Changing Your Look Without Changing Your Functionality
Are you looking to give your website a fresh new look without losing the functionality of your custom backend? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to redesign your website’s frontend using WordPress while keeping your existing custom backend intact. By following these instructions, you can seamlessly integrate the powerful features of WordPress with your current backend system, creating a visually appealing and fully functional website that meets your unique needs. Get ready to elevate your online presence and take your website to the next level!
To redesign your existing website’s frontend using WordPress while keeping your current custom backend, follow these steps:
Set up a local development environment: Before making any changes to your live site, it’s recommended to set up a local development environment on your computer. This allows you to work on the site without affecting the live version. You can use tools like Local by Flywheel, XAMPP, or MAMP to create a local WordPress installation.
Install WordPress:
Download the latest version of WordPress from https://wordpress.org/download/ and install it in your local development environment.
Additionally, ensure that the designer is knowledgeable about current web technologies and design trends. As technology evolves so does web design – it’s essential to find someone who stays up-to-date on what works best for different types of websites & platforms. Lastly – make sure the designer has a portfolio of sites which demonstrate success in getting results (e.g., increased traffic & online sales).
Choose A Theme:
Browse the WordPress theme directory (https://wordpress.org/themes/) or premium theme marketplaces like ThemeForest (https://themeforest.net/category/wordpress) to find a theme that suits your website’s design requirements. Install and activate the chosen theme on your local WordPress installation.
Customize the theme:
Customize the theme: Use the built-in WordPress Customizer or the theme’s options panel to customize the appearance of the theme to match your desired look. You can change colors, fonts, layouts, and other design elements as needed.
Create pages and menus: In your local WordPress installation, create the pages you need for your website and set up the menu structure to match your existing site.
Integrate with your custom backend:
This step requires some technical knowledge and may involve writing custom code or using plugins. You’ll need to create a connection between your WordPress frontend and your custom backend. This can be done using REST APIs, custom shortcodes, or other methods, depending on the specifics of your backend system.
Test the integration:
Thoroughly test the integration of your WordPress frontend with your custom backend on your local development environment. Ensure that all features and functionalities are working as expected.
Migrate to the live server:
Migrate to the live server: Once you’re satisfied with the redesign and the integration is working correctly, migrate your local WordPress installation to your live server. You can use plugins like Duplicator (https://wordpress.org/plugins/duplicator/) or All-in-One WP Migration (https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-wp-migration/) to help with this process.
Update DNS settings:
If you’re changing the domain or hosting provider, update your DNS settings to point to the new WordPress installation.
Test the live site:
Finally, test the live site to ensure everything is functioning correctly, and the frontend redesign is successfully integrated with your custom backend.
Remember that this process requires technical knowledge, so it’s recommended to work with a developer or consult WordPress documentation and forums for additional guidance.