How to HTML to WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide
As more businesses and individuals move online, having a website is essential. However, creating one from scratch can be a hassle. This is precisely where content management systems (CMS) step in to play their crucial role. CMS like WordPress makes it easier for anyone to create a website from templates or scratch without the need for coding skills.
So, what if you already have an existing website, and you want to move it to WordPress? No need to worry; you can convert it quickly and easily! Within the confines of this article, we will guide you through a comprehensive step-by-step process on how to seamlessly transform HTML into WordPress.
What is HTML to WordPress conversion?
HTML serves as a markup language employed in the creation of web pages, adding structure and formatting to the content displayed on the internet. WordPress, on the other hand, is a CMS platform that allows people to create websites, manage content and integrate useful features through templates. Converting HTML to WordPress means taking an existing website built using HTML and CSS codes and migrating it to the WordPress platform.
How to Convert HTML to WordPress?
Converting an HTML site to WordPress requires technical expertise and careful planning. Here are the general steps in converting HTML to WordPress.
Step 1: Ensure a Backup of Your HTML site
Before starting any migration process, make sure you have a backup of your HTML website. It will ensure that you don’t lose your website in case anything goes wrong while migrating to WordPress. You can create a backup using different tools like UpdraftPlus or manually creating a backup of files and databases.
Step 2: Set up WordPress Site
To get started, install WordPress on your webserver. You can install it using tools like cPanel and FTP. Once installed, set up the necessary pages, such as the homepage, about us, contact us, and others. Ensure that the pages and categories from the HTML site are matched on the new WordPress site.
Step 3: Select a WordPress Theme
Choosing a theme is essential in WordPress. The theme dictates the appearance of your website, creating its design and layout. In selecting the theme, you need to ensure that it matches your HTML site’s design and layout for a consistent brand image.
Step 4: Install WordPress Plugins
Plugins add functionality to your site. They are essential in adding features like forms, galleries, and security, among others. Install necessary plugins like plugins for SEO, cache, and lead generation on your newly installed WordPress site.
Step 5: Start Converting the HTML Site
You can either convert HTML to WordPress using a CMS plugin or doing it manually. Plugin for HTML to WordPress conversion tool automates most of the process, while a manual process takes more time and requires technical expertise.
Convert HTML to WordPress Plugin
Using a plugin is the fastest and easiest option for converting an HTML site to WordPress. There are a variety of plugins available, but our top picks include:
- HTML Import 2
It enables users to import HTML files into WordPress. It scans the HTML file, creates WordPress pages or posts from the content, and replaces the URLs automatically.
- Simply Static
It creates a static version of your site to use in WordPress. You need to copy your site’s contents, paste it to the plugin, select the URLs, and run the conversion.
- WP Static HTML Output
It generates an HTML version of the WordPress site that can be exported to the HTML file. The plugin includes a graphical interface and deployment automation, making the conversion process straightforward.
Manual Conversion Process
Converting an HTML site to WordPress manually requires technical expertise and a lot of time. Here are the steps below.
- Install and Set up Required Plugins.
For a manual process, you need to install and set up several plugins, including WP Block Editor, Advanced Custom Fields, Custom Post Type, and Custom Taxonomy.
- Create a WordPress Theme’s Basic Structure
For converting your HTML to WordPress, first, you have to create a WordPress theme’s basic structure. It involves creating the header.php, index.php, footer.php, and sidebar.php files. These files will give you the foundation for your WordPress theme.
- Copy HTML Code from Each Web Page
Next, copy the content from your existing HTML site’s web pages. While copying, ignore the repeating header and footer sections for later additions to your WordPress theme.
- Create a PHP File for Every Web Page
For every HTML file, you need to create a PHP file that will use the HTML code you copied as well as the necessary commented tags such as WordPress loop code, header, and footer.
- Add Extra Features (PHP Functions and Hook Actions)
If you want to add extra functions, such as dynamic content, date-displaying fields, and social media buttons, you will need to add them via PHP functions and hook actions.
- Test your website
Lastly, test your website by loading each page, ensuring that each feature works as expected.
Conclusion
Converting HTML to WordPress requires technical expertise and time. However, it’s an excellent decision for those who.
