Introduction

Migrating a website is like open-heart surgery — one wrong redirect, and your traffic flatlines.
Whether you’re escaping WordPress, Drupal, or a custom CMS, the challenge is always the same:
how do you modernise your site without wrecking your SEO?

At Code & Wander, we’ve handled migrations for startups and enterprises alike.
Here’s the process we use to keep every URL, ranking, and analytics tag intact.

1. Pre-Migration Audit (Don’t Skip This)

Before moving anything, you need a complete snapshot of your current ecosystem.

Checklist:

• Export all URLs (use Screaming Frog or Sitebulb).
• Record title tags, meta descriptions, canonical tags.
• Note redirects and 404s.
• Export GA + GSC performance data (top landing pages, backlinks).
• Identify content with strong rankings — these pages need extra care.

Think of it as your “before” picture. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Map Your URLs

Every URL on your current site should have a destination on the new Webflow site.

Checklist:

• Create a URL mapping spreadsheet (old → new).
• Maintain consistent folder structure where possible.
• Use simple, keyword-driven slugs (/services/webflow-migration not /webflow-services-migration-123).
• Pre-plan 301 redirects in Webflow’s Hosting settings.

3. Build + Test in a Staging Environment

Webflow’s staging URLs (e.g., yoursite.webflow.io) are perfect for QA.

Checklist:

• Ensure CMS collections mirror your old content structure.
• Check internal links and navigation paths.
• Test CMS-driven dynamic pages for pagination + indexing.
• Validate schema, OG tags, and alt text before launch.

4. Migrate Content (Strategically)

Don’t just copy-paste.
Use Webflow’s CMS import tools and CSV templates to ensure metadata consistency.

Checklist:

• Clean HTML before importing (no inline styles).
• Maintain H1–H3 hierarchy.
• Optimise media sizes during upload.
• Add unique meta titles and descriptions as you go.
• Validate formatting and spacing post-import.

5. Preserve SEO Integrity

This is where most migrations fail — and where you win by being methodical.

Checklist:

• Implement 301 redirects (test with redirect-checker.org).
• Submit new sitemap.xml to Google Search Console.
• Add canonical tags where duplicate paths exist.
• Update internal links to new URLs.
• Monitor 404 errors daily for the first two weeks.

⚡ Pro Tip: Keep your old site live for 2–3 weeks post-launch with “noindex” set — a safety net for missed redirects.

6. Performance & Analytics Setup

Don’t lose visibility — or speed — during your transition.

Checklist:

• Reinstall GA4 + LinkedIn Insight Tag + GTM.
• Verify GSC domain property and resubmit sitemap.
• Optimise image compression in Webflow settings.
• Test Core Web Vitals before and after launch (record improvement metrics).
• Set up Slack notifications for site downtime or analytics anomalies.

7. Post-Launch QA

The migration isn’t over at “publish.”

Checklist:

• Crawl your new site with Screaming Frog — confirm 200s, 301s, 404s.
• Check all forms, CMS dynamic pages, and CTAs.
• Compare pre/post-launch traffic using GA4 annotations.
• Monitor rankings — expect temporary fluctuations, then growth.

8. Announce and Leverage

You’ve done the hard work — now make it a marketing moment.

• Publish a LinkedIn post or press release about the migration.
• Highlight speed and performance improvements.
• Add a “Rebuilt in Webflow” badge to the footer.

Migrations signal growth — and they’re content opportunities too.

Conclusion

A successful Webflow migration isn’t just about moving a website.
It’s about building a faster, smarter, more autonomous digital foundation.
By following this checklist, you’ll launch confidently — without sacrificing your SEO equity.

If your current site feels like a bottleneck, it might be time to migrate for good.

CTA

🚀 Ready to migrate safely?
Download the full Webflow Migration Checklist (PDF) or request a free migration audit from our team.
Get the checklist →

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