Understanding the Key Considerations When Transitioning to a Managed WordPress Site

Navigating a website transfer for the first time can be a daunting task, especially if you’re taking on a role that encompasses development, programming, and site management. If you’re new to managing a non-static website or working within a cPanel environment, it’s crucial to plan carefully to ensure a smooth transition and successful updates. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to monitor and how to prepare for a website migration or redesign.

1. Clarify Your Access and Permissions

Since the site resides on a cPanel-based hosting platform, you typically won’t have root access. This means:

• You can upload and manage files within the public_html directory.

• You are limited in server configurations and access to backend services.

• Be aware of the limitations this imposes on your development and deployment process.

• Backup Everything Before Making Changes

Always create a complete backup of the site before you start making modifications. This includes:

• Website files (FTP or file manager in cPanel)

• Databases (using phpMyAdmin or backup tools)

Having a recent backup ensures you can restore the site if needed.

1. Setting Up a Local Development Environment

To experiment safely, consider setting up a local server environment comparable to the live server. WAMP (Windows), MAMP (Mac), or LAMP (Linux) stacks are good options. Before proceeding:

• Download all website files from the server.

• Export the database from phpMyAdmin.

• Import files and database into your local environment.

• Match server configurations such as PHP version, MySQL/MariaDB, and Apache/Nginx settings to mirror the live environment.

This approach enables testing and development without risking the live site.

1. Managing SSL and Security Configurations

Handling SSL certificates is crucial for site security:

• On cPanel, SSL management is often provided via the SSL/TLS Manager. Make sure the certificate is correctly installed.

• When testing locally, you may need to set up a self-signed certificate or disable HTTPS temporarily.

• Be cautious when modifying security settings; improper configurations can lead to warnings or security issues.

• Understanding the Site’s Architecture and Codebase

Given that your site runs on custom PHP code with mixed HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, take the time to:

• Map out the directory structure and identify core components.

• Determine how the custom CMS integrates with the website.

• Consider refactoring spaghetti code to separate concerns