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Upgrade Your Website from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8: The Ultimate Guide [Updated 2023]

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

Upgrading your website from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8 is an important decision that can bring significant improvements to your online presence. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process to ensure a successful transition. So, let's dive in and discover how you can upgrade your website to Drupal 8 and unlock its enhanced features and capabilities.
 

Step 1: Assessing Your Current Website

 
Before embarking on the upgrade journey, it's crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your existing Drupal 7 website. Take inventory of your website's structure, content, themes, modules, and customizations. This evaluation will help you understand the scope of the upgrade and plan accordingly.
 

Step 2: Researching Drupal 8

 
Familiarize yourself with the improvements and changes introduced in Drupal 8. Explore the official Drupal documentation, user forums, and community resources to gain insights into the benefits and challenges associated with the upgrade. Engage with the Drupal community to seek advice and guidance from experienced users.
 

Step 3: Planning and Preparation

 
Effective planning is the key to a successful upgrade. Create a detailed plan that outlines the steps involved, estimated timelines, and resource requirements. Consider factors such as website downtime, data backup, and potential compatibility issues. Prepare a checklist of tasks to ensure a systematic and organized approach.
 

Step 4: Setting Up a Development Environment

 
To avoid disrupting your live website, set up a local development environment where you can safely test the upgrade process. Install Drupal 8 on your development server or use a local development tool like Acquia Dev Desktop or DrupalVM. This sandbox environment allows you to experiment, debug issues, and gain confidence before migrating your live website.
 

Step 5: Migrating Your Content

 
Content migration is a critical step in the upgrade process. Drupal 8 provides various migration tools and modules to facilitate this process. Evaluate the complexity of your content structure, such as nodes, users, and taxonomy, and plan the migration strategy accordingly. Start by migrating a small subset of content to test the process and gradually move on to larger portions.
 

Step 6: Upgrading Themes and Design

 
Drupal 8 introduced significant changes to its theming system. Assess the compatibility of your existing Drupal 7 themes with Drupal 8. Determine if your themes require updates or if you need to select new themes altogether. Update or rewrite custom theme code to align with the new theming standards of Drupal 8. Leverage the power of Drupal 8's responsive design capabilities to enhance the user experience across devices.
 

Step 7: Evaluating and Updating Modules

 
Next, review the modules currently used on your Drupal 7 website. Check the availability and compatibility of these modules in Drupal 8. Some modules may have direct equivalents in Drupal 8, while others may require alternative solutions. Identify the modules that need updating or replacement, and plan the necessary steps to ensure their functionality in Drupal 8.
 

Step 8: Testing and Quality Assurance

 
Thorough testing is vital to validate the functionality and stability of your upgraded website. Conduct comprehensive tests to ensure that all features, customizations, and integrations are working as expected. Test various scenarios, user interactions, and workflows. Consider performance testing to optimize your website's speed and responsiveness. Address any issues or bugs identified during testing to deliver a polished end product.
 

Step 9: Training and Documentation

 
As you complete the upgrade process, provide training and documentation for your content editors and website administrators. Familiarize them with the new features, changes in the user interface, and any changes in workflows that may have occurred with the upgrade. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth transition for your team members and empower them to effectively manage the new Drupal 8 website.
 

Step 10: Go Live and Post-Upgrade Monitoring

 
Once you have successfully completed all the necessary steps, it's time to make your upgraded Drupal 8 website live. Deploy the updated code, migrate the remaining content, and switch the DNS to point to the new website. Monitor the website closely after the launch to identify any potential issues or performance bottlenecks. Regularly review logs, track user feedback, and address any reported issues promptly to maintain a seamless user experience.
 

Step 11: Ongoing Maintenance and Support

 
The upgrade process doesn't end with the website going live. It's essential to establish a maintenance plan for your Drupal 8 website. Stay up to date with Drupal core and module updates, security patches, and best practices. Regularly monitor your website's performance, conduct periodic backups, and ensure that your website remains secure and optimized for optimal functionality.
 

