CMS Migration Guide
Storyblok is the first headless CMS that works for developers & marketers alike.
A step-by-step guide to starting your CMS migration with confidence
Today’s businesses rely on complex software ecosystems, spanning websites, mobile apps, and connected systems. But when your content management system starts slowing you down, it may be time to consider a change.
Modernizing your CMS is a strategic move that improves speed, scalability, and collaboration across teams. This guide walks you through what CMS migration is, why it matters, and how to do it right.
What is a CMS migration, and why might you need one?
A CMS migration is the process of transferring your digital content across websites, apps, or other platforms from one content management system to another.
Why take this on? Because outdated systems can’t keep up with today’s demands. Common triggers include:
- The need for advanced features
- Unmanageable maintenance
- Security concerns
- Limited scalability or flexibility
In many cases, it’s more effective to migrate to a modern CMS than to continue patching an outdated one.
Why migrate to a headless CMS like Storyblok?
Switching to a headless CMS brings major business and technical advantages:
- Powerful features: Headless CMSs are API-first. You can plug in best-in-class tools and services, with each system operating independently. That makes it easier to update components without disrupting everything.
- Ease of use across teams: Developers can build freely, while marketers manage content independently. With Storyblok’s Visual Editor, teams can create, edit, and preview content in real time without delays.
- Scalability that grows with you: Your CMS should scale alongside your business. Whether you’re managing more content, users, or channels, Storyblok handles growth without sacrificing performance.
- Enterprise-grade security: Headless CMSs separate the backend from the frontend. This reduces your attack surface and simplifies API security. Storyblok is also ISO 27001 certified, meeting top-tier security standards.
CMS migration in 5 practical steps
Migrating your CMS requires cross-team collaboration.
Here’s how to manage the process with confidence:
1. Choose the right CMS platform
If your current CMS is holding you back, it’s time to find a system that aligns with your goals. Here’s how to start:
- Compare options on platforms like G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
- Prioritize features that matter: localization, personalization, ecommerce readiness
- Look for feedback from users with similar use cases
2. Plan before you migrate
A solid strategy sets the stage for success. Before moving any content:
- Define the scope: What will be migrated?
- Assign clear roles and responsibilities
- Set a realistic timeline that includes time for testing and approvals
- Get early alignment from key stakeholders across marketing, development, and IT
Strong planning reduces risk and keeps your project on track.
3. Prepare your content and data
Before you move anything:
- Back up all content and assets
- Audit your content: Remove outdated or duplicate material
- Identify essential content types and fields
- Plan redirects if your URLs are changing
- Create a clear taxonomy and tagging system
This step is a great opportunity to streamline and organize your content for the future.
4: Migrate your content
Depending on your system, you can migrate manually, use APIs, or work with a partner.
For example, if you're migrating from WordPress to Storyblok:
- Export your content (with GraphQL or REST API)
- Map content types to Storyblok components
- Import content using Storyblok APIs or partner tooling
- Test with a small batch before migrating everything
Need help? Our team is available on Discord for support.
5: Test, train, and launch
Once your content is in place, test thoroughly:
- Check for formatting issues, broken links, and missing images
- Review metadata and SEO tags
- Confirm all integrations work (APIs, forms, search, payments, etc.)
- Run load testing if high traffic is expected
- Involve users to confirm usability
Make sure your team is trained and comfortable with the new CMS.
When everything is ready, go live. Let your stakeholders know, and provide documentation and support.
With Storyblok, there’s no need to worry about ongoing maintenance. Updates are automatic, allowing your developers to focus on innovation instead of upkeep.
CMS migration FAQs
Will SEO rankings be affected?
Not if redirects, metadata, and URL structures are handled properly.
How long does a migration take?
It depends on your project scope. Most Storyblok migrations take 4 to 12 weeks.
How can we reduce disruption?
Use a phased rollout. Test thoroughly and create a fallback plan.
Why migrate now?
Today’s content teams are fast, distributed, and constantly evolving. If your CMS can’t keep up, it’s already slowing you down.
According to Forrester Consulting’s Total Economic Impact™ Study, Storyblok delivers a 582% return on investment over three years. Many companies have already made the switch, moving from WordPress, Sitecore, and Adobe Experience Manager to modern and composable systems.
