Migrating to Xenforo or other forum software? Read this first

[JohnSilver]

My messages below might get confusing as i'm in hurry writing.

Whatever software you're migrating the result will be all the same. Don't expect migrating to modern-codes CMS will get you better - like myself - i thought migrating to Xenforo then my site could catch up with Google , the answer is NO. Google will keep changing their algorithm and rules. I even ended up spent too much cost migrating. If i could turn back time, i will stick with VB and just do change codes on PHP & Mysql compatibility, and start working with great contents in the site portal, perhaps using Wordpress. Majority members prefer old vB features than newer ones.

I spent too much on Xenforo since their function not so comprehensive like vB so i ended up spending much with money-hunger developers for a lot of custom addons that charging insanely rates $70-100 /hour.

Admit that your members will give priority to social media that forum. And there will be irresponsible members redirecting discussion into other mediums like Telegram, Whatspp et etc , you will losing great members slowly.

[TheLastSuperman]

A lot of this is based on preferences i.e. if you liked modifications/plugins etc that may not have been available on the other platform that you previously came from and the prices they were providing services at are more than fair, a base PHP Coder 10yrs ago could easily make $75/hr, and for more complicated work some charge higher, upwards of $150 for database-related work. Now, I will say this - that doesn't mean you should pay that much, if you live outside the US or Europe, consider hiring a local coder which could charge much less BUT still do the same quality work, that is based on cost of living and pay wages in your local country/area and you may end up finding a good coder, who can do the work you want done at a local "economy rate" but anyone who knows what their time is worth and has the ability to make more per hour, will charge you more for their time.

The one thing I can't comment on is the drop in traffic/SEO or anything of that nature as I have never compared a previous vB version of a site to a newly moved over to Xenforo site to ever compare, so that I can't nor won't comment on.

So, remember if you're considering a switch from vBulletin to Xenforo OR Vice-Versa to do some research first, and ensure it has all the bells and whistles you want, or in the least plugins that are very close and provide the same functionality and contribute to the a pleasant end-user experience. Don't forget your members, by doing everything you want to do, sometimes asking beforehand if they really need all the extra features reveals that many may not care for certain things or functions and you can in-turn save some time and money by avoiding additional costs converting/porting a previous plugin over to the new software.

"To Each Their Own".