How to migrate from Webflow to WordPress : A Step-by-Step Guide
Move from Substack to WordPress without losing subscribers. Step-by-step migration, SEO preserved, flexible monetization—own your brand and your audience.
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Getting started
Introdution
Webflow is fantastic for visually building bespoke layouts. Designers love the control over CSS, grids, and interactions without jumping into a full frontend build. But once a site moves beyond a portfolio or brochure, teams often hit walls that slow marketing and growth:
Content modeling ceilings: collections, reference fields, and relationship depth can be limiting for complex architectures (resource libraries, multi-location pages, directories). You can model some relationships, but deep nesting, many-to-many linking at scale, and faceted filtering get painful.
Editorial workflow friction: creating robust authoring experiences (custom fields, conditional logic, reusable blocks, editorial notes, roles/permissions) is harder than it should be for non-designers.
CMS + localization + seats = cost creep: as collections, locales, collaborators, and forms scale, you add plans, addons, or third-party tools. Budget becomes unpredictable for content-heavy teams.
Integrations and automations: connecting to CRMs, CDPs, or custom pipelines often requires workarounds, third-party bridges, or custom code embeds that are brittle to maintain.
Ecommerce constraints: Webflow’s ecommerce works for simple catalogs; subscriptions, complex variations, and advanced tax/shipping rules usually push you to external services anyway.
Data portability: static exports are fine, but moving structured CMS content (and media) cleanly into other systems is not straightforward.
Performance at scale: visually complex interactions and large CMS lists can impact Core Web Vitals, and you have fewer levers to tune server-side performance.
Why many teams migrate to WordPress (often with WooCommerce when selling):
Flexible content architecture: custom post types, taxonomies, and custom fields let you model anything—then template it consistently.
Editorial comfort: block patterns, custom fields, and role-based workflows make non-technical teams faster.
Open integrations: native plugins and open APIs for CRMs, marketing automation, analytics, communities, courses, memberships, and more.
Ownership and portability: full control of code, database, and hosting; easy to snapshot, migrate, and version.
Cost control: predictable hosting + mostly free/one-time plugins instead of per-seat/app creep.
Scale and SEO: granular control over metadata, schema, redirects, sitemaps, caching, and CWV optimizations.
If that resonates, the rest of this guide will show you exactly how to move: a frank Webflow vs WordPress comparison, what to prep before migrating, the step-by-step move (pages, collections, media, forms, redirects), what to check after launch, and FAQs.
Webflow vs WordPress: Which Platform Is Better for You?
When deciding whether to leave Webflow, it helps to compare it directly with WordPress across the areas that usually matter most. Here’s the breakdown:
|
Feature
|
Webflow
|
WordPress
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ease of Design
|
Outstanding visual designer. Pixel-perfect control over layouts, grids, and animations without code.
|
Strong design flexibility via themes + page builders (Elementor, Gutenberg, Divi). Not as native as Webflow, but highly customizable.
|
|
Content Architecture
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CMS collections are flexible but capped: reference fields and nesting get tricky at scale. Complex sites (directories, multi-level taxonomies) often require hacks.
|
Unlimited content modeling with custom post types, taxonomies, and custom fields (via ACF, CPT UI, Pods). Scales well for large content systems.
|
|
Editorial Workflow
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Editors can change content in a clean interface, but role management and workflows are limited.
|
Full editorial flexibility. Roles, revisions, custom blocks, editorial notes, conditional fields — better for multi-person content teams.
|
|
Ecommerce
|
Simple catalogs work. Subscriptions, multi-variants, advanced tax/shipping require third-party hacks.
|
WooCommerce supports physical, digital, subscriptions, memberships, bookings. Hundreds of extensions to cover almost any ecommerce model.
|
|
SEO Control
|
Basic SEO fields available, but advanced optimizations (schema, redirects, Core Web Vitals tuning) are limited.
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Complete SEO control. Plugins like Rank Math/Yoast handle metadata, schema, redirects, sitemaps, breadcrumbs, and performance tuning.
|
|
Integrations
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Native integrations are limited. Most advanced workflows need Zapier, Make, or custom embeds.
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60,000+ plugins plus open APIs. Direct integration with CRMs, analytics, automation tools, communities, learning platforms, and more.
|
|
Performance
|
Fast by default for small sites. Large collections or heavy animations can impact performance. Limited backend tuning options.
|
Performance depends on hosting, but with caching, CDNs, and optimization plugins, WooCommerce/WordPress sites can scale globally.
|
|
Costs
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Monthly subscription based on seats, CMS items, bandwidth, ecommerce add-ons. Can get expensive for large teams or catalogs.
|
Hosting ($10–40/mo) + plugins (many free or one-time). Costs are predictable and usually lower long term.
|
|
Ownership
|
Hosted by Webflow. You can export static HTML/CSS, but CMS and ecommerce data portability is limited.
