---
title: Seamless WordPress Migration Strategy
type: article
created: '2025-12-08'
updated: '2025-12-08'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-12-08-seamless-marketing-meeting-107088189.md
tags:
- website
- migration
- wordpress
- hosting
- seamless-building-systems
- technical
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# Seamless WordPress Migration Strategy

## Overview

Seamless Building Systems' current website is hosted on a proprietary platform managed by **Haibu** — not WordPress. This means the site cannot be directly migrated or imported; AAG must perform a **full rebuild** on WordPress, then execute a clean cutover once the new site is ready.

This article documents the migration constraints, risks, and planned approach discussed during the [[clients/seamless-building-systems/meetings/2025-12-08-website-redesign-review|December 8, 2025 website redesign review]].

---

## Platform Constraint

| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current platform | Haibu (proprietary, non-WordPress) |
| Target platform | WordPress |
| Migration type | Full rebuild — no direct import path |
| Hosting (current) | SiteGround (credentials partially missing; Megan/VA to assist) |
| Contract type | Month-to-month with Haibu |

Because Haibu uses a proprietary CMS, standard WordPress migration tools (XML import, plugin-based scrapers, etc.) cannot be used to lift content automatically. All pages — including 42 case studies, service pages, and blog posts — must be manually reconstructed or copy-pasted into the new WordPress environment.

---

## Key Risk: Downtime Gap

The primary risk is a **website blackout** if Haibu service is cancelled before the new WordPress site is live and pointed at the domain.

> "You wouldn't have a website for a little bit." — Melissa Cusumano

Brandon confirmed Haibu is **month-to-month** and requires a **30-day cancellation notice**. Cancelling prematurely — even with notice — could result in the existing site going dark before the WordPress replacement is ready.

**Mitigation:** Do not notify Haibu until the new WordPress site is fully built, reviewed, and ready for DNS cutover.

---

## Recommended Approach

1. **Build in parallel** — AAG constructs the full WordPress site in a staging environment while the Haibu site remains live and operational.
2. **Content migration** — Manually port all pages, case studies, and blog content. Brandon to prioritize top 20 case studies; remaining 22 can follow.
3. **DNS cutover** — Once the WordPress site passes QA, update DNS to point the domain to the new host. Haibu site remains on standby during propagation.
4. **Cancel Haibu** — Only after successful cutover and confirmed uptime on WordPress. Give 30-day notice at that point.

AAG committed to delivering a **migration plan recommendation by end of week** (week of 2025-12-08).

---

## Content Scope

The site has more pages than initially scoped. Key content requiring migration:

- **5 service pages** (Commercial Roofing, Roof Restoration, Asphalt Shingles, Single-Ply/TPO, Repairs)
- **42 case studies** — all to be retained for SEO value; top 20 flagged for prominent placement
- **Blog posts**
- **Homepage** (full redesign; not a direct port)
- **Contact / estimate form**

Each service page requires a minimum of **1,000 words** for SEO. Brandon will supply updated content via email; AAG will organize into a shared Google Doc.

---

## Hosting & Access

SiteGround is the current hosting provider. Credentials were partially provided but confirmed non-functional as of the meeting date. Resolution path:

1. Sebastian audits all provided logins and reports what is missing or broken.
2. Brandon contacts **Megan** (virtual assistant) for correct SiteGround credentials.
3. AAG gains hosting access needed to configure the new WordPress environment.

See also: [[clients/seamless-building-systems/index|Seamless Building Systems client index]] for full account access status.

---

## Open Questions

- Will AAG host the new WordPress site on SiteGround, or migrate to a different host?
- Does Haibu retain any rights to content or assets on their platform after cancellation?
- Can Haibu provide an export of any content (even partial) to reduce manual rebuild effort?

---

## Action Items

| Owner | Action | Due |
|---|---|---|
| AAG (Sebastian + Melissa) | Research migration path; deliver recommendation | EOW 2025-12-12 |
| Sebastian | Audit all provided logins; report missing access to Brandon | ASAP |
| Brandon | Contact Megan for SiteGround credentials | After Sebastian's report |
| Brandon | Do **not** cancel Haibu until AAG gives the go-ahead | Ongoing |

---

## Related

- [[clients/seamless-building-systems/meetings/2025-12-08-website-redesign-review|Meeting: Website Redesign Review (2025-12-08)]]
- [[clients/seamless-building-systems/index|Seamless Building Systems — Client Index]]
- [[knowledge/website/case-study-seo-strategy|Case Study SEO Strategy]]