Finally Migrating from Squarespace to WordPress. Going with .org . Few questions

[CooCooCachooo]

First of all as always I love you guys. Been a literal life saver for me in the hardest time of my life, and now I'm off and rolling and life is good. So thank you all for all your contributions to my stupid questions.

Onward

I'm a savvy guy but new to all WordPress really.

- So .org is the way to go, but I don't quite understand downloading and installing vs simply hosting like I do with square space. ? Can anyone provide a link or explanation?

- I mostly decided on Astra theme to get me started with the basics as it seems to be a solid choice. And I'lll add the tools and plugins and modify pages etc etc. Is this advisable?

- Moving from Squarespace to Wordpress I'm worried my pages will be de-indexed or not recognized, can that happen? I'll use the same url for each page.

I'm expanding my local business to another city so trying to get everything organized "properly" for my new year PUSHHH .


If anyone can shed some light on my situation I will bless thee with Christmas Karma and fortune. Results may vary unfortunately

Thanks guys, Happy Holidays

 

[TheMarquis]

Hello CCC,

Can anyone provide a link or explanation?

You have a ton of tutorials on Youtube about how to install WordPress CMS on your own server. Basically, after you configured the hosting, you have to install WordPress CMS. You have 2 options:

1. (*Assuming you have cPanel) Through Softaculous (search the WordPress App from the list) - Follow the tips from there.
2. From WordPress.org. Again, you have a countless number of tutorials on Youtube about how to install WordPress.

Is this advisable?

It's up to you what theme and plugin(s) you will install on your site. Astra is a top-notch theme.

can that happen? I'll use the same url for each page.

You responded yourself: If you keep the same link structure, you shouldn't have any issue with the rankings.

As I said, Youtube is your friend. You'll find what you need, because I see you already know where and what to ask about. Just pay attention to the each step and your site will be fine.

I'm expanding my local business to another city so trying to get everything organized "properly" for my new year PUSHHH .

Good luck with that!
Cheers!

 

[CooCooCachooo]

Thank you for your response! I will hit the youtubess tonight when I get home. I do have a decent idea, But i've learned to let experts point you in the right direction. Mentorship and Support is critical in this life.

 

[K-One]

Based on what you've said, i'll take it you're completely new to WP AND hosting in general, in which case you will want to be looking for a 'managed host' which means you don't have to worry about infrastructural and server level technicalities. So you can focus just on your site instead. Most decent managed wordpress host s(at least every one that i've come cross) has a server control panel like cPanel or Plesk or their own propietary version. They will allow you to easily upload your site via any sftp client like filezilla or cyberduck and make configuration a breeze.

You first need to find an appropriate hosting provider that supports the wordpress requirements in terms of the database, php, and servers - Most, if not all renown hosts will anyway but talk to them to confirm if you want but you can look for wordpress specialist hosts if not, like wpx which obviously then will.

And now I know I met get absolutely grilled for saying this but if the site is not majorly important, in terms of money matters, or anyhting else and your aim is to get thing up and running as quickly as possible, then you can test the waters with hosts like bluehost, dreamhost and sitegorund which are both supercheap on their shared hsoting plans and make the most of wordpress's infamous one-click install, to the extent you don't have to worry about uploads and configurations even, the install is automatically all spun up from start to finish through their web interface. Most of these big name hsots have their own knowlegbase of getting the most out that platform specifically, so you may find you don't generic advice which can confuse things sometimes. Edit: or check out the marketplace here too for hosting deals, which I have yet to do myself actually so can't verify any recommendations.

As for your domain name, the underlying procedure is the same but as i'm not too familiar with squarespace and how it operated directly (I think it is a registrar too from what I remember) you'll want someone to help you - the above hosts all have fairly decent customers service that should be able to guide you through the process, if not then check back here.
Although I don't have any experience with squarespace, I do with wix many moon ago, so based on that experience and shenanigans thereof, I would recommend you also shift registrar details to whomever you choose to host wiht once you have an account set up with them.

Can I ask how come you're moving from Squarespace

 

[CooCooCachooo]

Based on what you've said, i'll take it you're completely new to WP AND hosting in general, in which case you will want to be looking for a 'managed host' which means you don't have to worry about infrastructural and server level technicalities. So you can focus just on your site instead. Most decent managed wordpress host s(at least every one that i've come cross) has a server control panel like cPanel or Plesk or their own propietary version. They will allow you to easily upload your site via any sftp client like filezilla or cyberduck and make configuration a breeze.

You first need to find an appropriate hosting provider that supports the wordpress requirements in terms of the database, php, and servers - Most, if not all renown hosts will anyway but talk to them to confirm if you want but you can look for wordpress specialist hosts if not, like wpx which obviously then will.

And now I know I met get absolutely grilled for saying this but if the site is not majorly important, in terms of money matters, or anyhting else and your aim is to get thing up and running as quickly as possible, then you can test the waters with hosts like bluehost, dreamhost and sitegorund which are both supercheap on their shared hsoting plans and make the most of wordpress's infamous one-click install, to the extent you don't have to worry about uploads and configurations even, the install is automatically all spun up from start to finish through their web interface.

As for your domain name, the underlying procedure is the same but as i'm not too familiar with squarespace and how it operated directly (I think it is a registrar too from what I remember) you'll want someone to help you - the above hosts all have fairly decent customers service that should be able to guide you through the process, if not then check back here.
Although I don't have any experience with squarespace, I do with wix many moon ago, so based on that experience and shenanigans thereof, I would recommend you also shift registrar details to whomever you choose to host wiht once you have an account set up with them.

Can I ask how come you're moving from Squarespace

Thank you for your response!

Money does not matter just want it done right. Which is a partial answer to your question;

Squarespace is seemingly limited with its ability to customize, optimize, and analyze performance and SEO at an advanced level. WordPress seems to have a lot more tools to take your website past a 0 DR. Keep in mind im relatively new to SEO, so I need all the assistance I can get.

I love being wrong, please advise

 

[K-One]

Thank you for your response!

Money does not matter just want it done right. Which is a partial answer to your question;

Squarespace is seemingly limited with its ability to customize, optimize, and analyze performance and SEO at an advanced level. WordPress seems to have a lot more tools to take your website past a 0 DR. Keep in mind im relatively new to SEO, so I need all the assistance I can get.

I love being wrong, please advise

Like a lot of the sitebuilders (at least the ones i've user) managed wordpress hosts all have marketplaces that include, amongst other things SEO tools. with all kinds of pricing and deals. As for the SEO itself, it's a journey and not a destination You'll have to find what works.

 

[prutser]

Check out festingervault.com

 

[K-One]

Check out festingervault.com

What's this? Is this your site?

 

[prutser]

What's this? Is this your site?

no, its a recommended service where u can get all wp plugins/themes for cheap.