A successful Framer site migration requires a methodical approach to ensure that your site remains fully functional and optimised. Whether you are looking to switch to Framer for its performance advantages or design flexibility, following these steps will help maintain SEO integrity and avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1: Audit & Backup Your WordPress Site

Before you begin transferring content, it is crucial to audit and back up your WordPress site. This ensures that no important data is lost during migration and provides a reference for reconstructing your site in Framer.

Inventory Your Content

Start by listing all pages, blog posts, custom post types, images, videos, menus, and widgets. You can use WordPress’s built-in export tool (Tools > Export) to generate an XML file containing your content.

Additionally, document elements that may not transfer automatically, such as:

• Custom shortcodes and embeds

• Dynamic elements like event listings or portfolios

• E-commerce data (if applicable)

Create a Full Backup

Even if you do not plan on using your WordPress files post-migration, creating a backup is essential for data security. There are two ways to do this:

• Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to back up your database and site files.

• Manually download the MySQL database via phpMyAdmin.

Capture Your SEO Snapshot

Your WordPress site may have been optimised for search engines using tools like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. To ensure SEO continuity, document:

• Meta titles and descriptions for each page

• URL structures and internal linking

• Image alt text and structured data

A poorly executed migration can lead to an 80% organic traffic loss, taking up to six months to recover. To avoid this, make sure to map old WordPress URLs to new Framer paths before launch.

Formula Bot migrated to Framer with Goodspeed and they did not just preserve but boosted their SEO performance- jumping from 6th to 2nd rank on Google. This proves following the right process leads to the best SEO results. 

Step 2: Set Up a Framer Workspace & Staging Environment

Once you have backed up your WordPress site, the next step is to set up your Framer workspace and establish a staging environment. This allows you to build and refine your new site before launching it publicly.

Create a New Framer Project

Start by deciding whether to use a Framer template or build from scratch. If you want to recreate your current design, Framer’s flexible design tools allow you to match or improve upon your WordPress layout.

• For startups or agencies: A custom build offers maximum creative control.

• For faster deployment: A Framer template provides a solid starting point, which you can customise to match your branding.

Need help selecting a design? Read our guide to choosing the right Framer template for your startup.

Establish a Staging Domain

Before going live, it’s best to build your site in a staging environment (a temporary URL) where you can preview and test changes.

• Framer makes staging simple—you can publish your site under a temporary Framer domain before connecting your primary domain.

• This ensures you can test and optimise the site without affecting the live version.

Map Your Site Structure

Your WordPress site’s navigation plays a crucial role in user experience and SEO. Before migrating content, map out your menu, page hierarchy, and internal links.

• Recreate your WordPress navigation in Framer’s editor.

• Optimise your site structure to improve usability and engagement.

Step 3: Transfer & Rebuild Your Content in Framer

Now that your Framer workspace is set up, it’s time to transfer your content from WordPress and rebuild your site using Framer’s visual editor.

Recreate Pages & Posts

Unlike WordPress, which stores content in a database, Framer operates on a visual-first approach. Since there’s no direct import function, you will need to manually migrate:

• Pages (Home, About, Services, etc.)

• Blog posts (if applicable)

• Call-to-action sections and landing pages

Framer’s drag-and-drop interface makes this process simple, and you can enhance your design in ways that weren’t possible with WordPress.

Design & Layout Enhancements

Instead of merely copying your WordPress theme, use this migration as an opportunity to improve your site’s design.

• Adjust typography, colours, and spacing for better readability and engagement.

• Add animations and interactive elements to make your site more dynamic.

• Ensure brand consistency by uploading logos, icons, and custom assets.

Learn more about customising your Framer template for a polished look.

Migrate Media Files

WordPress stores images and videos in a central media library, while Framer requires you to upload assets manually.

• Maintain SEO best practices by keeping original file names and alt text.

• Optimise image sizes for faster load times—this is critical, as 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than 3 seconds to load.

Handle Dynamic Content

WordPress allows for dynamic elements like blogs, testimonials, and custom post types. In Framer, you may need to:

• Use Framer’s CMS for blog content and news sections.

• Integrate third-party tools if you require advanced functionalities like event listings or membership systems.

Step 4: Migrate SEO Elements & URL Structures

A poorly handled Framer migration can significantly impact search rankings, so it’s crucial to preserve all essential SEO elements when moving from WordPress to Framer.

Transfer Meta Data

Your WordPress site likely includes optimised meta titles, descriptions, and structured data for SEO. Before launching, manually copy or improve upon these elements in Framer.

• Ensure each page has a clear, compelling meta title.

