I don’t usually write about blogging in terms of the technical, or what you should and shouldn’t do. I figure I’m not an expert. In fact, by definition I am a Blogging Gumby. I know nothing until I learn it. And then I might still need some help.
However, obviously, the walls have changed for Daisy, Roo and Two. I figured, seeing as I am not the only gumby (right?) that my fellow gumbies might like to know a bit about the process of migrating, design and self-hosting from the blogger’s perspective.
So here we go…
1. I didn’t know the difference between self-hosted and WordPress.com blogs. I honestly thought the name and a DOTcom were the only differences. Turns out, as a self-hosted site, all images uploaded to the backend of Daisy, Roo and Two are also backed up on a server. In fact, my whole blog is backed up on the server. Which is a little bit safer than my hard drive. And comes with a hosting service (Hi Michelle!) that answers all my questions and fixes all of my gumby bloggy problems. Oh yeah, and I own the content.
2. I didn’t know it mattered which comment system I was using on Blogger. I just assumed it would be easy to transfer my commenting system account from Blogger to WordPress, seeing as on signing up, the comment system website spouted that it could do both and be exported. And it can. Except the Blogger import/export tool is broken and being recoded. With no ETA.
Research your comment system THOROUGHLY before signing up and putting your faith in them. Instead, I have been manually entering comments from the old system in the wee hours of the morning so I don’t look like a total lonely lionel. I also now know that I needed a plugin such as ReplyMe to make sure that people are notified by email when I (or someone else) replies to their comment.
3. I didn’t know the WordPress backend wasn’t frightening or confusing. I have seen the backend of a wordpress blog before. For about five seconds. And I thought it was just a little bit too confusing, uncustomisable and bare for my liking. Blogger is user-friendly, no doubt about it. But spend a bit of time in a WordPress backend and you’ll find that although there are more options, everything is laid out just right. Kind of ergonomically. For your brain.
4. I didn’t know that ALL of your internal hyperlinks needed to be changed. Now that I know, I realise how naive it was not to think about this. What I do know is that it’s not cool to click a link to another post on the same blog, be taken AWAY from the blog, and then redirected BACK to the blog you were at originally. Bit messy, don’t you think? I also know that Michelle changed upwards of 530 internal hyperlinks from 197 posts when she did this little blog. Imagine a larger one!
5. I didn’t know that it’s possible to find a free customisable theme. My immediate assumption, from what I had heard and read, was that I would need to purchase a theme to be customised. That’s right, Daisy, Roo and Two is sitting on a free theme. That looks unique and fabulous. And yes, I know I had a designer do it for me. I thoroughly recommend the experience.
6. I didn’t know how important it is to shop around for a designer and host with a registered ABN. Well, actually, I did. And I’m incredibly grateful that I found one in Little Hero Designs and Hosting. If you are like me, and your blog is your baby, then you want to keep your baby safe. By going with a registered ABN holder, you will be invoiced and have a record of your purchase.
7. I didn’t know it would be so smooth. Now, don’t get me wrong. I know I had help. A lot of it. But I honestly thought it would take us weeks to be ready for launch. It was also less scary than I thought it would be. The scariest part was the redirection. If redirection isn’t done properly, you will lose your Google Page Ranking. Eeek! But Michelle was clever and let me have two glasses of wine before she hit the button(s).
*image source
If you are interested in reading about migration from the designer and host’s perspective head on over to Little Hero Hosting Blog and read what Michelle has to say about it all!
So, are you a Blogging Gumby? Or are you super tech savvy? Are you afraid of migrating? Am I the only one who thinks of the birds when she sees the word “migration”? Do you think I’ve been drinking too much?
With Diary of A SAHM. The vlogging queen.
It looks great , if I decide to migrate …if …. I will use Michelle for sure.
Haha Trish! It’s a major decision! And can be frightening! I think it’s worth it.
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
Ps congratulations
Trish recently posted..Race in to win ~ Cars 2 Giveway $177.95
Thank you ss
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
I am a complete technology gumby (I love that word by the way- it just makes me giggle), and I think I would definitely have to employ a third party if I ever did do drastic changes. But for now, my blog potters along quite happily and has never caused me much drama- so I’ll be leaving it as is. But you’ve given me plenty to think about
Robyn (@slightly_deep) recently posted..Listography- Top 5 randoms
No worries Robyn. I realise that moving isn’t for everyone, but I know a few bloggers who are thinking of moving soon or are worried about certain aspects so I thought I’d throw this out there
If I migrate I’ll definitely be asking Michelle as your blog looks AWESOME! I love it
Ames recently posted..Things That Piss Me Off
Michelle really has done such a good and thorough job!! And it’s nice to know that any issues I have she will look into because it’s got her name all over it! I’d love to be the kind of person who know everything they are doing, but honestly, with studying, three kids under three, blogging in general and a house to look after I just don’t have the time or inclination to do it on my own! Thanks be for the Michelle’s of the world. And thank you, Ames. I really do love it!
I know a few things to get me through like a bit of html coding but I’m no expert. I didn’t think about how you had to change internal Hyperlinks but it so makes sense now youve mentioned it. I’m also on free WordPress so will most likely need lots of expert advice if/when I move to self-hosted.
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..iPhone 4S Dictation Humour
Yeah, I didn’t think about it either and then when Michelle told me I was like: “oohhh yeaaaah!”.
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
I am so glad I could help you! Migrating is so scary for some but everyone that takes the leap is so glad they have afterwards.
