This comprehensive checklist was crafted based on our experience at Flow Ninja, performing dozens of migrations from various builders and CMSs to Webflow. While we've honed this process for Webflow migrations, the principles and steps here apply to any website migration, making this an invaluable tool for a smooth transition.

Why Use This Checklist?

Migrating a website is a complex process that involves multiple stages, from planning and auditing to implementation and post-launch monitoring. This checklist is designed to keep your migration on track and ensure that:

• Content remains safe – Protect your site's content and avoid losing critical assets during the migration.
• SEO remains intact – Safeguard your search rankings by ensuring proper SEO practices are followed at every step.
• Stakeholder alignment – Enable all team members and stakeholders to follow along, monitor progress, and contribute to the migration's success.

How to Use It

To get started, provide your email address, and you will receive a link where you can make a copy of this checklist to your Google Drive. This will give you a customizable version of the checklist that you can tailor to your specific migration project. Each row in the checklist represents a task that needs to be completed, organized into logical phases of the migration process: Planning + Strategy, Website Audits, Migration Process, and Post-Launch. 

Here’s a breakdown of how each column in the checklist works to guide you:

• Phase: This column categorizes each task into different phases of the migration journey. Each phase builds on the previous one, helping you create a structured, step-by-step approach to the entire migration process. The phases are ordered to ensure a seamless workflow and prevent oversights.
• Item: The “Item” column lists specific tasks or focus areas that need attention during the migration. These tasks cover all aspects of the migration, from initial planning to final launch checks.
• Status: Use this column to track the progress of each task. The status options include Blocked, Not Started, In Progress, and Done. Updating the status regularly will help keep everyone on the same page, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the migration process.
• Description: This column provides a brief explanation of each task. It outlines the purpose and goals for each step, clarifying why each task is essential and what it aims to achieve. This is especially useful for keeping stakeholders and team members aligned, as it ensures everyone understands the importance of each step.
• How to Check: Here, you’ll find specific actions or methods for completing and verifying each task. These detailed instructions act as a guide, helping you assess whether each step has been carried out correctly. Following these steps will increase the likelihood of a successful migration by covering all critical aspects, from content auditing to SEO checks.
• Useful Links: The "Useful Links" column includes recommended resources, such as guides, tools, or tutorials, for completing the tasks more effectively. These resources help you access expert advice and use tools that can streamline the migration process, such as content auditing software, analytics tools, or SEO checkers.
• Which Tool to Use?: This final column suggests specific tools that can assist with each task. From content management systems (CMS) to analytics platforms, SEO tools, and manual inspection methods, this column provides tailored tool recommendations based on the requirements of each task.

How the Checklist Works

The checklist is designed as an interactive and adaptable framework. As you progress through each phase, you can mark tasks as completed, in progress, or blocked, helping your team keep track of the migration’s current status. The detailed descriptions, steps, and tool suggestions guide you through each task, ensuring that no critical step is missed.

By using this checklist, you’ll have a clear roadmap for every stage of the migration process, helping you manage complexity, avoid common pitfalls, and maintain alignment across all stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to help you achieve a smooth, error-free migration that preserves the integrity of your content, maintains your SEO value, and supports a successful launch.