• Keep meta descriptions under 160 characters to maintain click-through rates.

• Add image alt text to support accessibility and SEO.

If you want to dive deeper into maintaining SEO during migration, read this article- How to Maintain SEO During Your Migration from WordPress to Framer.

Set Up 301 Redirects

One of the most common SEO mistakes during migration is not redirecting old URLs to their new equivalents.

• Use 301 redirects to permanently forward traffic from your old WordPress URLs to your new Framer pages.

• This prevents broken links and lost search rankings.

• Use tools like Google Search Console to check for errors post-launch.

Implement Structured Data & Schema Markup

If your WordPress site had schema markup for articles, products, or events, you’ll need to manually add it in Framer.

• Article Schema → Helps Google understand your blog content.

• FAQ Schema → Boosts visibility in search results.

• Product Schema → Essential for eCommerce sites.

Step 5: Replace WordPress-Specific Functionalities

WordPress offers extensive plugins for forms, comments, and custom features, but Framer’s ecosystem works differently. You may need to find Framer-friendly alternatives to maintain functionality while benefiting from a lighter, faster website.

Evaluate Plugins & Features

Start by listing all the WordPress features you rely on, including:

• Contact forms (e.g., Gravity Forms, WPForms)

• Comments sections (e.g., native WordPress comments, Disqus)

• Social sharing buttons

• Custom post types (portfolios, testimonials, job listings, etc.)

Since Framer doesn’t support traditional plugins, you can achieve similar functionality through integrations or custom setups.

Recreate Forms & Integrations

Forms are crucial for lead generation and user interaction. While WordPress has plugins, Framer allows you to:

• Use Framer’s built-in form builder for simple contact forms.

• Integrate Mailchimp, HubSpot, or Typeform for advanced forms.

• Embed third-party tools via HTML snippets if needed.

If your WordPress site relies on form automation (e.g., Zapier triggers, email notifications), ensure those workflows are reconfigured in Framer.

Comments & Community Engagement

WordPress supports built-in comments, but Framer does not. If discussions are important, you can:

• Embed Disqus for a comment-friendly blog.

• Use Framer’s CMS to create a “User Feedback” section.

• Encourage social media engagement instead of on-site discussions.

Need help adding custom elements? Read How to Add Unique Features to Your Framer Template Without Coding.

Step 6: Test, Optimise & Finalise

Before you fully migrate to Framer, thorough testing and optimisation ensure your new site works flawlessly across devices, browsers, and search engines.

Cross-Device & Browser Testing

Your Framer site should offer a consistent experience across:

• Mobile, tablet, and desktop (check font sizes, padding, and layouts).

• Browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

Use tools like BrowserStack to preview your site in multiple environments.

Performance Checks

Framer is inherently lightweight and fast, but further optimisation can enhance user experience and search rankings.

• Compress images to improve load times.

• Enable lazy loading to reduce initial page weight.

• Remove unnecessary animations that might slow down performance.

Learn how to optimise your Framer template for speed and performance.

SEO & Analytics Validation

Ensure all SEO elements are transferred correctly before launch.

• Recheck meta titles, descriptions, and image alt texts.

• Verify 301 redirects to avoid broken links.

• Install Google Analytics & Tag Manager to track traffic.

User Testing & Feedback

Ask team members or a small group of users to navigate the staging site and report:

• Broken links or buttons

• Formatting inconsistencies

• Any UX confusion (e.g., unclear CTAs, hard-to-read fonts)

Pro Tip: Use Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity to record sessions and identify real user behaviour before launch.

Step 7: Launch Your Framer Site

Once your site is fully tested and optimised, you’re ready to go live! This step requires careful execution to ensure a smooth transition with zero downtime.

Update DNS Settings

Point your domain from your WordPress host to Framer:

1. Access your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).

2. Update the DNS records to point to Framer’s hosting.

3. Allow 24–48 hours for full propagation.

Website downtime can cost businesses $5,000 per minute, so plan your launch during low-traffic hours.

Plan the Launch

• Announce the migration internally to stakeholders and teams.

• Schedule the switch outside peak traffic hours.

• Keep backups of your WordPress site for safety.

Post-Launch Checklist

Once live, run a final post-launch audit:

• Test forms, buttons, and interactive elements.

• Verify 301 redirects are functioning correctly.

• Check for broken images or missing content.

• Monitor Google Search Console for indexing errors.

Monitor & Announce Your New Site

After launch, keep an eye on:

• Traffic & ranking fluctuations (using Ahrefs or SEMrush).

• User engagement (via heatmaps & analytics).

• Announce your new site via email & social media.