Rashell is correct in suggesting this route to manage multiple blogs operated by different bloggers, that's exactly what WPMU was created for.

      Regarding the link to the WPMU Dev folks, they do have some nice plugins but they mostly cost money, and there's absolutely nothing you need from them to build a WPMU site.

      On the technology side, setting up a WPMU is very simple, it takes maybe 15 minutes for a novice. There are some specific hosting requirements and a couple options you'll need to consider as far as the best way to set it up (sub-domains versus sub-directories).
      But you'll have a good platform, it's very robust and you can create potentially limitless blogs. If you're having a hard time visualizing how it works, just head over to wordpress dot com and you'll see.

      On the other points, yes there's a plugin to insert posts into any page. You can set it for different options, it's great, I use it to keep home page content fresh and changing.
      Yes you can have different category homepages each with a different template if you want to.
      There's nothing you're suggesting that should involve a developer, a few questions posted here should get you on your way.
      Also, don't forget not to leave any of your old Drupal pages behind. You'll want to use either 301 redirects or use a plugin that will allow you to map your old pages to new content. Otherwise you'll be leaving '404 page not founds' everywhere, then the skies will darken and google will frown down upon you.
      Thanks Rooze, I've started reading up on WP Multisite, sounds good. From what I've gathered so far, it sounds like this feature is included in the latest of version of Wordpress, so would I have access to it just be setting up a Wordpress site?

      Yes, I've been thinking about what to do about redirecting my existing pages. There's a lot of content on the site, so the plugin option might be best.
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      • Profile picture of the author rooze
        Originally Posted by Julia B View Post


        Thanks Rooze, I've started reading up on WP Multisite, sounds good. From what I've gathered so far, it sounds like this feature is included in the latest of version of Wordpress, so would I have access to it just be setting up a Wordpress site?
        Yes, just follow the instructions on how to switch your standard WP installation to Network Create A Network « WordPress Codex
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        • Profile picture of the author popmarco
          Hi Julia!


          If I were to rearrange your site, I'd probably set up Wordpress to another domain using a premium theme (Elegant Themes is my favorite so I wrote an article about it here). I'd probably put Fitness Articles in one Category (just like my Articles category), Equipment Reviews, Podcasts, Forum and Fitness Blogs in separate Pages but the sub topics in them are in Categories. It's easy to arrange them since the Menu can be configured the way you want it. In my case, Articles, How-To's and Success Stories are Categories but they are permanently seen in the Home Page.

          As to the forum, you can incorporate vbulletin, bbPress and the rest of the forum software in your Wordpress site (I have to try it yet though).

          As to your main picture homepage, they can move sideways or fade, since your Pages have Featured Image. You don't need to learn Flash or equivalent. You can configure 1, 2 or 5 Pages to your Featured slider (can be done in Elegant Themes' epanel - see number 4 of the same article).

          Once you're happy with it, you can Export the Pages, Posts, Tags, etc. to your PC. You can then delete Drupal in Fitness Rocks and import the files from the domain that you've created (which is already in your computer). Your followers won't notice of the transition.

          You can also incorporate Aweber code easily through the Text widget and you can build a list in exchange of FREE ebooks, audio or videos. Videos (mp4or flv) and audio (mp3) can be installed in minutes in your Posts or Pages.

          As the site's Administrator, you can also assign Subscriber, Contributor or Author to your bloggers. They won't hurt your site as they can't access the rest of the backend except to edit their articles. You can google their functionalities for further details.

          Wordpress is pretty much powerful and addicting. I've started with Wordpress mid of last year and practiced with a number of sites until I was satisfied. I'm not a developer, but I'm a Wordpress fan. I used to create my sites with Kompozer but switched to Wordpress eventually. The benefit with Kompozer though was getting acquainted with some html codes which are also helpful in wordpress (but not needed).

          I've set up some basic tutorials on how to set up Wordpress in my site's FREE Wordpress Tutorials. The 7 videos will guide you until Wordpress installation. The rest of the videos may need you to opt in. I'd be happy to guide you though if you need one.

          By the way, your Fitness Rocks rocks!

          Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author copilu0
    WPMU is the way to do it if you want to have writers with their own blog.There is a lot of info about this so all you need to do is to search on google.If you have any problems in implementing WPMU then you can send me a PM and I'll explain you everything.

    Now about the theme that you need.
    There are a lot of good themes out there that you can use to make your website look the same as it is now.For example you can search for free themes and use plugins but personally I prefer to use Genesis Framework (from StudioPress), Thesis Framework, themes from Themeforest which was already mentioned, and WooThemes where you can find a lot of great Free themes but unfortunately right now they are changing their servers and everything will be back in a few days.Personally I recommend Woothems for free themes and just to give you an example here is a quick example of a free theme from them (I don't think you can download it because they are changing servers):
    http://demo.woothemes.com/?name=meta-morphosis

    Everything is easy to setup and even if you are not a developer you'll find you're way to solve different things within these themes.Also I don't recommend using other themes form other websites because your website can be hacked very easy if you're not a developer and you don't check your themes for melicious code.
    Personally I think my examples are very secure.
    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author singh1720
    There is no difference between switching to Wordpress (which menas making a whole new site) or upgrading/rebuilding to a newer version of Drupal. Drupal is way more powerful than Wordpress, unless you're having a pure blog.
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    • Profile picture of the author Julia B
      Originally Posted by copilu0 View Post

      WPMU is the way to do it if you want to have writers with their own blog.There is a lot of info about this so all you need to do is to search on google.If you have any problems in implementing WPMU then you can send me a PM and I'll explain you everything.

