Content Entry

The Screen Options allow you to choose which dashboard metab...

Content entryContent entry is the process of entering content into your w... is the process of entering contentContent consists of text, images, headings, and other inform... into your website.

How to Start

When and where content entry begins on a project varies by project type and need. However, it generally follows one of these processes:

Existing Websites

  • Fewer than 10 pages: Work directly in the liveLive is how we refer to the environment that holds our live ... site using a privately published pageA page is often used to present “static” information abo.... LaunchLaunch is the process of making your website or web pages av... the pageA page is often used to present “static” information abo... by changing the status to Published when content is ready.
  • More than 10 pages: Work in WordPress on a stagingStaging is how we refer to the environment that holds our we... site. Request that the staging site be cloned.
    • New content that requires developmentDuring the development phase, your site (or new feature) is ... work only: GatherContentGatherContent is a service we use to collect, edit, and veri... can be used as soon as wireframesWireframes are very simple, very high-level "sketches" of we... are finished for new content only. A web producer will need to copy and paste content from GatherContent to WordPress.
  • Enhancements or adding new content, such as a finder tool: Work directly in the live site using the privately published status. Launch the new content by changing the status to Published when content is ready.

Redesigns

All redesigns use a staging site. When you create a staging site, you have two options.

  • New, blank site: New blank sites are created in BU WordPress on the staging server. You get a few default pages (home page, contact page, etc.) and an empty media library. This workflow is used for brand new sites. This workflow is also used if you are replacing an existing site and you want to do the migration and reorganization of the site’s media and content yourself.
  • Cloned site: If your site is already in WordPress, IS&T can clone your existing site—everything is copied (pages, postsPosts are time-oriented content in WordPress—usually news,..., media, etc.). This allows you to edit, reorganize, and/or redesign your existing site, change your site’s themeA WordPress theme is a collection of files, including PHP, C..., or implement mobile theme options. It is important to remember that from the moment your existing site is cloned, your staging site is a completely separate site from your live site (with a completely separate media library).
    • If your site is updated frequently, it is important to note the implications of working on a point-in-time clone of your site. New content like frequent newsPosts are time-oriented content in WordPress—usually news,... posts, form entries, and commentsComments are a feature of news and blogs that allow readers ... will continue on your live site but will not be copied to the cloned site. You will need to minimize edits during the staging period and/or coordinate that all edits be made on both live and staging sites to keep them in sync. You may need to export form entries from your live site before relaunch. If you have questions, ask us.
    • View the workflow diagram for staging a cloned site.

In most cases, you will want to clone the website. Your project team can help you decide which option is best for the project you’re working on.

Important Things to Know for Content Entry on Staging Sites

  • If you are working on a blank staging site, all images, documents, presentations, and other media content must be copied into the Media Library of your staging site, and you must link to the content in the new location. If your site was cloned, this happens automatically.
  • When linking to other pages on your staging site, it is OK to use the staging URLs (bu.edu, www-staging.bu.edu, etc.). The “-staging” links are automatically replaced by our launch scripts when the new site is launched.
  • Do not link to pages on your old site. Remember—the new site will completely replace the old site.
  • Do not link to images, documents, or any other media content on your old site. Remember—the staging site, and its media library, will completely replace the old site and the old site’s media library.
  • Staging sites are not public content, so search indexing is blocked for the entire staging network.
  • Search does not work on staging sites.
  • Search will work after your new site goes live, but some search results will show old URLs. It usually takes several days for search engines to reindex your content.

When You’re Finished

You can expect a few things to happen when content entry is finished.

  • A designer or creative director will review the first tier of navigationNavigation is the term used to describe text on a page that,... (your top level pages) to ensure everything is looking its best.
  • The site will be proofreadProofreading is the exacting but superficial scrutiny of a d... by our copy editingProofreading is the exacting but superficial scrutiny of a d... team.
  • When you’re ready to launch, we request a link check from IS&T to ensure there are no broken links and everything is ready to go.

Your account executiveAccount management manages relationships and projects with c... can help you with any questions you have during this process.