1. Access to WordPress
Create an admin login for [email protected] in your WordPress CMS, so we can review your current WordPress configuration.
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So what’s next?
A high-level look at the project from start to launch
We’ve built this process into clear, predictable steps to migrate and launch the website as quickly as possible. We ensure transparency, evaluate risk, and give you confidence from kickoff to ongoing enhancements.
First, we need you to grant us access to your tools and install a plugin:
2. Access to your hosting environment
Please log into your WPEngine account and invite [email protected] as an admin so we can review your environment and plan for hosting and managed services.
3. Install the WPEngine Migration Plugin in WordPress
This can be installed through WPEngine or through your WordPress CMS. Follow the instructions and let us know when the steps are completed.
4. Provide access to Google Tools
Give [email protected] access to your Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Google Search Console. We’ll conduct a settings audit and make updates that align with our own Google Tools best practices. Follow this guide if you need help
Here’s what happens next
Step 1: Kick off
During this 30-minute call, the PM will discuss the project plan (as we’ve outlined below) and confirm your reasons and requirements for the adoption that would help lead discovery efforts and the final recommendation for the adoption.
Step 2: Conduct audits and document
After you get us access and install the plugin, we’ll begin our discovery and documentation, which includes:
WPEngine configuration and website migration
Your website and database are migrated to our WPEngine environment using a temporary development domain. This is where we’ll conduct our reviews to ensure we do not harm your live website.
Technical & performance review
Includes our deep dive into your site’s health, CMS configuration, features, plugins, modules, and custom programming. We also assess traffic requirements and the feasibility of future programming changes.
Compliance review
A high-level audit of your websites’ status for accessibility, data privacy, and cookie consent.
Hosting environment review
Review of your existing server setup to determine the optimal configuration for stability, performance, and uptime on our managed hosting.
Step 3: Make a decision to proceed
Present findings and recommendations
We meet with you to review our discovery research and documentation, which includes:
- Technical and health assessment findings
- Server and hosting environment findings
- Inventory of the post-types and plugins
- Clear recommendations and estimates of additional work related to performance and security
This is our adoption decision point
In this discussion, we’ll work with you to confirm the next steps to proceed with the adoption and launch – OR – go with an alternative approach.
Our final recommendation is based on the discovery research, your adoption goals, the state of your current website, and any future plans for it.
When we move forward with the adoption, we’ll help you prioritize any updates from our findings that align with your adoption goals and provide an SOW/timeline for the work, which could be completed before launch or shortly after.
Step 4: Proceed with the adoption and launch
Once the plan to transfer the website is agreed upon, we can begin the transfer process. This can take 1-2 weeks, depending on how much remediation work is agreed upon before launch. Here’s what this step looks like:
Implement improvements
After setting up a code repository for version control, we’ll begin updates. At a minimum, we’ll update WordPress core and plugins, but if there are other high-priority updates that have been agreed upon, we’ll implement those, too.
Set up managed services
Configure uptime monitoring and a dedicated schedule for future plugin and core code updates. At this point, we’ll provide a hosting and managed services agreement and invoice.
Update Google tools
Review and update Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Google Search Console to align with Orbit best practices.
Testing
We work with your team to create and implement a launch testing plan.
Deploy!
Launch the website on Orbit’s servers!
Step 5: Transition to support & managed services
After the site is live in the new hosting environment, the adoption project is closed, and you are introduced to support services.
- The managed services team monitors security and conducts scheduled maintenance to prevent future issues and reduce risk.
- The support team is available to address any questions or issues you may have.
- Contact your Web Strategist or our Client Success Director to discuss new ideas or enhancements to the website, including anything you would like to address from the site audits.
And there you have it.
It’s a straightforward process with a few focused steps to move your website to our servers. Along the way, your project manager will guide you through each phase and answer any questions that come up.
A practical next step for some websites
Adoption can be an effective short-term solution while we evaluate the overall health and future needs of your website.
As part of this process, we’ll review key considerations like accessibility, data privacy, and technical stability—then walk you through what we find and what it means for you.
Nothing moves forward without your understanding and approval.