Rebuilding an existing website
It is possible to recreate a website to a certain extent. In most cases, this is necessary when a website is to be transferred to another content management system. Or a website is so outdated that it can no longer be updated in the usual way. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to make this go as smoothly as possible and what to keep in mind.
Take stock of the pages and techniques
When redesigning an existing website, it is essential to take a thorough inventory of all existing pages, their content and the techniques used. This includes:
Page structure: list all the pages on the existing site and categorize them according to their function and content. This will give you an overview of what needs to be transferred.
Content: note all the text content, images, videos, and other media that are on the current site. Make sure you have all the rights and permissions to use this content on the new website. Of course, if you are converting an existing website, this is irrelevant. If you are rebuilding someone else's website or a website for a client, double check.
Technical details: take notes on the techniques used, such as programming languages, databases, and any external plugins or integrations. This will come in handy when choosing the right content management system (CMS) and setting up the new website. Also make note of things as simple as a contact form or interactive menu. These can then be added at a later date. Decide if this will make a difference. Many such tools are outdated or no longer relevant.
Set up a subdomain to maintain the old website
It is very important to temporarily maintain the old website while you build the new one. You can do this by setting up a subdomain, for example "new.mydemopartner.co.uk". This way, visitors can continue to access the old content while the new site is being developed. This way, you won't be offline for an extended period of time.
Install a content management system
Rebuild the website with the same content and functionality.
When creating the new website, it is important to replicate the content and functionality as faithfully as possible. Pay attention to the following:
Design and layout: make sure the new design is the same as the original or an improved version of it. For example, better suited for mobile views.
Content transfer: transfer all text, images, videos and other media to the new website. Check that everything is correctly displayed and optimized.
Functionality: recreate any special features, forms, search functions, and other interactive elements that were present on the old site.
Once complete, move the subdomain to the main domain.
After the new website is fully developed, tested, and approved, you can move the subdomain to the main domain with the new website. You can do this by resetting the website folder under Websites in the Control Panel. However, you can also be a bit more specific and move the website completely internally to your main domain. This should cause the fewest problems in the long run. Exactly how this works depends on the content management system you're using, but often boils down to moving files and adjusting some configuration settings.
With these steps and tips, rebuilding an existing website should go smoothly. Always make sure to back up the old website before making any changes to avoid data loss.
