Drupal to WordPress Backend Migration

In Drupal to WordPress backend migration, you’ll transfer all your Drupal functionalities, integrations, and workflows to WordPress—one by one. 

Since each Drupal site setup is unique, this process will vary depending on the website. However, the overall approach remains the same.

Remember the backend audit you performed earlier during the discovery phase? Now go back to your spreadsheet and begin recreating the backend operations, starting with the core functionalities.

1. Migrating core functionalities

Begin by replicating Drupal’s native features in WordPress:

• Content types:
  Map Drupal’s nodes to WordPress Posts and Pages. For custom Drupal content types, create equivalent Custom Post Types (CPTs) in WordPress.
  Implementation: Register custom post types via your theme’s functions.php or a custom plugin. Use tools like Custom Post Type UI if you prefer a GUI-based approach. This overlaps with the content migration step as you’ll realize when you get to the execution.
• User management:
  Drupal’s user roles and permissions translate into WordPress’s role system.
  Implementation: Configure WordPress’s built-in roles, and for more granular control, install plugins such as User Role Editor to replicate your Drupal permissions.
• Taxonomies:
  Drupal taxonomies (categories, tags, custom vocabularies) need to be recreated in WordPress as Categories, Tags, or Custom Taxonomies.
  Implementation: Use WordPress’s native taxonomy functionality or a plugin if your taxonomy structure is complex.

2. Migrating third-party integrations

Next, focus on the external systems that drive your business processes:

• Identify and map integrations:
  From CRM and marketing automation to payment gateways and analytics tools, list each integration used in Drupal.
• WordPress equivalents:
  Install equivalent WordPress plugins where available. For example, map Drupal’s Metatag module to Yoast SEO, and Webform to Gravity Forms or Contact Form 7.
• Custom integrations:
  For integrations without a direct WordPress counterpart, develop custom plugins using the WordPress REST API or leverage middleware platforms (like Zapier) to bridge the gap.
  Implementation: Write PHP scripts or use WP CLI commands to facilitate data synchronization and ensure continuous operation.

3. Migrating workflows

Finally, transfer your business processes and automation:

• Content approval and editorial workflows:
  Recreate your multi-stage content approval process using WordPress plugins such as Edit Flow.
  Implementation: Set up custom statuses, editorial calendars, and notifications that mirror your Drupal workflow.
• User permissions and role-based processes:
  Document and replicate the workflows associated with user roles. Use role management plugins to ensure each role has the correct capabilities and access.
  Implementation: Utilize WordPress hooks and custom code if necessary to enforce specific workflow triggers.
• Custom workflows:
  For workflows that don’t have out-of-the-box solutions, develop custom solutions using WP Cron for scheduled tasks and Action Hooks for event-driven actions.
  Implementation: Create custom plugins that encapsulate your workflow logic and integrate them with WordPress’s REST API for seamless operations.

By methodically migrating your backend functionalities, third-party integrations, and workflows, you rebuild your Drupal system piece by piece in WordPress. This phased approach ensures that every component—from core content types and user management to external systems and custom processes—is accurately transferred and optimized for the new environment.