Transferring a website from DLE (DataLife Engine) to WordPress can be a complex process, especially if the site has a lot of content. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation
- Create a backup of your DLE site:
Copy all the site files and database to avoid data loss in case of errors. - Install WordPress:
Set up a fresh WordPress installation on your hosting, ideally in a separate folder or subdomain, to avoid interfering with the current site. - Choose a WordPress theme:
Find or develop a theme that matches the design or functionality of your DLE site.
2. Export Data from DLE
DLE uses its own database structure, so you’ll need to export data and convert it into a format compatible with WordPress:
- Log in to the DLE admin panel and export the database using phpMyAdmin.
- Export articles, categories, comments, and other data (such as files and images).
3. Data Conversion
Since DLE data cannot be directly imported into WordPress due to structural differences, you’ll need to convert it. Here are your options:
a. Migration Script
- Search for ready-made migration scripts for DLE to WordPress. For example, you can find PHP scripts online that automate the process.
- Ensure the script is compatible with your versions of DLE and WordPress.
b. Manual Conversion
- Write your own PHP script to transfer data. The main task is to move tables containing content (e.g., articles and categories) into the corresponding WordPress format (
wp_posts,wp_terms,wp_term_taxonomy, etc.). - Ensure links, images, and metadata are transferred correctly.
4. Import Data into WordPress
- Import the prepared data into the WordPress database using phpMyAdmin or WP CLI.
- Upload images to the
wp-content/uploadsfolder and update paths in posts using a plugin like Better Search Replace.
5. Set Up WordPress
- Check the content: Make sure articles, categories, and comments have been transferred correctly.
- Transfer the template: If needed, adapt or create a custom WordPress theme similar to your DLE site’s design.
- Install plugins: Add plugins for additional functionality if it was used on the old site.
6. 301 Redirects
- Set up redirects from old DLE URLs to the new WordPress URLs. This is crucial for SEO to maintain page indexing by search engines.
- Example of
.htaccessredirect:
Redirect 301 /old-url.html https://yoursite.com/new-url/7. Testing
- Check the site for errors.
- Ensure the content is displayed correctly and features (comments, search, images) are working properly.
8. Launch the Site
- After successful testing, move WordPress to the main domain.
- Ensure the old site is no longer accessible to avoid user confusion.
Useful Plugins:
- WP All Import — for content import.
- Redirection — for setting up redirects.
- Yoast SEO — for site optimization after migration.
If you have experience with PHP and databases, you can automate the process. Otherwise, it might be a good idea to hire a specialist to avoid potential issues.