Enjoy the new look Daisy Roo and Two xx
Michelle recently posted..Blogger to WordPress Migration – Design & Hosting Perspective
Thanks Michelle! I am so pleased and happy with my new home!
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
I’m so scared Daisy. I know NOTHING about migrating, nothing at all. Will you hold my hand while Michelle does my dirty work?
goodbadkellie recently posted..I’m going to need a Christmas miracle.
I surely will hold your hand. And pour your drinks! But Michelle is an awesome handholder as well!
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
Well you already know I am totally convinced. I want to ring Michelle right now and say, let’s do it! But I don’t have her number. And she might get scared.
Also I’m not entirely sure what I want it to look like yet.
Oh well, details, right?
Jess recently posted..An IBOT Service Announcement: Interview Style
haha! Yes! Do you know, when I first ever had my blog “done” I went and looked at http://www.design-seeds.com because the thing I am concerned about most is colour, not layout. As soon as I saw the colours I wanted the rest fell into place. Maybe do the same?
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
Gosh Daisy. Im not about to migrate! Your post sounded like Greek to me! Seems way above what I can handle!
Anna Millie recently posted..On Subliminal Sex Messages
Anna Millie – DO IT! If you hire somebody like Michelle, you don’t have to do a lot (if anything) of it at all. A migrator will handle all the fiddly, scary bits for you, and make sure that everything is in working order. And then if you have any issues they will only be an email/tweet away for help.
In all honesty, I wish that I had done this sooner, when my blog was smaller – but I didn’t want to put time and money into something I wasn’t sure was going to pan out. Now I just wish I had because it would have made Michelle’s job WAY easier, and I would have been less worried about losing things because there would have been less to lose.
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
Mmmm, I’ll think about it. That’s the thing for me too. I’ve only just started with it and want to see how I go before I commit more to it. Especially once I go back to work. Won’t have nearly as much time!
At the risk of this sounding like a complete We Love Michelle at Little Hero Designs post, she really does make it easy – so I don’t joke WE LOVE MICHELLE!!!
Sara @ Tis The Life recently posted..Mastitis…. My Old Friend
I know right??
Hmm… this has scared me into definitely doing it professionally if I do choose to do it, lol!!
Alyce {Blossom Heart} recently posted..The Pinterest Make Me Challenge – Rainbow Memory Cards
Sorry, Alyce! It’s not meant to be scary, but to be honest, unless it’s something you’re really confident in (which I am not) then it really is the kind of thing left to professionals. Plus, chances are you get a bloggy makeover while you’re at it!!
Wow! Loving your new look. I really need to ask Michelle more questions so that I can through all the back end stuff that I need to sort out. You’ve inspired me. Thanks!
Alice recently posted..Sunday session – My Men
Thanks Alice! Michelle is a wealth of knowledge!
*Eyes glazing over…* Yep, total blog gumby here! I usually read all your posts Daisy (promise!), but couldn’t make it through this one. I think it was the first use of “self-hosted” that threw me!
Julie recently posted..Advent Calendar 2011
Sorry Julie! It’s not the sort of thing I usually write about, I know! Just thought if put the info out there because it’s all stuff that I was surprised was involved!
I didnt know there was soooo much to know.
Michelle has done a fabulous job and I am loving your new site xxx
Sonia @ Life Love and Hiccups recently posted..Poison, Poop and Padded Cells!
Thanks Sonia! I didn’t know either!
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
Welcome to WordPress! I started in WordPress so I don’t need to migrate – thankfully. It sounds like Michelle made it a realtively smooth process for you though, and the new site looks great!
Laney @ Crash Test Mummy recently posted..How to make salt dough Christmas tree ornaments
Thanks Laney! She sure did!
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
Self-hosting is on my list of things to do before my blog gets very much bigger. Even though it seems technical, I like the idea of exerting more control over my site. Plus, I’m doing a BA in Internet Communications – something tells me I ought to learn how to do all this stuff
Jayne recently posted..Sugar-free Vegan
LOL Jayne! I’m doing a Bach (Computer Science) but I still felt it best to let Michelle do this! An experienced hand and all that! I would highly recommend doing it before you get too chatty and end up at nearly 200 posts! It’s not much in the grand scheme of things but I’ve only been going for 9 months!
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
oh my Im a gumby as well, it all sounds a little much.. you’ve done a great job! I love your new header! x
mums the word recently posted..Christmas Craft~ Weaved Christmas Place Mats
Thank you! Michelle made the header as well! Haha, she is such a clever lady! I just did the minimal amount I was told, the way I was told to do it, haha!
Daisy recently posted..7 Things I Never Knew About Migrating My Blog
I love the new look and your commenting system. I have a major dislike for the standard blogger comment platform. I think I may need to make the change too soon. Deep breaths, it’s so scary!
Dearbabyg recently posted..Better be home soon
It’s scary but it is worth it! That was y
Main gripe with blogger as well, plus all the downtime earlier in the year as well!
I’ve recently gone from blogger and self-hosted word press too and I agree that it’s no where near as user friendly and it’s a whole different world over here! Your blog looks gorgeous!
Bee recently posted..Just Breathe
Thank you!!
Hi! I’m kinda newish to your gorgeous blog, an old hand at blogging but trying to be born again with my current blog. I am in progress with Michelle RIGHT NOW. And I’m CRAPPING MY PANTS a little bit. Michelle has been absolutely freakin amazing. But it’s my baby. I wish I’d started with wordpress.org, but oh well, you live, you learn.
I just wanted to say hi, and thanks for this great post. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in being a blogging gumby (love that word!).
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky recently posted..Make Your Own Wrapping Paper