Migrating Custom Data to Advanced Custom Fields in WordPress

In the world of content management systems (CMS), data migration, especially when moving custom data, can often be a complex and time-consuming process.

However, with the right tools and expertise, this process can be streamlined, organized and made significantly more manageable. This article will explore how WordHerd can migrate custom data from any CMS to Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) in WordPress for Pages, Posts, and Custom Post Types.

Understanding Advanced Custom Fields

Before we delve into the migration process, it’s important to understand what Advanced Custom Fields is and why it’s beneficial. ACF is a WordPress plugin that allows users to add custom fields to their WordPress edit screens. These fields can be used to add extra content or attributes to WordPress posts, pages, or custom post types. WordHerd can migrate to all ACF fields.

ACF supports a wide range of field types, each serving a unique function. Here’s a brief overview of each field type:

1. Text: This field type allows users to input text. It’s useful for adding short, unique pieces of information like a post’s subtitle.
2. Textarea: This field type is used for longer pieces of text. It’s ideal for adding additional descriptive information to a post or page.
3. Number: This field type allows users to input numbers. It’s useful for adding numerical data such as prices or quantities.
4. Range: This field type allows users to select a number within a specific range. It’s ideal for rating systems or any other feature that requires a range selection.
5. Email: This field type is used for email input. It’s useful for adding contact information to a post or page.
6. URL: This field type is used for URL input. It’s ideal for adding links to external resources.
7. Password: This field type is used for password input. It’s useful for adding password-protected content to a post or page.
8. Image: This field type allows users to upload and display images. It’s ideal for adding visual content to a post or page.
9. File: This field type allows users to upload files. It’s useful for adding downloadable content to a post or page.
10. WYSIWYG Editor: This field type provides a full WordPress tinyMCE editor for rich text formatting.
11. oEmbed: This field type allows users to embed content from other websites such as YouTube videos.
12. Select: This field type allows users to select from a list of options. It’s useful for adding custom dropdown menus to a post or page.
13. Checkbox: This field type allows users to select multiple options from a list. It’s ideal for adding custom checkboxes to a post or page.
14. Radio Button: This field type allows users to select one option from a list. It’s useful for adding custom radio buttons to a post or page.
15. True/False: This field type allows users to make a binary choice. It’s ideal for adding custom toggle switches to a post or page.
16. Date Picker: This field type allows users to select a date. It’s useful for adding date-specific information to a post or page.
17. Time Picker: This field type allows users to select a time. It’s ideal for adding time-specific information to a post or page.
18. Google Map: This field type allows users to embed a Google Map. It’s useful for adding location-specific information to a post or page.
19. Color Picker: This field type allows users to select a color. It’s ideal for addingcustom color options to a post or page.
20. Group: This field type allows users to create a group of fields. It’s useful for organizing related fields together.
21. Repeater: This field type allows users to create a set of sub-fields which can be repeated. It’s ideal for adding multiple instances of a group of fields.
22. Flexible Content: This field type allows users to create a set of layouts and choose which ones to use for each post. It’s useful for creating dynamic layouts.

Migrating Custom Data with WordHerd

WordHerd has developed a robust process for migrating custom data from any CMS to ACF in WordPress. This process ensures that all data is accurately and efficiently transferred, regardless of the original CMS or the complexity of the data.

The migration process begins with a comprehensive audit of the existing CMS. This involves identifying all custom data and mapping it to the appropriate ACF field types in WordPress. WordHerd’s team of experts are adept at handling all field types, ensuring that no data is lost or misinterpreted during the migration.

Once the data mapping is complete, WordHerd uses its proprietary migration tools to transfer the data from the original CMS to WordPress. These tools have been designed to handle large volumes of data and can migrate thousands of pages in a matter of hours. They also ensure that all data is accurately transferred, maintaining the integrity of the original content.

After the migration is complete, WordHerd conducts a thorough review of the new WordPress site to ensure that all data has been accurately transferred and that the site is functioning correctly. This includes checking all ACF fields, verifying that all images and files have been correctly uploaded, and testing all links and functionality.

Success Stories

WordHerd’s proficiency in data migration is well-documented through a variety of successful projects. Let’s look at a few examples that demonstrate their expertise and efficiency.

Johns Hopkins University: Drupal to WordPress Migration

In a comprehensive data migration project, WordHerd expertly transferred tens of thousands of resources from Drupal to Advanced Custom Fields in WordPress. This included a wide range of custom data, such as images and videos. The migration was part of a larger redesign that also involved the creation of a custom WordPress theme. One of the standout features of this new design was a custom Ajax-based resource search, which was built using data migrated from the original CMS. As part of the migration process, WordHerd also transferred SEO Meta and Schema data to WordPress, ensuring that the new site maintained its search engine rankings. In addition, they implemented 301 Redirects to preserve the site’s URL structure and prevent broken links. The new WordPress site, complete with its migrated custom data, is 100% responsive to all screen sizes, ensuring a seamless user experience across all devices. This project highlights WordHerd’s proficiency in migrating custom data from any CMS to Advanced Custom Fields in WordPress.

Stevenson University: ColdFusion to WordPress Migration

We converted a 5,000 page website for Stevenson University to WordPress from a custom ColdFusion platform that was sunsetting called SiteExecutive. The web team at Stevenson is now experiencing a new era of content editing.

Taking Action

WordHerd offers a comprehensive solution for migrating custom data from any CMS to Advanced Custom Fields in WordPress. By supporting all field types and providing a robust migration process, WordHerd ensures that all data is accurately and efficiently transferred, allowing businesses to make the most of their new WordPress site. Whether you’re migrating a small blog or a large corporate website, WordHerd has the tools and expertise to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Do you have a project that requires the migration of custom data? WordHerd can help. With our extensive experience and proprietary tools, we can seamlessly migrate your data from any CMS to Advanced Custom Fields in WordPress. Whether you’re dealing with a small blog or a large corporate website, our team of experts can handle all field types and ensure that your data is accurately and efficiently transferred. Don’t let the complexity of data migration hold you back. Contact WordHerd today and let us help you make the most of your new WordPress site.