Conclusion

 
Upgrading your website from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8 is a significant undertaking, but with proper planning, research, and execution, it can bring numerous benefits to your online presence. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the upgrade process with confidence and leverage the advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced user experience offered by Drupal 8. Remember to allocate sufficient time for each step, seek assistance from the Drupal community when needed, and thoroughly test your website before making it live. With careful attention to detail, your upgraded Drupal 8 website will be primed to deliver exceptional results for your business or organization.
 
Learn more about our Drupal web development service, click here.
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10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Professional Offshore Web Development Company

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023

Choosing the right web development company for your business is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the success of your online presence. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to select the right partner for your needs. In this article, we will share ten essential factors that you should consider before hiring a professional web development company.
 

Experience and Expertise

 
The first factor to consider when selecting a web development company is their experience and expertise in the field. Look for a company that has a proven track record of successful projects and a portfolio that aligns with your business needs. Check for testimonials and case studies to ensure that the company has the skills and knowledge to deliver quality work.
 
Experience and expertise go beyond the number of years a company has been in the industry. You should also consider the types of projects they have worked on and their understanding of your business domain. A web development company that has experience working with businesses similar to yours can provide valuable insights and suggestions to improve your online presence.
 

Technical Skills

 
Another critical factor to consider is the technical skills of the web development company. Make sure they have experience in the programming languages, frameworks, and technologies that your project requires. A company with a diverse skill set can provide you with more options and flexibility in the development process.
 
It's also essential to check the company's knowledge of the latest web development trends and technologies. The web development industry is constantly evolving, and a company that keeps up with the latest trends can help you stay ahead of the competition.
 

Communication Skills

 
Effective communication is crucial for the success of any project, and it is especially important in web development. Look for a company that has good communication skills and can provide regular updates on the project's progress. A company that listens to your requirements and offers suggestions and feedback can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
 
Effective communication also involves the ability to understand your business needs and goals. A web development company that takes the time to understand your business can provide customized solutions that meet your specific requirements.
 

Project Management

 
The ability to manage projects efficiently is essential for any web development company. Look for a company that has a dedicated project manager who can oversee the development process, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget.
 
Project management involves more than just meeting deadlines and budgets. A web development company that follows a structured and organized development process can provide better quality work and reduce the risk of errors and issues.
 

Customer Support

 
Make sure that the web development company offers reliable customer support. Look for a company that provides multiple channels of communication, such as email, phone, and chat support, and has a dedicated support team to handle any issues that may arise.
 
Customer support should be available not just during the development process but also after the project is completed. A web development company that provides ongoing support and maintenance can help you keep your website up-to-date and functioning correctly.
 

Quality Assurance

 
Ensure that the web development company has a robust quality assurance process in place. A company that performs thorough testing and debugging can help you avoid issues and ensure that your project is of high quality and meets your requirements.
 
Quality assurance involves more than just testing the functionality of the website. It also involves ensuring that the website is optimized for speed, accessibility, and user experience. A web development company that values quality can help you create a website that performs well and provides an excellent user experience.
 

Pricing and Contracts

 
Consider the pricing and contract terms of the web development company. Make sure that the pricing is transparent, and that there are no hidden fees or charges. Look for a company that provides a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and offers flexible payment options.
 
The contract terms should also be clear and comprehensive. Make sure that the contract covers all the necessary aspects of the project, such as timelines, deliverables, milestones, and payment terms. A web development company that offers a clear and detailed contract can help you avoid any misunderstandings and conflicts down the line.
 

Security and Privacy

 
Security and privacy are critical considerations when it comes to web development. Look for a web development company that follows industry best practices and standards for security and privacy. Make sure that the company takes appropriate measures to protect your website and user data from security breaches and cyber-attacks.
 
The company should also have a privacy policy in place that outlines how they handle user data and ensures compliance with relevant regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA. A web development company that values security and privacy can provide you with peace of mind and protect your reputation.
 

Scalability and Flexibility

 
Consider the scalability and flexibility of the web development company. Look for a company that can accommodate your future growth and changing business needs. A web development company that can provide scalable solutions and flexible engagement models can help you adapt to changing market trends and requirements.
 
Scalability also involves the ability to integrate with other systems and technologies seamlessly. Make sure that the web development company has experience in integrating third-party tools and systems and can provide solutions that align with your existing infrastructure.
 

