Content Migration

December 2014

One of the biggest challenges in revamping a large-scale Website is dealing with the content contained in the existing site, which needs to be “migrated” into the new Website. Many sites typically have hundreds or even thousands of pages that need to be migrated, with each page having various page assets (images placed on the page, links to documents, embedded videos, etc.) which all need to be migrated as well.

Content Conversion

• Content must be migrated into the underlying content management system (CMS) which will power the new site, internal staff can to use the CMS over time to manage and update their respective Web pages.
• Content must be adapted to the new Website design, so that it is pleasing to the eye and is easy for end users to navigate and consume.
• Hyperlinks, contained within text of the Website, must be updated to point to new targets (when migrating content into a new CMS system, URL paths typically change).
• Browser testing must be performed on each migrated page, to ensure the page looks good in current and older browsers.
• Accessibility testing must be performed, to ensure the migrated pages are in compliance with the Website accessibility guidelines established for the Website.

Begin with a migration by performing an inventory of what content the client wishes us to convert. Then create a content migration plan, which maps out what content will be migrated “manually” by a Web developer and what can be scripted (e.g. information stored in a database).

The plan also establishes quality control checkpoints to ensure that content conversion goals are met, and outlines the review process for departments and programs to certify that their content is current and has been brought over correctly.

A well planned content conversion is essential to a successful Website redesign project.

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