Convert a static website to WP

I have an old client who wants his website converted into WordPress to make edits independently.

I’ve decided to use this task as a teaching opportunity and document the steps in converting a static site to WordPress.

How to Convert a Static Website into WordPress, using Advanced Custom Fields:

Pick a theme

Pick a static theme to convert

Download a starter theme

Download underscores.me or any blank starter theme

Create a database

Create a database in your hosting account; where the website is currently being hosted.

Download WordPress

Download WordPress, Upload the downloaded WP files via FTP to your hosted folder

While in the root folder, Move the current static files into a new/separate folder if desired, so its easier to distinguish Static vs. WP)

Upload your theme

Upload your blank starter Theme to: /wp-content/themes/

Edit your HTML files

Open your static index.html file + header.php, footer.php files.

Migrated Scripts

Copy the header tracking scripts (e.g., Google Analytics) & any static assets to the header.php file

Add Connectors

If the scripts aren’t absolute, add a connector; Otherwise, you’ll generate 404s

<?php echo get_stylesheet_directory_uri(); ?>/

Fix the Nav

If this is a quick and dirty build, replace the dynamic Nav with a static Navigation found in the static files.

Copy Footer Scripts

Repeat adding footer scripts to the footer.php file, remove duplicate assets (assets already present in WP)

Add a Homepage

Create a page-home.php file. Add the header and footer connections:

get_header();
get_footer();

Add additional templates if needed; for this example, I’m only creating a one-page site. Giving you a general idea of the steps involved.

Copy Code

Copy the static code within the opening and closing body tags into the page-home.php file you created.

Add a Template Name

If you haven’t already, Add a template name to your page-home.php file.

Install WP

Using your database credentials, install WordPress. You do this by going to your website: domain-example.com

Set Metadata

Log in and fix the Title Tag + Permalinks. Removing “Just another WordPress site” and setting pretty permalinks.

Settings >> General >> Tagline

Settings >> Permalinks >> Post name

Customize the Theme

Select your custom theme

Appearance >> Themes

Add a Homepage

Create a Home page (Delete the generic Sample Page created by WP)
Select your homepage template under Page Attributes.

Set you Homepage

Set your homepage as the front page.

Settings >> Reading

Copy Assets

Move your static assets to the theme folder.
Check the homepage, fix any errors populating the inspector.

Installing ACF

Install the Advanced Custom Fields Plugin

Add Custom Groups

In ACF settings, Add a Custom Field Group

This groups all of your custom fields in one place. Create additional Field Groups if you need to make additional templates/pages.

Add Custom Fields

Create Custom Fields for the HomePage.

Creating a field for every part you want is editable in the backend of WordPress.

Set Default Locations

Set the page location you want the ACF fields to populate.

Add Content

Add the text and images to the AC Fields (before replacing content with ACF codes; this will make your life easier)

Replace Static Code

Replace the Static Code with ACF Fields

Code examples:

Test

Test your new page, checking for formatting errors.

I hope this helps speed up your development process.

For a deeper explanation of installing ACF, please read: How to Install ACF.