Make a Plan for Your Business Catalyst Content<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst things first: If you\u2019re trying to maintain as much of your Business Catalyst site as possible, you need to strategize your move. Here are a few things you\u2019ll want to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Don\u2019t Forget Anything<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business Catalyst to WordPress (and almost every other CMS) is not a one-to-one conversion. That being said, there are lots of moving parts when making the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your blog posts can be moved via RSS feeds, but redesigning the site and moving each one to WordPress posts can only be done through the 100 post maximum RSS export<\/a> option in Business Catalyst. Not to mention you\u2019ll want to check and double check your database to make sure you\u2019re not missing anything there either!<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a designer moving client sites rather than your own, this might be a good point to ask them what needs to be moved. This minimizes your workload and provides a great opportunity to do a site and content audit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key here is to stay organized and always double check you have everything you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Use this as an Opportunity to Reflect on Past Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While it might feel daunting to find a new solution for your Business Catalyst sites, just remember: This is an opportunity to improve upon past work and continue developing your skills as a designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This change provides a great opportunity to go back and critique your old work in order to grow. It\u2019s a great time to be reflective as you work, see where you\u2019ve grown, learn from your experiences, and streamline your processes moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[twitter_link]Keeping a positive mindset will turn daunting tasks into a brilliant opportunity![\/twitter_link]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Rely on Resources and Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In keeping this positive mindset, it\u2019s helpful to know there are so many designers and developers in the same boat, and there is a big, welcoming community to aid in the transition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I even found a Facebook group <\/a>just for people moving from Business Catalyst to WordPress. It\u2019s a great community sharing tons of resources and knowledge from trying it themselves!<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are also so many publications, professionals, and companies that work specifically with WordPress every single day, and those people also have your back! Together you\u2019re sure to get started in the best way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for more support about transitioning from Business Catalyst, you might want to consider looking at this business <\/a>or this Adobe resource<\/a>. Now, let\u2019s talk specifically about WordPress!<\/p>\n\n\n\nTools to Help you get Accustomed to WordPress<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhile there will be a learning curve if you\u2019ve never used WordPress before, there are so many tools and resources that\u2019ll make it easier (and less time-consuming) for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[twitter_link]Here are some tips and resources that might save a few headaches when switching from Business Catalyst to WordPress![\/twitter_link]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHTML5 Blank<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"layout](\"https:\/\/getflywheel-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2018\/05\/HTML5-blank.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis great tool is an open source boilerplate theme for WordPress and gives users a ton of flexibility in building out your website. So if you’re working on your own customized WordPress theme, this option provides a little structure for your new HTML theme. Converting HTML and CSS to WordPress has never been easier!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"layout](\"https:\/\/getflywheel-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2018\/05\/syntax-highlighted-post-editor.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to make the WordPress Post and Page text editor look more familiar, you can use this plugin to convert the look of it to HTML syntax. Especially if you and your clients are used to the HTML format, this is a great option if you\u2019re unfamiliar with WordPress or are using code-heavy content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LitExtension<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"layout](\"https:\/\/getflywheel-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2018\/05\/litextension.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re migrating eCommerce sites, this might be a gamechanger! LitExtension converts your Business Catalyst site to WooCommerce, which you can easily plug in to WordPress and keep your site moving!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reusable Text Block<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"layout](\"https:\/\/getflywheel-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2018\/05\/reusable-text-blocks-plugin.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis great plugin helps customize your sites by organizing your content so that you can put it into pages, posts, themes, and widgets. This can help replace content holders you may have worked with in Business Catalyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you like that, you may also enjoy Advanced Custom Fields<\/a> and Custom Content Shortcode<\/a> to help replace Web Apps in Business Catalyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLocal<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"layout](\"https:\/\/getflywheel-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2018\/05\/2016.12.02-local-fb-ad-1200x628-copy.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis free tool is a local development application that can offer a suite of options to aid in your transition. First, because it\u2019s a free option, it gives you the chance to play with a WordPress site, start to learn how to use it, and develop sites with no commitment. If you make a few learning mistakes in the process, it doesn\u2019t matter because you\u2019re not experimenting with the client\u2019s live site!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Local’s Live Links feature, you can send a link to your client that allows them to preview the site on their machine (even though the site is hosted locally on your machine)! It makes the review process outrageously easy, so you can check in with your clients whenever you want to make sure their Business Catalyst site transition is going well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019re ready to take a site live, it is extremely easy to export the site and take it to any WordPress host. If you\u2019re looking for an easy, streamlined option to push a site live with the click of a button, Connect to WP Engine<\/a> is about to become your best friend. Once you\u2019re finished with the site and have yourWP Engine hosting<\/a> account set up, all you have to do is click \u201cPush to Flywheel\u201d and your site is up and running. It seems too good to be true, but it\u2019s really that simple! When your site is live and perhaps you need to make a couple last-minute changes, you can also pull your sites down to Local and edit them offline. It makes for the simplest WordPress workflow you could imagine!<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Best WordPress Themes and Plugins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No matter what type of WordPress site you’re building, there are a few constant best practices we recommend you follow. These include things like never updating the WordPress core, optimizing your images, and using themes and plugins from quality developers and companies. While there are so many great resources out there for WordPress designers and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In regard to themes, there are many out there that provide the perfect start. If you\u2019re looking for something that really stands out and looks original, try some premium themes. This pretty much goes without saying, but you should always do your research and look at reviews before you decide to make a theme purchase, just like any other online purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to try a few themes before making a big decision, there are also plenty of free WordPress themes to choose from. This gives you the flexibility to check out a few different options and get a sense of how customizable they are. Not to mention, if your client wants to try something new, you haven\u2019t invested too much money in a theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WordPress DIY – Develop It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
