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About two years ago we threw in the Textpattern towel - not because it was a bad CMS, but the type of sites we were building had simply outgrown it. Since then, Paramore|Redd has developed over 40 sites on the ExpressionEngine platform and learned a lot along the way.

The hardest part about making the transition to ExpressionEngine (EE) was just getting it set up and configured. We did things in the wrong order, which led to way too many unnecessary clicks and lots of wasted time. Since then, we’ve developed a workflow that has worked well for us, but we are looking for ways to improve. Chime in and let us know your approach.

1. Architect your ExpressionEngine Plan

From the information architecture (sitemap, wireframes, etc.) that you’ve hopefully done, craft a document that details what weblogs, custom fields, categories, template groups and add-ons (extensions, plugins, modules) you’ll need for the project. Take a peek at one of our EE planning documents. (It’s just a simple .txt document.)

2. Install ExpressionEngine

Follow the good documentation EE provides a couple times, and you’ll soon memorize the install process.

3. Basic Configuration

• Kill the default templates EE adds in (search and site).
• Figure out what you want to call “weblogs.“ We call them “sections.“
• Decide whether your URL will have dashes or underscores.
• Set your category URL indicator and whether you want to allow the category_url.
• Enable template revisions. You’ll thank me later. (See template preferences under templates.)

4. Install and Configure Add-ons

We have a default set of extensions, plugins and modules we use with every project - I’ll save that for another post. Compile your list and install them all at once.

5. Create Custom Field Sets

With your EE plan in hand, go ahead and create the custom fields and custom field sets you will need at one time. I find it helpful to add inline instructions at this point so it doesn’t get pushed when you run out of time.

6. Create Categories

Set up your category groups. You can define your categories as needed.

7. Create Additional Statuses

If you think you’ll need additional statuses or status groups, set those up now.

8. Create your File Upload Preferences

• We start by moving the uploads folder out of the images directory. (What’s that all about?)
• Create your empty directories.
• Set privileges on the directories all at once.

9. Create Weblogs & Template Groups

• When setting up your weblogs, take the time to adjust “Publish Page Customization.“ Don’t make your client get distracted with stupid trackback tabs.
• Set up similar weblogs in tandem to utilize “Duplicate existing weblog’s preferences.“
• Edit group preferences. Select the category group, status group and field group that you’ve already created. (Not back tracking!)
• Let EE create your templates for you using “Create New Templates for this Section.“ Sometimes this won’t be necessary, but it can help eliminate extra steps.

10. Create Additional Templates and Template Groups

Stick to your EE plan and adjust as you dive in.

11. Install SL Developer Info Add-on

The guys at Experience Internet in the UK released a super handy add-on called SL Developer Info that allows you to see weblogs, weblog fields, template groups, templates, categories, statuses and file upload locations all in one place. As you integrate your HTML with your templates, keep this window open to give you easy access to everything!

There you have it - a more efficient approach to the ExpressionEngine setup process. Master step 1 and you’ll become and all-star in no time.

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