CMS Platform Upgrade

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Move an aging website to a current, supported CMS—either by upgrading the existing platform or migrating the site to a better-fit system.

$900 - $2,250 Typical Duration: 10 - 25 Hours

Modernize Without Losing What Already Works

Very old CMS versions eventually become difficult to secure, maintain, and host. Extensions stop receiving updates, newer PHP versions become incompatible, and routine changes carry increasing risk. A major platform upgrade brings the site back onto supported software while preserving the content, functionality, and search visibility that still have value.

Sometimes the best path is an in-place upgrade to the current supported release of the same CMS. In other cases, the existing platform no longer fits the organization and a platform migration—such as moving between Joomla, WordPress, or another appropriate system—is the more sustainable choice. We evaluate both paths before altering the live site.

Upgrade the Existing CMS

Modernize the current platform while retaining its established structure and workflows.

Core and data migration: Move the database and content through the required upgrade path.
Extension compatibility: Update, replace, or retire plugins and components that no longer work.
Template adaptation: Refactor the existing theme or rebuild incompatible layout overrides.
Hosting readiness: Align PHP, database, server, and security requirements with the supported release.

Switch to Another Platform

Rebuild the site on a more suitable CMS when an in-place upgrade would preserve the wrong foundation.

Content and data mapping: Transfer articles, categories, users, media, and applicable custom records.
Feature replacement: Recreate necessary forms, directories, commerce, memberships, or integrations.
Design reconstruction: Reproduce or improve the presentation using the destination platform's standards.
URL preservation: Retain important paths where possible and redirect changed URLs to protect visitors and SEO.

Migration Process

Audit & Plan

Inventory content, extensions, templates, integrations, server requirements, and URLs before selecting the safest path.

Build in Staging

Perform the upgrade or migration in an isolated copy so the existing live site remains available during development.

Test & Launch

Verify content, forms, accounts, integrations, redirects, responsive layouts, and administrator workflows before launch.

Scope & Billing

Actual pricing is based on the time required. The displayed estimate assumes a typical business website with accessible hosting, a healthy database, and a manageable set of extensions and custom features. Large content libraries, custom applications, damaged data, obsolete proprietary extensions, or complex commerce and membership systems may require additional time. Any replacement-extension licenses or third-party fees are separate.

What Does "Liquid Purple" mean?

noun | / LIK-wid PUR-pul /

(biochemistry) Also known as visual purple or rhodopsin — a light-sensitive receptor protein found in the rods of the retina. It enables vision in dim light by transforming invisible darkness into visible form. Derived from the Greek rhódon (rose) and ópsis (sight), its name reflects its delicate pink hue and vital role in perception.
(modern usage) Liquid Purple — a website management agency specializing in uncovering unseen opportunities and illuminating brands hidden in the digital dark. Much like its biological namesake, Liquid Purple transforms faint signals into clear visibility — revealing what others overlook and bringing businesses into the light.

Origin: From the scientific term rhodopsin, discovered by Franz Christian Boll in 1876; adopted metaphorically by a web development firm dedicated to visual clarity in the age of algorithms.

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Rooted in Southern California, Serving the World.
For over 30 years, Liquid Purple has been headquartered in the heart of Southern California, serving clients across Irvine, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and the greater Los Angeles area. While we are proud of our local roots, our digital reach extends far beyond our local area. We support businesses in major hubs like Denver, Dallas, New York, and Miami, as well as international clients. Our ability to operate across time zones means you can often wake up to completed tasks and progress updates—keeping your business moving while you sleep.