Transfer HTML Site to Full PlatformPro WordPress

[ibeehappy2 0]

Hi there, I know, big question, is there a simple way without re-directs to transfer an old HTML site http://www.johimadesigns.ca to a full WordPress site (I will use PlatformPro as the theme) ?? Don't want to lose a lot of the SEO but all of the design will change

[georgedonnelly 0]

Simple? No. Doable, yes.

[ibeehappy2 0]

Can you please direct me to some documentation somewhere. Thanks.

[bryan-hadaway 3]

Unfortunately, there really is no such documentation or an automated way to do such a thing. This will take a professional to do this manually. To setup WordPress and Theme and design it to look similar or far more difficultly; look exactly like your current design. Then all text/images would need to be copied over. Thanks, Bryan

[ibeehappy2 0]

Hi, noooooo, I don't want anything to look like my current design at http://www.johimadesigns.ca It is SO archaic and WAY overdue for an overhaul, hence PlatformPro .... It will be a total new look, new design, new branding. All that will remain is some of the text, and SEO and many of the samples of client work. I AM a professional, LOL! Just this specific task/skill is new to me, which is why I am doing it on my own site, and not on a client site for a fee. It is for my own personal work. I know how to work with WordPress, install WordPress, install plugins, blog, etc., I just was wondering if I had to use a re-direct for EVERY page to keep the same URL's or if I am going to use the URL's and therefore the SEO?

[wairoa 0]

I don't know of any method that will suck a static HTML site into Wordpress automatically, BUT you don't appear to have oodles of pages, so it wouldn't be that much of a job. Most of your page URL's could be replicated in Wordpress with pretty permalinks, or by simply using 301 redirects to your new page locations, so you won't loose any of your Google juice. Your portfolio area would probably have a slightly different structure, either via categories or a gallery (or both). But again, 301 redirects will deal with that. There are plenty of redirection plugins, but I like this one. Unless you have stuff buried deep on your site that I missed, I'm guessing you have around 50 content pages, so you'd cut and paste and get it that bedded down in a day or two. Easy.

[ibeehappy2 0]

Thank You Murray! Now THAT, is the type of answer I have been looking for. Thanks so much. I get that, and it makes sense, and you are the first one who has understood my question. Thank goodness Appreciate the help, and yes, the portfolio will change, likely with a gallery. Thanks so much! Didn't know about the Redirect plugin. Much appreciated