Businesses still rely on developing an HTML-based website to establish an online presence. However, HTML does not allow dynamic content changes without the help of an expert to change the code. This is where static websites built with HTML fall short. To avoid this, the utilization of a content management system becomes ubiquitous.
WordPress, among the majority of the CMS types, is the most used and preferred one. It is a flexible and user-friendly solution, providing various advantages to a business, from ease of use to end-to-end customization. CMS usage can streamline the development process by reducing the time to convert an HTML-based website.
The process of conversion depends on your skills. You can work with an HTML to WordPress conversion company to develop a website that relates to the requirements of your business. As a result, a business can leverage the flexibility, scalability, and power-packed features of the platform while retaining its existing layout design.
Converting a static website into a CMS-based website requires various steps to complete the conversion in diverse ways. From manual conversion to opting for paid services, every mode has a detailed process to follow. The conversion process can be complex, but you can create a user-friendly and scalable WordPress site with the right approach. Here’s the elaborated process:
Performing the detailed conversion process manually is undoubtedly a time-consuming venture. You have to perform all the steps precisely because a minor mistake can cost you the whole conversion process. You should only try to make changes in the code if you pursue the right skills and have some sort of experience in the programming languages. Anyhow, if you have opted for manual conversion, the steps are detailed below:
First, create a separate theme folder that will function like a directory. Then, create the essential files using the code editor, which you will store in this theme folder. Create some specific files, such as:
After creating all these files, save them into your created folder.
Now that you have created the folder and all the requisite files, the next step is customizing CSS. In other words, you will create a WP stylesheet by copying your old CSS. This step can be daunting if anywhere you lack the expertise. Opting for HTML to WordPress conversion services can help.
Let’s assume you like the styling portion of your static website and do not want to change it completely. To do this, copy your stylesheet’s code to WP and add it to the top of your file.
/* Theme Name: Your Project Name
Theme URI: Theme’s URI
Description: Describe your theme
Version: 1.0
Author: Name of the Author
Author URL: Your website’s address
*/
After this, paste the CSS into the file, save and close it, and proceed to the next step.
Splitting code helps convert HTML to WordPress. Once you have customized the stylesheet, start the process with index.html. Copy and paste all the sections into the appropriate locations within local theme files.
The division of HTML code allows the integration of your website’s content and preferred design into the WordPress platform. This way, you can ensure that every element of your website is correctly incorporated with the corresponding WordPress theme files. So, you can rest assured that the converted WordPress theme will work optimally per your requirements.
Utilize the core PHP of the WordPress platform to create a loop (helpful in displaying content to visitors). The loop brings in and presents your posts, pages, or other custom content types in front of visitors dynamically.
Begin with the index.php file of your WordPress theme and add the looping code to check and display the content within this file. The loop has some functions like’ have_post (), ‘ the_post (), and’ the_content (). ‘ These work together to loop through your content and display it according to the requested information.
After completing it, save and close the index.php file. Your theme is now ready to be uploaded to the WordPress platform. However, thoroughly test your theme to ensure the loop functions are working correctly, and if there’s any error, resolve it.
Now that you have completed all the processes and ensured the theme is working properly, it’s time to upload it. To do this, you have to upload your local theme folder to your website’s wp-themes/content/ directory.
Afterward, head to the WP admin dashboard and navigate to Appearance ⇾ Themes. Click on Themes ⇾ Upload Theme. Select the zip file option in the menu, and click the Install Now button. Once the installation is done, your theme is ready to use on the WP.
You should perform these steps when you manually convert HTML to WordPress themes.
Using a child theme to convert your HTML-based website to a WordPress theme is more accessible than the manual process. Here are the steps elaborated:
Find a theme that matches your project’s requirements and HTML code. Install the theme on your WP site, but do not activate it.
In the previous step, you created a theme folder, the exact process you should follow in this method. Ensure the folder is named like the parent theme and includes ‘-child’ without spaces.
Akin to the previous method, create a style sheet. The difference is that you will add a tag titled ‘template.’ Ensure to include your parent theme’s name, which is further need for a child theme to work.
This is the different folder where inheriting the parent styles and child theme is necessary. Create a new file and name it as functions.php, where you include this code:
<?php>
function child_theme_enqueue_styles() {
$parent_style =’parent-style’;
wp_enqueue_style($parent_style, get_template_directory_uri() . ’ /style.css’);
wp_enqueue_style(‘child-style’;
get_stylesheet_directory_uri() . ‘ /style.css’,
array($parent_style),
wp_get_theme()->get (‘Version’)
);
}
add_action(‘wp_enqueue_scripts,’ ‘child_theme_enqueue_styles’);
Using this code will allow WP to use the parent theme, with styling of the child theme.
After the process, activating your child’s theme is next. All the uploading processes should be similar to the manual method, like creating a zip file and adding it all to the WP platform. Then, if required, change the design to match your existing HTML.
Only use the plugin method if you are open to changing the style and giving the website a new look. Using a WP plugin can be much easier than creating a manual and child theme. Let’s understand how the process should be done:
If you still think the process is complex and will destroy your web presence, opt for an HTML to WordPress conversion service provider. The experts will follow all the steps illustrated in all the processes, whether manually or using a plugin. Moreover, they can also test the written code side by side to ensure that the created output is exact to the project’s requirements. Now, why hiring a skilled team is helpful let’s understand:
If you have a static website and like its overall appearance and all the basic to advanced functionality, it is a good idea to convert it into a CMS-based website. You can do it manually if you know the WordPress platform well. Otherwise, you can create a child theme to ease the process. You can also utilize plugins to reduce the steps further and simplify the process. However, if you still think it is difficult, you can hire web developers to convert your HTML to a WordPress site. The experts will perform a seamless transition while considering the unique design of your website.
