Do you have a website running on an older version of Drupal that can no longer be safely updated in the usual way? I can help you migrate its content and essential functionality to the current Drupal 11 release.
Migration is not simply a matter of installing a new version. Older websites often require data migration, replacement of unsupported modules, rebuilding of certain features and adaptation of the design for modern devices.
When is migration necessary?
Migration mainly concerns websites built with Drupal 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 that can no longer be updated directly, or for which a direct update would not be practical.
Typical reasons include:
- an outdated and unsupported Drupal version,
- security risks,
- incompatibility with current PHP versions,
- abandoned or non-functioning modules,
- slow or unreliable hosting,
- difficult content administration,
- poor display on mobile devices,
- the need for further website development.
The longer a website remains without updates, the more difficult and expensive its eventual recovery may become.
What can be migrated?
The scope of a migration depends on the structure of the particular website. It is usually possible to migrate:
- standard pages and articles,
- custom content types,
- categories and other taxonomies,
- user accounts,
- images, documents and other files,
- comments,
- addresses and other structured data,
- relationships between individual records,
- URLs and redirects,
- metadata important for search engines.
Larger websites containing tens of thousands of articles, comments or user accounts can also be migrated.
What usually needs to be rebuilt?
Not every component of an older website can be transferred automatically. The way Drupal works has changed significantly between its different generations.
The following components therefore often need to be rebuilt:
- the website theme and visual design,
- overviews and listings created with Views,
- forms,
- user permissions,
- custom functionality from the original website,
- integrations with external services,
- components based on modules for which no supported replacement exists.
A migration is therefore not simply an attempt to reproduce the old website exactly. I also assess what should be preserved, what can be simplified and what would be better redesigned.
How does the migration process work?
1. Assessment of the existing website
I first determine which Drupal version the website uses, how it is structured, which modules it requires and how much data it contains.
2. Proposed approach and estimated price
I identify which components can be migrated automatically, which need to be adapted and which must be rebuilt. The proposal includes an estimated price and expected scope of work.
3. Creation of a working copy
The new website is built separately from the existing one. The old website can remain online and continue serving visitors during most of the work.
4. Migration of data and functionality
I migrate the content, users, files and other required data. At the same time, I prepare the design, forms, listings and other functionality of the new website.
5. Testing and review
Before launch, we check the content, links, forms, user sign-in, mobile display and other important parts of the website.
6. Launch of the new website
Once testing has been completed, the new website is moved to the main domain. If required, I can also configure redirects from the old URLs, set up the hosting and provide ongoing maintenance.
Preserving URLs and search traffic
During a migration, it is important to consider existing URLs, links from other websites and search-engine results.
Wherever possible, I preserve the original page addresses. Where this is not possible, I create redirects to the new locations. The migration can also include checking metadata, the XML sitemap and basic search-engine settings.
Migration from other content management systems
Websites can also be migrated to Drupal from WordPress, Joomla or custom content management systems. The available options always depend on the accessibility and quality of the original data.
If a direct connection to the original database cannot be used, the data can be prepared in a format such as CSV or XML and then imported into Drupal.
How much does a migration cost?
The price primarily depends on:
- the amount and structure of the content,
- the number of users and files,
- the number of custom content types,
- the modules being used,
- the complexity of forms and listings,
- requirements for a new visual design,
- the technical condition of the existing website,
- the need to preserve custom functionality.
Migrations of simpler websites start at approximately CZK 20,000. For larger projects, I prepare an individual estimate after an initial assessment of the website.
What do I need from you?
For an initial assessment, the following is usually sufficient:
- the address of your existing website,
- information about the Drupal version being used,
- a brief description of what the new website must preserve,
- your ideas regarding possible changes to the design or functionality.
If you do not know the technical details, that is not a problem. I can examine the basic condition of the website myself.
Do you need to migrate an older website?
Send me the website address and briefly describe what you need to preserve or change. I will examine the website and suggest a suitable migration approach.