Joomla to WordPress Migration

1. Project Overview We require a complete, professional migration of our existing Joomla 3.10 website to a new WordPress installation — with zero loss of content, images, or SEO value. 2. Current Website Setup Field Details Live URL www.tenfurlongsmagazine.com Current CMS Joomla 3.10 Hosting CloudAccess (shared hosting) PHP Version 7.3.33 Content Component Flexicontent Current Template Cloudbase 3 Top-level Sections 13 (e.g. Dubai World Cup, Saudi Cup, Show Jumping, Polo, Endurance, etc.) Sub-categories per section 5 (News, Interviews, Features, Previews, Reviews) Total categories Approximately 60–65 Estimated articles 5,000+ articles with images Banners/Ads Active advertiser banners via Joomla Banners component 3. Scope of Work 3.1 New WordPress Hosting Setup • Procure and configure new hosting (we prefer SiteGround, Cloudways, or WP Engine — advise us on best option) • Install latest stable WordPress • Configure PHP 8.x, MySQL/MariaDB latest stable • Install and configure SSL certificate • Set up staging environment separate from live 3.2 Theme Selection & Setup • Recommend and install a suitable magazine/news WordPress theme (e.g. Newspaper by tagDiv, JNews, or Soledad) • Configure theme to mirror our current navigation structure with all 13 top-level sections and sub-categories • Set up homepage layout with Latest News, Featured Articles, and banner ad zones • Ensure mobile responsiveness • Match general look and feel of current site — our brand colours are to be preserved 3.3 Content Migration • Migrate ALL articles, images, and metadata from Joomla/Flexicontent to WordPress • Use FG Joomla to WordPress plugin (Pro version recommended) or equivalent professional tool • Map all 60+ Joomla categories to equivalent WordPress categories/tags • Preserve article publish dates, author names, and featured images • Migrate Flexicontent custom fields where possible • Verify a sample of 50 articles post-migration for accuracy 3.4 URL Redirects & SEO Preservation • Map ALL old Joomla URLs to new WordPress URLs (301 redirects) • Install and configure Redirection plugin or Rank Math/Yoast for SEO • Submit new XML sitemap to Google Search Console • Preserve existing meta titles, meta descriptions, and keywords where present • Confirm no broken links post-launch using a crawl tool 3.5 Plugins & Functionality • Install and configure: Yoast SEO or Rank Math (SEO) • Install and configure: Advanced Ads or equivalent (advertiser banner management) • Install and configure: WP Forms or Contact Form 7 (contact/enquiry forms) • Install and configure: social sharing buttons on articles • Install and configure: Google Analytics / GA4 integration • Install security plugin (Wordfence or equivalent) • Install caching plugin (WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache) 3.6 DNS Cutover • Coordinate DNS cutover from old CloudAccess hosting to new WordPress hosting • Keep old Joomla site live in read-only mode for 30 days post-cutover as fallback • Confirm zero downtime during cutover 3.7 Handover & Training • Provide a brief written guide (PDF) on how to publish a new article in WordPress • Provide a guide on how to add/manage banner advertisers • 1 x 60-minute video call walkthrough of the new CMS for our team • 30 days of post-launch bug-fix support included 4. What We Are NOT Looking For • Custom theme development from scratch — an off-the-shelf magazine theme is fine • New content creation or article writing • Graphic design work beyond colour/branding adjustments • Ongoing monthly maintenance (may discuss separately) 6. Requirements for Applicants Please only apply if you meet the following criteria: • Proven experience with Joomla-to-WordPress migrations (minimum 3 completed projects) • Familiarity with Flexicontent or similar Joomla content components • Experience with FG Joomla to WordPress migration plugin or equivalent • Strong understanding of 301 redirects and SEO preservation • Able to communicate in clear English — our team is non-technical • Availability to complete within 4-week timeline Please include in your proposal: • Links to 2–3 past Joomla-to-WordPress migration projects • Your recommended hosting provider and magazine theme, with brief reasoning • Your proposed approach to migrating Flexicontent articles and images • Your fixed price quote and delivery timeline