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100% ownership of files, database, and hosting. Move providers anytime without lock-in.
|
Key Takeaways
Webflow shines for design freedom and quick visual builds.
WordPress wins when you need scale, complex content structures, advanced ecommerce, or deeper integrations.
Many teams switch when they outgrow Webflow’s CMS, ecommerce, or automation limits and want full ownership of data.
Why WordPress is Ideal for You
Webflow gives you beautiful design freedom, but once you start scaling content, marketing, or ecommerce, the walls close in. WordPress removes those walls and gives you room to grow.
1. When CMS collections hit limits, WordPress scales with you
The Webflow problem: You’re capped by collection item limits, reference field complexity, and shallow relationships. Directories, multi-location sites, or faceted filtering get messy fast.
The WordPress solution: Custom post types, taxonomies, and custom fields (via plugins like ACF or Pods) let you model any content structure — without worrying about hitting ceilings.
2. When editorial workflows feel restrictive, WordPress empowers your team
The Webflow problem: Editors get a clean interface, but roles, permissions, and content workflows are limited. Complex approval flows or editorial notes aren’t native.
The WordPress solution: Roles and permissions are flexible. Add custom editorial fields, content blocks, conditional logic, revisions, and even full editorial workflows (PublishPress). Teams can work without stepping on each other.
3. When ecommerce is too shallow, WooCommerce gives you depth
The Webflow problem: Ecommerce works for simple catalogs, but subscriptions, variable products, advanced tax/shipping rules, or wholesale setups require hacks or external apps.
The WordPress solution: WooCommerce handles physical, digital, subscriptions, memberships, bookings, and even B2B setups. Hundreds of extensions cover everything from tax compliance to custom product builders.
4. When SEO feels like an afterthought, WordPress puts it first
The Webflow problem: Metadata and alt text are fine, but structured data, redirects, and Core Web Vitals tuning are limited. Large sites can’t optimize fully.
The WordPress solution: SEO plugins like Rank Math or Yoast let you control every field: titles, schema, sitemaps, redirects, breadcrumbs. You also get server-level optimization and CDN/CDN edge caching for performance.
5. When integrations are patched together, WordPress connects natively
The Webflow problem: Many integrations rely on Zapier/Make or fragile custom embeds. Scaling marketing automation, CRM, or analytics pipelines is tricky.
The WordPress solution: WordPress’s plugin ecosystem covers CRMs (HubSpot, Salesforce), marketing automation, membership systems, LMS, analytics, and ad tracking. APIs are open, giving you clean direct integrations without middleware overhead.
6. When costs keep creeping, WordPress stabilizes them
The Webflow problem: You pay more as you add CMS items, collaborators, or ecommerce features. Enterprise pricing gets steep quickly.
The WordPress solution: Hosting + optional plugins = predictable cost. Many plugins are free or one-time purchases. You scale your site without scaling your bills.
7. When you want full ownership, WordPress hands it over
The Webflow problem: Your site is hosted on Webflow’s servers. You can export static code, but not a fully portable CMS/ecommerce database.
The WordPress solution: You own the files, the database, and the hosting. You can move providers anytime, back up easily, and never worry about being locked in.
👉 In short: Webflow is fantastic for design-led projects, but if you’re building a content-heavy, SEO-driven, or commerce-focused business, WordPress + WooCommerce gives you the control and scalability you’ll eventually need.
Pre-Migration Checklist: Preparing to Move from Webflow to WordPress
Migrating from Webflow to WordPress means you’ll be moving both your design and content. The more thorough your prep, the smoother the move. Here’s what to do before touching WordPress.
1. Export your site from Webflow
From your Webflow dashboard, export the static HTML, CSS, and JS files.
Download all assets (images, fonts, icons).
Note: Webflow won’t export CMS content or ecommerce orders directly — you’ll handle those separately.
2. Export CMS collections
For each collection (blog posts, team members, case studies, etc.), export as CSV.
Review fields in the export: titles, slugs, body content, SEO meta fields, reference fields.
Plan how they’ll map into WordPress (posts, pages, or custom post types with custom fields).
3. Export ecommerce data (if applicable)
Export products, customers, and orders as CSV.
Products can later be imported into WooCommerce using its CSV importer.
For subscriptions or advanced setups, plan to migrate customers into WooCommerce Subscriptions or Memberships.
4. Back up media and content
Save all images, PDFs, and video files locally.
