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HTML5 Migration

Migrating from HTML5 site to Webflow: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re managing a static HTML site and want a faster way to edit content, make design changes, or scale without touching code, Webflow is a natural next step. It gives you a visual interface, CMS features, and modern design flexibility without sacrificing control.

Migration Process: Key Stages

Moving from a static site to Webflow is straightforward but still requires thoughtful planning. Here's how we handle it:

1️⃣ Auditing the Existing HTML Structure
• Review all static pages, assets, and layout structure
• Identify global elements like headers, footers, and navigation
• Flag any scripts, forms, or custom code that needs to be rebuilt or embedded in Webflow

2️⃣ Content Mapping & SEO Review
• Create a full page inventory and define a new sitemap
• Record SEO data: page titles, meta descriptions, structured data
• Decide which pages stay, get updated, or can be removed

3️⃣ Rebuilding the Design in Webflow
• Recreate each layout using Webflow’s visual designer
• Set up consistent global styles for typography, buttons, and spacing
• Convert static elements into dynamic components where needed (e.g., blog, portfolio)

4️⃣ Content & Asset Migration
• Copy and paste text content into new Webflow pages or CMS collections
• Reupload images, videos, and icons with optimization
• Embed or rewrite any custom scripts or tracking tools

5️⃣ Testing & OptimizationTest layouts across breakpoints and browsersSet proper SEO metadata and alt textUse Webflow's tools to improve performance and mobile UX

6️⃣ Final Launch & Go-Live
• Point your domain to Webflow and enable SSL
• Set up redirects if any URLs change
• Provide access to the Webflow Editor for your team to manage content

Potential Technical Challenges & Solutions

1️⃣ No CMS in the Original Site
Static HTML sites don’t include a backend for managing content
Solution: Set up Webflow CMS to manage blogs, news, or dynamic pages moving forward

2️⃣ Embedded Code or Custom JS
Legacy scripts or embedded tools may need adjustment
Solution: Re-add necessary scripts using Webflow’s custom code blocks

3️⃣ Responsive Issues in Original Site
Older HTML5 sites may not be mobile-friendly
Solution: Rebuild with Webflow’s responsive design controls and breakpoints

4️⃣ SEO Settings Are Hard-Coded
Metadata may be inconsistent or missing
Solution: Apply SEO best practices across all Webflow pages using built-in fields

Business Impact During Migration

⏳ Timeline & Downtime
• HTML5 to Webflow migrations typically take 3–6 weeks
• No impact on your current site during the build
• Downtime is minimal often under an hour during domain switchover

📉 Risk Management & Backup Plan
• Back up your current HTML files before starting
• Review staging site in Webflow before go-live
• Keep static version available as fallback if needed

Preparing Your Team for Webflow

📚 Training & Documentation
• No coding needed just a visual CMS for content editing
• We train your team to update pages, add blog posts, and handle small changes

📖 New Workflow for Content
• Build templates for repeating content types
• Establish brand rules for consistency moving forward

🛠 Post-Migration Support
• We provide a post-launch support window
• Optional ongoing support available if needed

Pre-Migration Checklist

✔ Full backup of current HTML files and assets
✔ Sitemap of all existing pages
✔ Notes on any embedded code, forms, or external tools
✔ SEO review: metadata, canonical tags, alt text
✔ Timeline for go-live and redirect plan if needed