Cultural Fit

 
Finally, consider the cultural fit of the web development company. Look for a company that aligns with your values and culture and shares your passion for your business. A web development company that understands your business goals and vision can become a valuable partner and help you achieve your objectives.
 
Cultural fit also involves communication and collaboration. Make sure that the web development company has a collaborative and transparent approach and is willing to work closely with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
 

Conclusion

 
Selecting the right web development company is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the success of your online presence. By considering the ten essential factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision and choose a web development company that meets your specific requirements and aligns with your business goals.
 
Remember that the web development process involves a collaborative effort between you and the web development company. By establishing clear communication and expectations from the outset, you can ensure a successful outcome and a website that meets your business needs and objectives.
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10 Compelling Reasons to Hire an Offshore Web Development Company

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023

Are you a business owner looking to develop a web application, but finding it hard to choose between hiring an offshore web development company or a local one? The truth is, there are many compelling reasons why you should consider working with an offshore web development company. In this article, we will explore ten of these reasons in-depth and why it is an excellent idea for your business.
 

Cost-Effective

 
The first and most compelling reason to hire an offshore web development company is the cost savings. Working with an offshore company can save you a significant amount of money as you do not have to pay for overhead costs such as rent, utilities, or employee benefits. Offshore web development companies often operate in countries with lower living costs, which allows them to offer competitive pricing while still delivering quality work.
 

Access to A Larger Talent Pool

 
Offshore web development companies often have access to a more extensive talent pool than local companies. They can attract and retain top talent from around the world, giving you access to a wide range of skill sets and expertise. This means you can find the perfect team for your project, regardless of where they are located.
 

Time Zone Advantage

 
Working with an offshore web development company gives you a significant advantage in terms of time zone differences. As you are in different time zones, work can be done around the clock, allowing you to meet deadlines and complete projects faster. This advantage can also be beneficial in situations where urgent updates are required or support is needed outside of regular business hours.
 

Improved Focus on Core Business Functions

 
When you hire an offshore web development company, you can delegate web development tasks to them and focus on your core business functions. This will allow you to concentrate on what you do best, while the offshore team takes care of the web development needs. This way, you can improve productivity, reduce stress, and maximize efficiency.
 

High-Quality Work

 
Offshore web development companies often have a reputation for delivering high-quality work. This is because they typically have rigorous quality control processes in place and have to meet international standards to remain competitive. The competition among offshore web development companies is also high, which means they are always looking for ways to improve their processes and deliver the best results to their clients.
 

Faster Time-to-Market

 
One of the biggest advantages of working with an offshore web development company is the speed at which projects can be completed. With a larger talent pool, time zone advantage, and a focus on delivering quality work, offshore companies can complete projects much faster than local ones. This can help you get your product to market faster, giving you a significant advantage over your competitors.
 

Scalability

 
Offshore web development companies are often more flexible when it comes to project scalability. They have experience working with businesses of all sizes and can easily adapt to changes in project scope or size. This means that as your business grows, the offshore web development company can scale up to meet your needs, ensuring that your web development needs are always met.
 

Access to the Latest Technology

 
Offshore web development companies are always looking for ways to stay competitive, which means they have access to the latest web development technologies and tools. They also have a team of experts who can help you determine which technologies are best suited for your project and provide guidance on how to integrate them into your web application.
 

Reduced Risk

 
Working with an offshore web development company can reduce the risk associated with web development projects. Offshore companies have experience working on a variety of projects and can help you identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.
 

Cultural Diversity

 
Finally, working with an offshore web development company provides you with the opportunity to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This can be an enriching experience that can broaden your perspective and provide you with new insights into your business. It can also help you build relationships with people from around the world, which can be valuable in today's global economy.
 

Conclusion

 
The decision to hire an offshore web development company can be a strategic move for your business. By leveraging the expertise of a talented team and taking advantage of cost savings, access to a larger talent pool, improved efficiency, high-quality work, and reduced risk, you can position your business for success in today's competitive market. With the right partner, offshore web development can be a smooth and rewarding experience that enables you to achieve your business goals and deliver value to your customers. So if you're looking to develop a web application, consider partnering with an offshore web development company and take your business to the next level.
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Top 9 Site Speed Mistakes that Affect Your Website Sales and Conversions

THURSDAY, MAY 04, 2023

Site speed is crucial for search engine rankings, user experience, and traffic & revenue. If you are looking to boost your sales and conversion, it is high time to pay close attention to your site speed.  
 