Keep them organized by collection (e.g., blog images, product photos, banners).
This prevents broken links once you shut down Webflow hosting.
5. Audit your site structure
List all URLs currently live on Webflow.
Identify page types (static pages, collection templates, ecommerce products, etc.).
Decide which will become WordPress pages, posts, or custom post types.
6. Capture SEO data
Crawl your Webflow site (using Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, or Ahrefs) to extract:
Page titles and meta descriptions.
Canonicals.
Image alt attributes.
Flag high-performing pages in Google Analytics/Search Console so you prioritize their redirects.
7. Collect design references
Take screenshots of your homepage, product pages, collection templates, and any unique layouts.
Save brand assets (logo, fonts, color codes) so your WordPress build matches or improves on Webflow’s design.
8. Review custom features and embeds
List out forms, animations, integrations, or custom code snippets embedded in Webflow.
Plan WordPress equivalents (e.g., WPForms for contact, Lottie animations for motion, native plugin for analytics).
9. Choose a WordPress hosting provider
Since Webflow was hosted for you, you’ll need your own hosting now.
For ecommerce or content-heavy sites, choose a managed WordPress host (SiteGround, Cloudways, Kinsta, WP Engine).
Create a staging environment so you can rebuild/test before going live.
10. Build your redirect map
Webflow URLs often follow patterns like
/blog/post-title.Plan redirects from each Webflow URL → the corresponding WordPress URL.
Keep slugs consistent where possible to reduce redirect overhead.
11. Plan communication
Draft messaging to your team (and your readers/customers) about the migration.
Let them know you’re moving platforms, why it’s better, and what (if anything) will change for them.
This checklist ensures you’ve captured content, structure, SEO, and design before touching WordPress.
Migration Process: How to Move from Webflow to WordPress
Step 1: Set up WordPress (and WooCommerce if applicable)
Install WordPress on your new host (ideally on a staging subdomain).
Install a lightweight theme (Astra, Kadence, GeneratePress) and page builder (Gutenberg or Elementor) if you want drag-and-drop.
For stores, install WooCommerce and run its setup wizard (currency, shipping, payments).
Step 2: Recreate static pages
From your Webflow export, copy page content into new WordPress pages.
Use the page builder to replicate layouts or improve them.
Upload and replace images so they’re served from your WordPress Media Library instead of Webflow’s CDN.
Step 3: Import CMS collections
Take the Webflow CSV exports for collections (e.g., blog posts, team members, portfolios).
Use WP All Import (or similar) to map fields into WordPress posts, pages, or custom post types.
For complex structures, install Custom Post Type UI + ACF (Advanced Custom Fields) to replicate Webflow fields and references.
Step 4: Import ecommerce data (if used)
Import products into WooCommerce using its built-in CSV importer.
Map product fields: title, description, price, SKU, inventory, categories, images.
Customers and orders can also be imported via WooCommerce import/export or a migration plugin like Cart2Cart.
Step 5: Rebuild forms and integrations
Webflow forms don’t export directly. Recreate them in WPForms, Fluent Forms, or Gravity Forms.
Set up email notifications, CRM integrations, or autoresponders.
Replace any third-party embeds (analytics, chat widgets, social feeds) with native plugins or official integrations.
Step 6: Reapply SEO settings
Install Rank Math or Yoast SEO.
Import or manually re-enter titles, meta descriptions, and alt text from your SEO export.
Generate a new XML sitemap and connect it to Google Search Console.
Step 7: Implement redirects
Using your URL map, install a plugin like Redirection and set up 301 redirects from old Webflow URLs to new WordPress ones.
Keep slugs the same where possible (
/blog/post-title → /blog/post-title) to reduce redirect complexity.
Step 8: Rebuild animations and interactions (optional)
If you used Webflow animations, replicate them with WordPress plugins (e.g., Lottie animations, Elementor motion effects).
Keep them light to preserve performance and Core Web Vitals.
Step 9: Optimize performance
Install a caching plugin (LiteSpeed Cache, WP Rocket, or W3 Total Cache).
Compress images (Smush, Imagify).
Set up a CDN (Cloudflare or your host’s built-in option).
Test on PageSpeed Insights and refine.
Step 10: Test thoroughly
Check every page, collection, and product.
Submit forms to verify notifications and integrations.
Place test orders (if ecommerce). Confirm checkout, email confirmations, and payment flow.
Test mobile and tablet layouts.
Step 11: Launch
When everything looks good, update your domain’s DNS to point to the new WordPress host.
Keep Webflow live for a short overlap (with indexing disabled) as a fallback.
Monitor traffic, forms, and orders closely in the first 48 hours.
