Migrating from one content management system (CMS) to another is no small feat. Whether you're moving from WordPress, Drupal, AEM, Contentful or any other platform, the journey to Webflow requires thoughtful planning, critical decisions, and a clear understanding of what's at stake. At Edgar Allan, a three-time Webflow Enterprise Agency of the Year, we've helped countless clients navigate this transition. We've even seen launches happen on a Friday—with confidence.

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In this blog, we'll use WordPress as our anchor example, but everything here applies to nearly any CMS migration. So, get your mind in the mode for change. From technical complexities to strategic pivots, here are the key "watch outs" and "weigh-ins" to consider before, during, and after your brand’s move to Webflow.
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1. Watch Out: Content Complexity and Structure 

WordPress sites often have whole junk drawers hidden under the hood—years of layered content, custom post types, categories, tags, and plugins that influence how content is organized and displayed. Before migrating:

• Audit all existing content.
• Identify essential content types and prune outdated or redundant materials.
• Create a content mapping plan to ensure everything moves logically into Webflow's CMS.

Weigh In: Throw “future you” a bone. Think about how your content should function in six months. Maybe where you’ll be in a year, too. Then lean on the fact that Webflow gives you outsized and super-easy design control. Use your migration as an opportunity to clean up and streamline your content strategy, and you’ll be both all set with a clean house and a tool ready to help you keep it maintained.
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2. Watch Out: Plugin Dependency 

Many WordPress sites rely heavily on third-party plugins to handle forms, SEO, e-commerce, and more. (Ok, that’s a nice way of saying they’re more demanding than a caffeinated three-year-old.) In Webflow, much of this functionality is entirely native or requires a different but equally hands-off approach.

• List all active plugins and define their purpose.
• Determine which ones are truly necessary.
• Look for native or no-code/low-code alternatives in Webflow (e.g., for forms, use native form blocks and integrate with tools like Zapier or Make).

Weigh In: Fewer third-party dependencies mean improved performance and less maintenance. Migrating is a chance to simplify your tech stack, free up your time (and un-fray your nerves).
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3. Watch Out: SEO and URL Structure 

SEO strength is one of the most valuable assets of an existing website. You’ll want to defend it. Poorly planned migrations can harm your search rankings. So what can you do?

• Benchmark current SEO performance (keywords, traffic sources, backlinks).
• Map existing URLs to their new counterparts.
• Use 301 redirects to preserve ranking.
• Rebuild meta titles, descriptions, and alt text in Webflow.

Weigh In: Webflow's SEO features are robust, but only if used intentionally. Consider working with an SEO expert to oversee the transition.
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4. Watch Out: Design Translation and Rebuild 

WordPress themes and Webflow's visual design flexibility are vastly different.

• Avoid a direct 1:1 rebuild; instead, consider the migration as a redesign opportunity.
• Reimagine UX and UI with Webflow's visual-first capabilities.
• Pay close attention to responsive design and accessibility.

Weigh In: Webflow empowers teams to break free from rigid templates. Collaborate with designers and developers to push boundaries while staying on-brand.
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5. Watch Out: Team Workflow & CMS Training 

Switching CMS platforms means new workflows for content editors, marketers, and devs.

• Provide tailored Webflow training for your team.
• Use Webflow's Editor mode for non-technical users.
• Consider creating documentation or onboarding guides.

Weigh In: The learning curve is short with the right support. A trained team is a confident team.
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6. Watch Out: Hosting, Security, and Maintenance 

Webflow offers hosting, SSL, CDN, and security out of the box, unlike the patchwork approach required with WordPress.

• Clarify hosting and domain handoff plans.
• Ensure backups are taken before the final switchover.
• Reassess security needs with Webflow's native protections in mind.

Weigh In: Letting go of updates, patches, and server headaches is, to put it lightly, liberating. Just make sure there's a clear transition roadmap.
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7. Watch Out: Migration Timing and Rollout Strategy 

When and how you launch can impact adoption and success.

• Avoid peak traffic periods.
• Consider soft launches or phased rollouts.
• Leave ample time for QA and feedback.

Weigh In: One of our clients had such incredible confidence in the migration process that they launched on a Friday. That’s a true testament to preparation, not luck.
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Conclusion: Make the Move with Confidence 

Migration to Webflow isn't just a technical exercise—it's a strategic move that can empower your marketing team, elevate your brand experience, and simplify long-term site management. By paying attention to these critical watch-outs and weigh-ins, and partnering with the right team, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition.

At Edgar Allan, we don’t just migrate sites. We reimagine what your website can do. Whether you're moving from WordPress, Sitecore, Drupal, or something custom, we’re here to help you make that leap—confidently.

Coming Soon: Social Series Stay tuned for our 3-part social media series breaking down this migration roadmap on LinkedIn and X. We’ll cover:

1. The Hidden Costs of WordPress Plugins and Why Webflow Simplifies Your Stack
2. SEO Survival Guide: Keeping Your Rankings Intact During Migration
3. From Chaos to Confidence: How One Brand Launched Its Webflow Site on a Friday

Follow us to make your CMS move smarter, not harder.

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