What is the difference?
HTML is the basic language of web pages. An HTML site is a set of separate page files. To change anything, you edit the code. WordPress is a program that stores your content in a database. A database is a filing cabinet for your text. You then edit pages with a simple editor, like a word processor.
Important to know
There is no magic button to convert HTML into WordPress. You move your content by hand, or with a helper plugin. Plan for some time. Keep your old site online until the new one is ready.
Warning: Make a full backup of your old site first. Download all the files with FTP or File Manager.
Steps
- List your pages. Write down every page, such as Home, About and Contact.
- Install WordPress. Use the app installer in your control panel. Install it in a new folder or a test subdomain, not over your old site.
- Pick a theme. Go to Appearance, then Themes. Choose one that looks close to your old site.
- Add the pages. Go to Pages, then Add New Page. Open the old HTML page in your browser. Copy the text and paste it in the editor.
- Upload your pictures. Go to Media, then Add New. Then add each picture to the right page.
- Build the menu. Go to Appearance, then Menus. Add your pages in the same order as before.
- Match the web addresses. Open a page and look for the Permalink or slug. Try to keep it the same as the old address, so links do not break.
- Test. Click all links. Look at it on a phone too.
- Go live. Move WordPress to the main folder, or ask support to help you switch.
Tip: Some plugins can import HTML files into WordPress. Read the plugin's reviews and test it on a copy first.
Need help?
If you get stuck while switching the live site, open a support ticket with Hostvento.
Quick recap
- HTML sites need hand work to move into WordPress.
- Back up first and build the new site in a separate place.
- Copy pages, pictures and menus. Keep the web addresses the same if you can.
- Test everything, then go live.