This makes the migration structured and safe: you rebuild design, move content cleanly, protect SEO, and ensure ecommerce continuity if relevant.
Post-Migration Checklist: Ensuring a Smooth Transition
1. Verify redirects
Test all old Webflow URLs against your redirect map.
Use a crawler (Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, Sitebulb) to confirm 301s are working.
Ensure there are no 404 errors or redirect loops.
2. Check SEO implementation
Verify that titles, meta descriptions, and canonical tags carried over correctly.
Test Open Graph/Twitter Cards with Facebook Debugger and Twitter Card Validator.
Make sure XML sitemaps are generated and submitted to Google Search Console.
3. Audit content and media
Browse through a sample of migrated CMS entries (blogs, portfolios, case studies).
Check formatting, internal links, and featured images.
Confirm all media (images, PDFs, video embeds) display correctly and are hosted on WordPress.
4. Test forms and integrations
Submit every form to confirm notifications are delivered and CRM integrations are working.
Double-check autoresponder emails and spam protection.
Validate embedded services (chat widgets, analytics, social feeds).
5. Validate ecommerce (if applicable)
Place test orders in live mode.
Check payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.), order emails, and refunds.
Confirm product inventory updates automatically after purchases.
6. Review site performance
Run PageSpeed Insights and Core Web Vitals.
Optimize flagged issues: large images, unused JS/CSS, server response time.
Use caching and a CDN for global speed.
7. Secure your WordPress site
Install a security plugin (Wordfence, Sucuri, iThemes Security).
Enable SSL and force HTTPS.
Set up daily backups with UpdraftPlus or your host.
Add 2FA for admin accounts.
8. Monitor analytics and tracking
Confirm GA4, Google Tag Manager, and ad pixels are firing correctly.
Verify conversion tracking (form fills, ecommerce purchases).
Monitor real-time analytics after launch to catch anomalies.
9. Recheck mobile responsiveness
Review layouts on iOS/Android devices and multiple browsers.
Pay attention to interactive elements (buttons, sliders, menus).
Fix any overflow or spacing issues missed during staging.
10. Communicate the launch
Send an announcement email to your subscribers.
Highlight improvements: easier navigation, faster performance, new features.
Encourage users to report issues so you can fix them quickly.
This checklist ensures your Webflow → WordPress migration doesn’t just “go live,” but stays optimized for SEO, conversions, and performance.
Get Your Migration Cost & Free Consultation
You’ve seen what it takes to move from Webflow to WordPress — but every site is different. The fastest way to know your exact cost and timeline is to use our CMS Migration Calculator.
You can also schedule a free 30 min consultation on your migration plans – our team can walk you through the process.- no strings attached.
Frequently asked questions
No. Webflow CMS collections can be exported as CSV and imported into WordPress using tools like WP All Import. Static pages and design layouts need to be recreated, but all text, images, and media can be preserved.
Yes. Your layout can be rebuilt in WordPress using themes or page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg. While animations and interactions may need re-implementation with plugins or lightweight scripts, the overall design can be closely matched — or improved.
A small 10–20 page Webflow site with basic CMS items can usually be migrated in 1–2 weeks. Larger sites with many CMS collections, ecommerce, or complex designs may take 3–4 weeks. Redesigns or added features extend the timeline.
As long as you export SEO metadata (titles, descriptions, slugs), set up 301 redirects from old Webflow URLs, and resubmit sitemaps in Google Search Console, rankings should remain stable. Many sites even see an SEO boost because WordPress gives more control over technical optimization.
Yes. Webflow product catalogs, customers, and orders can be exported and imported into WooCommerce. For subscriptions or advanced product types, WooCommerce extensions cover most scenarios. Test checkout and payment gateways thoroughly before launch.
Costs vary. Smaller sites can often migrate for $500–$1,500. Larger or complex sites (ecommerce, multilingual, custom features) will cost more. Ongoing costs (hosting + plugins) are usually lower than Webflow’s per-seat and CMS plan fees.
Costs vary. Smaller sites can often migrate for $500–$1,500. Larger or complex sites (ecommerce, multilingual, custom features) will cost more. Ongoing costs (hosting + plugins) are usually lower than Webflow’s per-seat and CMS plan fees.
Yes. Once your WordPress site is ready, you simply point your domain DNS to the new host. Visitors continue to access your site at the same address.
Yes. While Webflow handles security for you, WordPress can be just as secure — provided you use a reputable host, install SSL, keep plugins updated, and add a security plugin (Wordfence, Sucuri). With daily backups in place, you’re fully protected.
Contact us
Ready to move from Webflow to WordPress?
Drop us a line to get started. You can also book a discovery call with a migration expert from Dellos.