[twitter_link]Sometimes the tools and resources from others just aren\u2019t quite what you\u2019re looking for. That\u2019s great because it\u2019s a sign of innovation![\/twitter_link]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCreating your own customized tools may seem overwhelming at first, but there are resources available to help you get started. Using your prior-existing development knowledge, you\u2019re already headed for success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you can\u2019t find the right WordPress theme, you could always create your very own child theme based on your own preferences. Basically, \u00a0a child theme allows you to take the main functionality of a parent theme and tailor it to your own specific needs! Interested in learning more? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a designer moving client sites rather than your own, this might be a good point to ask them what needs to be moved. This minimizes your workload and provides a great opportunity to do a site and content audit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key here is to stay organized and always double check you have everything you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Use this as an Opportunity to Reflect on Past Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While it might feel daunting to find a new solution for your Business Catalyst sites, just remember: This is an opportunity to improve upon past work and continue developing your skills as a designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This change provides a great opportunity to go back and critique your old work in order to grow. It\u2019s a great time to be reflective as you work, see where you\u2019ve grown, learn from your experiences, and streamline your processes moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[twitter_link]Keeping a positive mindset will turn daunting tasks into a brilliant opportunity![\/twitter_link]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In keeping this positive mindset, it\u2019s helpful to know there are so many designers and developers in the same boat, and there is a big, welcoming community to aid in the transition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I even found a Facebook group <\/a>just for people moving from Business Catalyst to WordPress. It\u2019s a great community sharing tons of resources and knowledge from trying it themselves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also so many publications, professionals, and companies that work specifically with WordPress every single day, and those people also have your back! Together you\u2019re sure to get started in the best way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for more support about transitioning from Business Catalyst, you might want to consider looking at this business <\/a>or this Adobe resource<\/a>. Now, let\u2019s talk specifically about WordPress!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there will be a learning curve if you\u2019ve never used WordPress before, there are so many tools and resources that\u2019ll make it easier (and less time-consuming) for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [twitter_link]Here are some tips and resources that might save a few headaches when switching from Business Catalyst to WordPress![\/twitter_link]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This great tool is an open source boilerplate theme for WordPress and gives users a ton of flexibility in building out your website. So if you’re working on your own customized WordPress theme, this option provides a little structure for your new HTML theme. Converting HTML and CSS to WordPress has never been easier!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to make the WordPress Post and Page text editor look more familiar, you can use this plugin to convert the look of it to HTML syntax. Especially if you and your clients are used to the HTML format, this is a great option if you\u2019re unfamiliar with WordPress or are using code-heavy content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re migrating eCommerce sites, this might be a gamechanger! LitExtension converts your Business Catalyst site to WooCommerce, which you can easily plug in to WordPress and keep your site moving!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This great plugin helps customize your sites by organizing your content so that you can put it into pages, posts, themes, and widgets. This can help replace content holders you may have worked with in Business Catalyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you like that, you may also enjoy Advanced Custom Fields<\/a> and Custom Content Shortcode<\/a> to help replace Web Apps in Business Catalyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This free tool is a local development application that can offer a suite of options to aid in your transition. First, because it\u2019s a free option, it gives you the chance to play with a WordPress site, start to learn how to use it, and develop sites with no commitment. If you make a few learning mistakes in the process, it doesn\u2019t matter because you\u2019re not experimenting with the client\u2019s live site!<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Local’s Live Links feature, you can send a link to your client that allows them to preview the site on their machine (even though the site is hosted locally on your machine)! It makes the review process outrageously easy, so you can check in with your clients whenever you want to make sure their Business Catalyst site transition is going well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re ready to take a site live, it is extremely easy to export the site and take it to any WordPress host. If you\u2019re looking for an easy, streamlined option to push a site live with the click of a button, Connect to WP Engine<\/a> is about to become your best friend. Once you\u2019re finished with the site and have yourWP Engine hosting<\/a> account set up, all you have to do is click \u201cPush to Flywheel\u201d and your site is up and running. It seems too good to be true, but it\u2019s really that simple! When your site is live and perhaps you need to make a couple last-minute changes, you can also pull your sites down to Local and edit them offline. It makes for the simplest WordPress workflow you could imagine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what type of WordPress site you’re building, there are a few constant best practices we recommend you follow. These include things like never updating the WordPress core, optimizing your images, and using themes and plugins from quality developers and companies. While there are so many great resources out there for WordPress designers and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In regard to themes, there are many out there that provide the perfect start. If you\u2019re looking for something that really stands out and looks original, try some premium themes. This pretty much goes without saying, but you should always do your research and look at reviews before you decide to make a theme purchase, just like any other online purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to try a few themes before making a big decision, there are also plenty of free WordPress themes to choose from. This gives you the flexibility to check out a few different options and get a sense of how customizable they are. Not to mention, if your client wants to try something new, you haven\u2019t invested too much money in a theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [twitter_link]Sometimes the tools and resources from others just aren\u2019t quite what you\u2019re looking for. That\u2019s great because it\u2019s a sign of innovation![\/twitter_link]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating your own customized tools may seem overwhelming at first, but there are resources available to help you get started. Using your prior-existing development knowledge, you\u2019re already headed for success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you can\u2019t find the right WordPress theme, you could always create your very own child theme based on your own preferences. Basically, \u00a0a child theme allows you to take the main functionality of a parent theme and tailor it to your own specific needs! Interested in learning more? <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Rely on Resources and Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tools to Help you get Accustomed to WordPress<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HTML5 Blank<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHTML Editor Syntax Highlighter<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLitExtension<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nReusable Text Block<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocal<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Best WordPress Themes and Plugins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WordPress DIY – Develop It Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n