      Now about the theme that you need.
      There are a lot of good themes out there that you can use to make your website look the same as it is now.For example you can search for free themes and use plugins but personally I prefer to use Genesis Framework (from StudioPress), Thesis Framework, themes from Themeforest which was already mentioned, and WooThemes where you can find a lot of great Free themes but unfortunately right now they are changing their servers and everything will be back in a few days.Personally I recommend Woothems for free themes and just to give you an example here is a quick example of a free theme from them (I don't think you can download it because they are changing servers):
      http://demo.woothemes.com/?name=meta-morphosis

      Everything is easy to setup and even if you are not a developer you'll find you're way to solve different things within these themes.Also I don't recommend using other themes form other websites because your website can be hacked very easy if you're not a developer and you don't check your themes for melicious code.
      Personally I think my examples are very secure.
      Good luck!
      Thanks copilu0, great advice. Really appreciate the offer of help - I may well be taking you up on that!


      Originally Posted by singh1720 View Post

      There is no difference between switching to Wordpress (which menas making a whole new site) or upgrading/rebuilding to a newer version of Drupal. Drupal is way more powerful than Wordpress, unless you're having a pure blog.
      Thanks, but my site was only created last year, so the version is not very old. As a non-developer it hasn't been very easy to work with. Also, I think it could be helpful to me rebuild the site myself to give me a proper understanding of how it all works.
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    Wasn't there already a similar thread in the main forum?
    Why the duplicate post/question?
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  • Profile picture of the author Julia B
    Thanks Popmarco. Really great advice, I'll take a look at tutorials too. Fantastic to hear that you like the site!

    Istvan - Yes, you're right. I'm sorry about that, it's a bit embarrassing! I thought the other thread had died when I created this one, but then someone kindly replied and resurrected it. Didn't mean to spam the forum! (Although the question I asked in this one is a bit different) Guess I learned a lesson in patience there! Apologies.
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  • Profile picture of the author stormwebent
    You have been given some sound advice here. Obviously, like many others on this forum, I am partial to WordPress. I suggest you take a couple of days to get to grips with WordPress essentials. There are many good video tutorials floating around.

    WordPress Multisite sounds like your best bet. As far as themes go, there are tons of themes out there and they can all be customized, if you know how. I would lean more towards a WordPress framework, which allows you to create exactly what you want from a barebones structure. I know this has more of a learning curve, but you will have the satisfaction of getting what you really want. Plugins will then give you added functionality.

    Be careful when choosing a WordPress theme or framework. Go for one which loads quickly, from a company known for valid code and good customer support. I can recommend a few, if you need help deciding.

    Good Luck!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author popmarco
    You're welcome Julie.
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  • Profile picture of the author pwag85
    Just chucking in my pennys worth as I too am a big fan of wordpress. Used to use withtank to build sites but recently swicthed to wordpress and found it real easy and flexible. Last design I did I used the 'Collective' theme and it's my favourite so far. Also recently had a look at virb.com on reccomendation from a friend and that looks pretty nice too. totally different to worpress but nice also.
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  • Profile picture of the author stevehill1
    Thanks a lot friends for sharing your useful tips and suggestions i really appreciate it..
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    • Profile picture of the author Julia B
      Thanks again for all the great replies, much appreciated.

      I'm now ready to go ahead with this and have chosen theme that I think will be great. I've also decided to take the opportunity to rebrand the site and move it to a different domain name for which I have the .com address as well as .co.uk, which I hope will give it more of a global appeal.

      I'm pretty sure this is the best way to go (I prefer then new name anyway), but I do have a few concerns.

      The site currently has a Google page rank of 3. When I remove the site content from the original domain and redirect to the new URL will this be affected?

      Also, a few of the article pages are ranking well on google searches, so is it possible to forward the urls of individual article pages?

      And here's a question about Wordpress Multisite - does it have a feature that would enable contributors to save content on there which I could then review and edit before publishing? This seems like the sort of thing it would have, but I can't find any info on it.

      Finally, I'll need a new logo for the site. Where's the best place for this? Fiverr?
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      • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
        Originally Posted by Julia B View Post

        Also, a few of the article pages are ranking well on google searches, so is it possible to forward the urls of individual article pages?

        And here's a question about Wordpress Multisite - does it have a feature that would enable contributors to save content on there which I could then review and edit before publishing? This seems like the sort of thing it would have, but I can't find any info on it.

        Finally, I'll need a new logo for the site. Where's the best place for this? Fiverr?
        1. Yes > .htaccess

        2. You don't need MS for that, you can do it on any blog: just set the user level accordingly - they can create but not publish, an editor or admin has to approve it. Read the WP documentation re: users & Roles and Capabilities.
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      • Profile picture of the author Julia B
        Originally Posted by Julia B View Post

        I'm now ready to go ahead with this and have chosen theme that I think will be great. I've also decided to take the opportunity to rebrand the site and move it to a different domain name for which I have the .com address as well as .co.uk, which I hope will give it more of a global appeal.

        I'm pretty sure this is the best way to go (I prefer then new name anyway), but I do have a few concerns.

        The site currently has a Google page rank of 3. When I remove the site content from the original domain and redirect to the new URL will this be affected?

        Also, a few of the article pages are ranking well on google searches, so is it possible to forward the urls of individual article pages?

        Finally, I'll need a new logo for the site. Where's the best place for this? Fiverr?
        Just a little bump the above
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  • Profile picture of the author Julia B
    Thanks Istvan, sounds good.
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