Website Platform Migration
You can update your website to make it look nicer, but it is necessary to update the platform your website sits on. The platform running behind your website can affect the performance of your site substantially.
Your website platform is the core of your site, most websites are built on open-source platforms such as WordPress, Drupal or Joomla, which are widely supported and used by thousands of developers around the world. However, some websites are built on proprietary software, which means it has been custom built and only a limited number of developers will be able to work on it. A lot of website owners find that one day their web developer closes their business or moves away and they are then left with a website which can no longer be maintained.
A website built on an open-source platform such as WordPress, can be worked on by different developers which means that you are not tied to one company. With so many developers globally working on the platform and contributing to its development, there’s a vast amount of additional functionality available.
About Website Platforms
Issues with out of date platforms
Security
Important security updates may not have been performed as they are no longer available, leaving your website and your customers data vulnerable. The security of your website is critical, especially if you are operating an e-commerce website.
Functionality
Additional functionality may not be applied to a site if it is on a platform that is no longer supported or only a limited number of people are able to work on it. This can leave a website looking out of date compared to its competitors.
Usability
If a platform is not kept up to date and updates aren’t performed, over time certain website features may stop working or not perform in the same way they did before. This can also make it difficult for a website owner to manage.
Benefits of migrating to a new platform:
Fresh New Look
Important security updates may not have been performed as they are no longer available, leaving your website and your customers data vulnerable. The security of your website is critical, especially if you are operating an e-commerce website.
New Functionality
Additional functionality or enhancements may not be applied to a site as it is on a platform which is no longer supported and/or only a limited number of people are able to work on it. This can leave a website looking out of date compared to its competitors.
Improved Security
If a platform is not kept up to date and updates aren’t performed, over time certain website features may stop working or not perform in the same way they did before. This can also make it difficult for a website owner to manage.
Responsive
You’ll hear a lot about Responsive/Mobile Friendly websites, especially since Google’s updates. If your website was built years ago, it’s probably not mobile friendly and could be having a negative impact on your SEO and mobile usability.
Support
Migrating to a newer platform, especially if it is an open-source platform such as WordPress, it means that you will be more widely supported and you will receive greater support and assistance from your website developer.
User Friendly
More recent website platforms are easier for the website owner to manage and maintain by themselves. Improved user interfaces and simpler processes make it easier to work on.
If you’re considering a migration of your website to a new platform, talk to us – we’ll be more than happy to help you assess whether it is necessary and what can be done to ensure a smooth transition.