1. Inventory & Audit Your Current Site

Before you begin the migration, it’s crucial to take stock of your entire website structure to avoid missing essential pages, media files, or integrations. Start by listing out:

• All live pages and blog posts

• Images, videos, and downloadable files

• Existing SEO elements (meta descriptions, structured data, and internal links)

• Third-party integrations (CRM, analytics, forms, or APIs)

For large websites, using a site crawler like Screaming Frog can help you automate this process and generate a comprehensive URL list. A well-documented audit prevents gaps in content and ensures a seamless URL redirection strategy once you move to Framer.

Read our best practices for content migration to ensure no data or traffic is lost during your transition to Framer.

Did You Know? Poorly executed migrations often result in 80% of websites rolling back within 30 days due to technical failures or SEO issues.

2. Backup Everything

Even with a structured plan, migrations carry inherent risks—broken links, missing images, or incomplete content transfers. A full website backup ensures you can recover lost data in case anything goes wrong.

Make sure to back up:

• Website content: Pages, blog posts, and media files

• SEO metadata: Title tags, descriptions, and structured data

• Database and form submissions: User-generated content, sign-ups, and enquiries

For added security, store backups in multiple locations, such as cloud storage and an external hard drive. This precautionary step protects you from unexpected downtime, which can cost small businesses a minimum of $5,000 per minute in lost revenue.

Not sure how to approach backups or what to include in your pre-launch prep? Our Framer agency has helped brands confidently manage every stage of the migration process, from preservation to performance.

3. Document SEO Essentials

Preserving your search visibility should be a top priority during your Framer migration to ensure rankings are not affected. Before moving to Framer, document all critical SEO elements so they can be re-implemented on the new site without losing search rankings.

Key elements to track:

• High-ranking pages: Identify which pages generate the most traffic

• Backlink profile: Keep a record of external sites linking to your content

• URL structures: Ensure old and new URLs align for proper 301 redirects

Many websites experience up to 30% traffic loss in the first month due to changes in URL structure, metadata, and disrupted backlinks. Avoid this by ensuring seamless redirects and metadata preservation.

When migrating its platform with Goodspeed, Formula Bot not only safeguarded but improved its SEO rankings to rank #2 on Google by prioritising backups and data integrity before the move.

Learn how to maintain SEO best practices when migrating your website to Framer.

4. Set Up a Staging Environment

A staging environment is essential for testing your Framer site migration before making it live. This prevents disruptions to your existing website while allowing you to fix any design, functionality, or performance issues in a controlled setting.

Steps to Set Up a Staging Environment:

• Create a Framer project or subdomain to replicate your live site.

• Import essential content, layouts, and interactive elements for testing.

• Run a mobile and desktop usability test to identify inconsistencies.

A staging environment ensures that when you switch to Framer, your audience experiences a smooth transition without broken links or missing content.

5. Rebuild or Import Content

Once your staging environment is ready, the next step is to migrate your website content to Framer. Depending on your existing platform, you may need to manually recreate pages or use bulk-import options like CSV/API transfers.

Key Considerations During Content Migration:

• Text & Formatting: Ensure headings, paragraphs, and lists match the original structure.

• Media Elements: Check images, videos, and embedded media for correct rendering.

• Interactive Components: Test forms, buttons, and third-party integrations.

For sites with large amounts of data, automated content migration tools can save time. However, manual adjustments may still be required to preserve SEO elements and maintain brand consistency.

If you're looking for an in-depth tutorial, check out our Ultimate Guide to Migrating Your Website to Framer.

6. Recreate Navigation & Internal Links

A well-structured navigation system is key to maintaining a positive user experience and ensuring that visitors can find information easily. When you migrate to Framer, it's crucial to rebuild your menus, footers, and internal links to match the original site's structure.

Avoid These Common Navigation Pitfalls:

• Broken internal links: Run a link checker tool to ensure all pages connect correctly.

• Missing breadcrumbs: If your original site used breadcrumb navigation, replicate it in Framer.

• Disorganised menus: Keep menus intuitive and user-friendly to reduce bounce rates.

Did You Know? A 32% drop in customer retention can occur after a single frustrating website experience—so prioritising seamless navigation is critical.

7. Map & Implement Redirects

When you migrate to Framer, URL structures may change, which can lead to broken links and traffic loss if not handled correctly. Implementing 301 redirects is crucial to ensure visitors and search engines are seamlessly guided to the correct pages.

Steps to Set Up Redirects Correctly:

• Map old URLs to new ones: Create a spreadsheet with your old and new page URLs.

• Implement 301 redirects: Use Framer’s built-in redirect settings or server-side configurations.

• Test redirects: Use tools like Google Search Console or a redirect checker to confirm that no pages return 404 errors.

Many websites experience 10–30% traffic loss in the first month due to mismanaged redirects, metadata changes, and backlink disruptions.

Learn how to maintain SEO during your migration from WordPress to Framer to ensure search visibility remains intact.

8. Review Design Consistency

Once your content and navigation are set up, it's time to ensure that your Framer migration maintains the same brand identity and user experience as your previous platform.

What to Check:

• Branding: Ensure colours, typography, and logos match the original site.

• Mobile responsiveness: Test layouts across devices to prevent UI inconsistencies.

• Accessibility compliance: Follow WCAG guidelines to make your site user-friendly for all visitors.

Before you switch to Framer, ensure that your new design aligns with your brand guidelines to provide a seamless user experience.

9. Test Site Performance & Security

Before launching, it’s essential to test performance metrics and security protocols to guarantee an optimised user experience.

Performance Tests to Run:

• Page speed: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to ensure fast loading times.

• Security compliance: Verify that your SSL certificate is active and working.

• Third-party integrations: Check that all embedded tools (e.g., analytics, CRMs, payment gateways) are functioning properly.

10. Add/Update Tracking & Analytics

Before you switch to Framer, ensure that all tracking and analytics tools are correctly set up so you can monitor traffic, conversions, and user behaviour from day one. Losing historical data can make it difficult to measure post-migration performance.

Essential Tracking Tools to Set Up:

• Google Analytics (GA4): Ensure tracking codes are properly embedded in Framer.

• Google Tag Manager: Retain custom event tracking, such as button clicks or form submissions.

• SEO Monitoring: Connect Google Search Console to monitor indexing and organic search performance.

11. Launch & Verify

Once everything is in place, it’s time to launch your Framer site. This step involves pointing your domain to Framer, testing final site elements, and ensuring a smooth go-live experience.

Final Pre-Launch Checks:

• DNS Propagation: Update domain settings and allow up to 48 hours for changes to take effect.

• Functionality Testing: Check forms, navigation, and e-commerce transactions.

• Search Console Validation: Ensure Google correctly crawls and indexes the new site.

A 4–12 week recovery period is common for domain authority after a migration, making proper post-launch monitoring essential.

Read how our agency supports clients post-migration with ongoing services and training.

12. Post-Launch Monitoring & Tweaks

After launch, continuously monitor your site’s performance, SEO rankings, and user feedback to identify any issues early.

Key Areas to Monitor:

• Redirect Validation: Recheck all 301 redirects to avoid missed links.

• Organic Traffic Trends: Use Google Analytics and Search Console to track visibility.

• User Feedback: Encourage visitors to report any usability or content issues.

Monitoring the success of your Framer site migration ensures you can quickly address any lingering issues and optimise performance.