New Root Install vs. Existing Subdirectory

  • John Dimick

    (@johndimick)


    11 years ago

    My ancient HTML site is structured something like this, with each directory having several HTML pages in them:

    guitarist.com/
    guitarist.com/classical/
    guitarist.com/classical/beginners/
    guitarist.com/classical/sheet-music/
    guitarist.com/flamenco/
    guitarist.com/flamenco/beginners/
    etc.

    There is also a subdirectory with a WP installation:

    guitarist.com/blog/

    I want to replatform the whole site with WordPress.

    My main question is this: Should I use the existing subdirectory installation, or should I put a new WP installation in the root directory?

    The existing subdirectory installation seems easier, but I’m wondering if there are advantages to a new root installation. For example, my host, Pair.com, provides simple automatic WordPress installs and updates. My existing subdirectory installation was installed manually and it’s a pain for me to update. A fresh root installation that can be updated with a single click, and letting Pair manage the back-end, seems attractive to me.

    My other concern is to protect valuable backlinks that go back to 1995. These old backlinks keep my site in the top search results for my main keywords, like “classical guitar” and “flamenco guitar.” I know about 301 redirects and custom permalinks, but I’m still nervous about messing up and losing position in search results. Of the two approaches — new root installation vs. existing subdirectory installation — is one approach safer than the other?

    To summarize: Which approach is easier, and which approach is safer?

    Any advice appreciated!

Viewing 1 replies (of 1 total)
  • Martin Robbins

    (@santeven)

    11 years ago

    Greetings, Great Questions…

    Of the two approaches — new root installation vs. existing subdirectory installation — is one approach safer than the other?

    Which approach is easier, and which approach is safer?

    I’d say for the most part the choices are fairly even. I would choose a subdirectory install to go alongside existing html site that has to stay up during transition and then redirect. And use the Redirection plugin.

    In your case, my vote for the one already in place.

Viewing 1 replies (of 1 total)

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