Gatsby is a React-based framework for building fast sites and apps, supporting static site generation as well as SSR/DSG and a data layer that pulls from CMSs and APIs.
For many teams, though, Gatsby can introduce operational complexity: updates require builds and deployments, and build times often grow as sites scale, slowing publishing workflows.
Webflow combines a visual designer, a CMS, and hosting/CDN with built-in SEO controls (meta fields, 301 redirects, sitemap, robots.txt) that non-developers can manage. It also supports building animations visually.
As a Webflow Enterprise Partner, Composite guides migrations that keep performance and SEO safeguards front-and-center.
In this guide:
- Reasons to Migrate
- Step-by-Step Migration
- Best Practices
- Common Challenges
Gatsby vs Webflow: Reasons to Migrate
- Content bottlenecks
Gatsby content changes typically flow through a code/build pipeline (Markdown/MDX or a headless CMS → build → deploy). That cadence can slow non-technical teams. Webflow’s CMS and Editor let marketers publish without code. - Build complexity & latency
Gatsby sites must rebuild when content changes; build times can increase as sites grow, which slows CI/CD and publishing velocity. - Visual control without code
Gatsby offers full flexibility for developers, but Webflow enables complex designs and interactions visually. - SEO controls built-in
Gatsby can be excellent for performance, but SEO often involves plugins/config. Webflow exposes meta fields, redirects, sitemap, robots.txt in the UI and API. - Simpler stack
Gatsby projects often stitch together a headless CMS (e.g., Contentful) plus plugins for sourcing data. Webflow consolidates CMS + front end + hosting.
Migrating from Gatsby to Webflow: Step-by-Step Guide
Treat this as a rebuild and redesign rather than a 1:1 import (React components and build pipelines don’t directly translate).
1) Migrate the Design
- Layout: Recreate page templates (home, blog, landing pages) with Webflow components; improve UX while you’re at it.
- Global elements: Move nav, headers, footers into Symbols/components for reuse.
- Interactions: Recreate common JS/animation patterns with Webflow Interactions (visual tools).
- Responsive: Use Webflow’s responsive controls to ensure fluid layouts.
Best practices:
- Establish a global style guide and naming system early.
- Audit performance with Lighthouse and Core Web Vitals during the rebuild.
- Keep motion purposeful to protect INP/LCP.
2) Migrate the Content
Gatsby commonly sources content from Contentful/Sanity/Markdown via plugins and GraphQL. Export, normalize, and import into Webflow CMS.
Steps:
- Inventory sources (Markdown, Contentful, etc.).
- Export structured data (e.g., Contentful export via CLI; convert Markdown to CSV fields as needed).
- Model Webflow CMS collections (posts, case studies, team, etc.).
- Import & verify with Webflow’s CSV importer; check rich text, images, and slugs.
- QA formatting & media across breakpoints.
Content best practices:
- Clean data in a spreadsheet before import.
- Add alt text/semantic structure for accessibility.
- Benchmark pre-/post-migration performance with consistent test pages.
3) Migrate SEO & Integrations
- Transfer meta titles/descriptions and canonicals.
- Recreate structured data (schema) where applicable.
- Map legacy URL patterns; set 301 redirects in Webflow.
- Reconnect analytics, heatmaps (e.g., Clarity), and ad pixels; Webflow supports adding scripts without blocking render when placed appropriately.
- Enable sitemap and review robots.txt.
- Consider adding llms.txt.
SEO best practices:
- Verify in Search Console post-launch; monitor Core Web Vitals and index coverage.
- Audit top backlinks to ensure high-value pages have working redirects.
Read our post, The Complete Guide to Technical SEO in Webflow for more information.
Common Challenges
- Multi-source content: Gatsby projects often pull from multiple systems; mapping to one CMS model takes planning.
- Custom functionality: React-specific components may need a new approach using Webflow Interactions/Logic or lightweight custom code.
- Process shift: Moving from Git-driven builds to visual publishing changes team workflows (less CI friction, more in-app collaboration).
- Build expectations: If the team is used to Gatsby’s build step, remember Webflow handles hosting/CDN and instant publishing without a separate build pipeline.
Digital Solutions: Gatsby to Webflow
Migrating from Gatsby to Webflow can streamline publishing, centralize tooling, and keep performance/SEO front-of-mind with built-in controls rather than plugin stacks. For many marketing sites, this means faster iteration and fewer handoffs, while still supporting sophisticated layouts and motion.
Composite is a certified Webflow Enterprise agency based in New York. We specialize in helping businesses migrate from platforms like Gatsby to Webflow—strategically, safely, and with SEO as a priority.
Thinking about making the switch from Gatsby to Webflow? Let’s talk.
