Installing Scripts On Websites

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I’ve been installing different scripts on websites for several years. After hundreds of installs of forums like phpbb, phpbb3, and vbulletin; member scripts like amember and easymemberpro; support desks like kayako; and content management systems like WordPress I have seen a lot of what can go wrong and learned a lot about how to prevent it.

Here are some guidelines.

  1. Never install a script still in beta mode.
  2. Be wary even of “the latest “bug free” release. Someone will find a bug.
  3. Make sure you understand what the script actually does, and that it can actually do what you want. Preferably there is someone already doing what you want it to do, not some sales guy who “thinks” it can be done. Salesman don’t say no.
  4. If you don’t know enough technically to install your script, get someone who does to do the install.
  5. If you want to do it yourself and learn something, then take the time to learn the process. Read the install documents or online manual. Learning to install scripts is no time to be in a hurry.
  6. If installing from a script install software like Fantastico, make sure you understand what the default script settings are and what that means.
  7. If your script depends on plugins to talk to other scripts or software (like amember does) do your homework before installing the plugin. Make sure you understand the plugin process before subjecting customers or website members to an experiment.

Some other things to consider about the actual script installation process:

There are three stages to an install:

  1. Installing the files.
  2. Configuring the setup so the script actually works.
  3. Customizing the installation so it does what you want and works within your marketing or site process funnel.

When hiring this done or doing it for others, many misunderstandings arise. Make sure you understand what is different about each stage. Don’t expect a script installer to do all of the customization when all you hired them to do was get your script installed and working.

Installing a script and configuring it are pretty cut and dried. Customizing it within its operating environment is another thing. Generally I quote a flat rate for install and configure, and an hourly rate for customizing. It’s fair to both parties and prevents misunderstandings on what the job actually includes.

Think about all this before you hire a script installer. If you are doing it yourself make sure you understand each phase of the process. Script installs will go much easier if you do.

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June 17, 2009 | Filed Under Site Building

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