How to switch my companies current website to a wordpress + StudioPress site?

[elise.d]

Hi guys,

I'm currently looking into redesigning my employers website and after receiving some very expensive quotes from some agencies I discovered they all use Wordpress for their sites.

So, after some research I've discovered that I can most likely do it myself (saving almost $20k/site). Before I go ahead though, I'd like to make sure I've got all my info correct.

I have some experience with html and css and am familiar but not an expert on wordpress. I would like to change our existing site www.illawarrahomeloans.com.au to the StudioPress Venture theme. I will need to commission someone to do the graphics but need to know that I will be able to implement the graphics myself with css? I don't know php but I catch on quickly if I need to learn.

My other questions are:
- Can we have multiple users updating the site? I'm sure this is a yes but not sure on the details. I'm sure it's just a matter of signing in right?

- How do I work on the development without taking down the existing site? Is there a way to work on it locally before it's pushed out? Again, I'm sure this is a yes ...

- Is there a tutorial on getting started that I can watch before committing myself?

- If one of the StudioPress recommended developers customises it for me, can I take over the management so I can implement other things e.g. Gravity Forms?

Thanks in advance,
Elise

[elise.d]

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[CrabbyDigital]

Originally Posted by elise.d

Hi guys,

I'm currently looking into redesigning my employers website and after receiving some very expensive quotes from some agencies I discovered they all use Wordpress for their sites.

So, after some research I've discovered that I can most likely do it myself (saving almost $20k/site). Before I go ahead though, I'd like to make sure I've got all my info correct.

I have some experience with html and css and am familiar but not an expert on wordpress. I would like to change our existing site www.illawarrahomeloans.com.au to the StudioPress Venture theme. I will need to commission someone to do the graphics but need to know that I will be able to implement the graphics myself with css? I don't know php but I catch on quickly if I need to learn.

My other questions are:
- Can we have multiple users updating the site? I'm sure this is a yes but not sure on the details. I'm sure it's just a matter of signing in right?

- How do I work on the development without taking down the existing site? Is there a way to work on it locally before it's pushed out? Again, I'm sure this is a yes ...

- Is there a tutorial on getting started that I can watch before committing myself?

- If one of the StudioPress recommended developers customises it for me, can I take over the management so I can implement other things e.g. Gravity Forms?

Thanks in advance,
Elise

--

I checked out your website and you have a lot of content. Making it into a WordPress (WP) site will make it much easier to manage and ad content to.

Adding graphics to a page is simple using the built in uploader and selection tool. So, you shouldn't really have to mess with CSS much unless you are really trying to change the layout of the theme.

Yes, you can have multiple users updating the site. They can even be working on different items at the same time. There is a simple section so you can add administrators, users, etc.

You can work on the site locally if you set yourself up with a LAMP (Linux, apache, MySQL, & PHP) install. Or, if you use a host you can set it up in a temporary area on the main site and then move it over when everything is finished.

Yes, you could take over after a developer completes the site.

If you have any questions please let me know.

All The Best

[elise.d]

Thanks so much for your answers! That is really helpful!
I'm thrilled to learn that I can re-skin the site without playing with the code but also good to know that I can get my hands dirty and change the layout of some pages in the future (or hire someone like yourself to do it for me).
I'm liking the idea of having it on a temporary area of our site as I'm looking to do some work from home and I don't think my laptop can handle anything else being installed on it (it's as slow as a wet weekend .... ). The only issue that may arise with this is that our site is hosted by the company that built the existing site and we'll be moving away from them .... I'll have to look into it a little more.

Again, thanks so much for the quick reply. I'm actually really looking forward to getting my hands dirty and getting this done myself but I'll definately keep you in mind if I need anything tricky done or if I get stuck.

Thanks,
Elise

[SoZo]

Just to clarify, the Prose theme is the only theme with a design settings panel. Any of the other themes will require you to get your hands dirty in the style sheet to change the look of the site.

[elise.d]

Oh ok, thanks John.
Just spoke to the boss and he's happy to pay someone to customise the theme with our branding and get it up and running as he wants it up asap.
How quickly can this be done roughly? Is early Feb too ambitious?

[SoZo]

The time frame would really depend on what changes you want to make and the availability of designers/developers if you decide to hire someone. If all you are after is changing the colors/graphics and you are even somewhat familiar with CSS then you should be able to make the edits yourself. But, of course you have all your content to deal with as well.

[elise.d]

I think the quickest/easiest way will be for me to hire someone to do the set up and installation whilst I finalise the content .... Once it's up and running I can then make tweeks as I am familiar with css. Thanks for your feedback

[SoZo]

You're welcome