Slow loading times can cause potential customers to bounce from your site and drop your search engine rankings. Hence, here is a list of some silent killers that might kill your website’s speed and conversions.  
 

Too Many Large Images


Images are essential for website design, but they can also slow down your site if they’re not optimized. Large and uncompressed images take longer to load and consume valuable space on your server. 
 
The solution to this is optimizing images by compressing them to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Use image compression tools or plugins to optimize images automatically when you upload them to your site. Hiring a web design company is another great way to ensure your site images load fast and improve user experience.  
 

Not Using a Content Delivery Network (CDN)


A CDN is a network of servers that delivers your site’s content to visitors from the server nearest to them. It can help improve site speed by catching your site’s files on multiple servers worldwide. When a user visits your site, the server nearest to them will deliver the content, reducing latency and load time.  
 
CDNs are highly useful for sites with a global audience or those that serve a log of media content, such as images or videos.  
 

Not Catching Your Site


Browser caching can help speed up your site by storing frequently used files, such as images, on a user’s device. When a user revisits your site, the browser can load the files from the cache, reducing load time. 
 
You can enable browser caching by adding headers to your site’s files, such as images, CSS, and Javascript files. Besides, you can use plugins to help you implement caching on your site.  
 

Using Too Many Plugins 


While plugins are great for adding functionality to your site, using too many can slow down your site and hurt your conversion rates. Each plugin adds extra code to your site, which can cause conflicts and slow down loading times. 
Therefore, it becomes necessary to limit the number of plugins on your site and only use the essential ones. Doing some groundwork can help you find tools to check and remove plugins that may slow down your site.  
 

Not Optimizing Your Site Code 


Your site’s code is what makes everything work. However, if it’s not optimized, it can cause your site to slow down. Bloated or inefficient code can create havoc on the performance of your site. 
 
Make sure to minify your HTML code by removing unnecessary spaces and characters. You can also use a code optimization tool to streamline your code and make it load faster.
 

Using A Slow Web Host


Your web host is the server that stores your site’s files and delivers them to visitors. If your web host is slow or overloaded, your site will be slow too. Hence, choose a web host that offers fast servers and reliable uptime. 
 
It is also wise to go for a hosting plan that meets your site’s needs, as a shared hosting plan may not provide enough resources for a high-traffic site. You can also use tools to monitor your site’s uptime and performance to ensure your web host delivers the speed and reliability you need.
 

Not Using a Responsive Design 


With more and more people accessing the internet on their devices, having a responsive design is crucial for online success. A responsive design allows your site to adjust to the user’s screen size, making it easier to navigate and improving the user experience. 
 
By using a responsive theme or opting for the web design service for a custom theme, you can ensure that your site has a responsive design that works on all devices. You can also test your site’s responsiveness using tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test or Responsive Design Checker.  
 

Not Optimizing Your Database 


Over time, your site’s database can become bloated with unnecessary data, slowing down your site. Optimizing your database can improve site speed by reducing the size of your database and optimizing database queries. 
 
You can optimize your database by using a plugin like WP-Optimize or WP-DBManager. This will help remove unnecessary, optimize database tables, and perform other maintenance tasks.  
 

Avoiding Gzip Compression


Gzip compression can boost your site speed by reducing the size of your site’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. It works by compressing your site’s files before sending them to a visitor’s browser, which reduces the amount of data that needs to be transferred. 
 
You can add the appropriate code to your site’s .htaccess file to enable Gzip compression. WP Fastest Cache and WP Rocket are among the leading plugins allowing Gzip compression on your site.  
 

To Conclude 


Optimizing your site speed is paramount for your business’s online success. With the above tips, you can create a fast and successful site to help you provide a better user experience and achieve your business goals. Remember to regularly monitor your site’s speed and performance and make any necessary optimizations to ensure your site remains fast and responsive.
Posted By Kajal at
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