Migrating from Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) to Webflow is a strategic upgrade that reduces technical overhead, accelerates marketing workflows, and improves design agility. The process includes auditing existing AEM content, exporting structured assets, building a scalable Webflow CMS architecture, importing content with precise field mapping, and optimizing for speed, SEO, and future scalability.

What is the best way to migrate from AEM to Webflow?

The best way to migrate from AEM to Webflow is to follow a structured, phased approach: conduct a content audit, export AEM assets in structured formats, build your Webflow CMS architecture to match content types, import and map fields, optimize performance, and conduct QA before launch. This approach minimizes errors and ensures a smooth transition.

Why do companies move from AEM to Webflow?

Organizations switch from AEM to Webflow to reduce cost, simplify operations, and give marketing teams more autonomy. AEM’s steep learning curve and dependency on engineering slow updates and increase operational spend. Webflow combines design freedom with a visual CMS that empowers teams, improving speed-to-market and reducing technical bottlenecks.

What should you prepare before migrating from AEM to Webflow?

Before migrating from AEM to Webflow, define goals, audit content, secure necessary tools, and set up roles. Preparation reduces friction, prevents data loss, and speeds implementation.

Key preparation tasks

  • Understand AEM limitations: complexity, training overhead, slow publishing, and high cost.
  • Set up accounts: Webflow, FTP access (if relevant), and content audit tools.
  • Initial Webflow setup: project, template, SEO settings, and domain configuration.
  • Time expectations: 1–2 hrs setup, 2–4 hrs configuration, 4–8 hrs familiarization.
  • Role assignments: PM, content team, IT/engineering support.

How do you export content from AEM for a Webflow migration?

You can export content from AEM using AEM’s export tools to generate structured XML or JSON files, ensuring that text, media, and metadata are preserved. Validate exports against your content audit to avoid gaps.

Steps to export from AEM

  1. Use AEM’s Content Export tool.
  2. Export key content types in XML or JSON.
  3. Include images, documents, and linked media.
  4. Validate against your audit.
  5. Test a small export batch before full migration.

Common export issues

  • Missing assets
  • Incomplete field mappings
  • Formatting inconsistencies

How do you build the right Webflow structure for imported AEM content?

The best structure mirrors your AEM content types using Webflow CMS Collections. A solid structure ensures smooth imports, clean navigation, and long-term scalability.

Critical steps

  • Design hierarchy: logical page structure, descriptive URLs.
  • Create CMS Collections: define fields that match AEM structures.
  • Build navigation: consistent labels, clean IA.
  • Design templates: reusable, brand-aligned CMS templates.

How do you import AEM content into Webflow?

Import AEM content into Webflow by aligning your XML/JSON export with Webflow CMS fields, using Webflow’s import tool, and verifying each imported item for formatting and accuracy.

Import steps

  1. Upload exported files via Webflow CMS importer.
  2. Map each AEM field to its Webflow counterpart.
  3. Import batches of content.
  4. QA imported entries for formatting and visuals.

How to ensure visual consistency

  • Verify images
  • Check typography and spacing
  • Review brand elements on templates

What advanced optimization steps should you take after migration?

After migrating, optimize performance, SEO, and scalability to improve user experience and long-term maintainability.

Performance optimization

SEO optimization

Scalability practices

What challenges typically arise when migrating from AEM to Webflow?

Common issues include data loss, formatting mismatches, URL inconsistencies, and structural differences between platforms. Early detection and backups help mitigate risks.

Diagnostic approaches

  • Automated scans
  • User feedback loops
  • Manual QA passes

Recovery strategies

  • Rollback to the prior version
  • Re-import affected collections
  • Replace broken links or formatting

How do you measure the success of an AEM-to-Webflow migration?

Success is measured by improvements in UX, publishing speed, site performance, and cost savings. Track engagement metrics, conversions, and internal operational efficiency.

Success indicators

ROI considerations

  • Reduced engineering hours
  • Lower CMS licensing costs
  • Increased revenue from better UX

What should you do after completing your Webflow migration?

Post-migration, continue optimizing through audits, design refinements, and testing new Webflow features.

Ongoing improvement

  • Quarterly audits
  • Template evolution
  • Team training refreshers

Migration Checklist

  1. Audit AEM content
  2. Export structured content
  3. Build Webflow CMS architecture
  4. Import and map content
  5. Optimize speed + SEO
  6. QA and validate
  7. Measure performance
  8. Continue iterating

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Organizations that follow this systematic approach successfully migrate to Webflow while maintaining search rankings, preserving content value, and improving their web presence.

The migration process typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on site size and complexity. While the process requires an investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits—improved maintainability, better user experience, and reduced technical overhead—make it a worthwhile move for many organizations.

Ready to start your migration? Contact us and let’s talk about your project.

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FAQs About Migrating from AEM to Webflow

1. Is Webflow a good replacement for AEM?

Yes. Webflow offers faster publishing, lower cost, and easier content management without heavy engineering dependencies.

2. How long does an AEM to Webflow migration take?

Most migrations take 3–6 weeks, depending on site size, content volume, and CMS complexity.

3. What content should I migrate from AEM?

Focus on high-impact pages, evergreen assets, key landing pages, blogs, and media files. Archive outdated material.

4. Does Webflow support enterprise-level scalability?

Yes. Webflow accommodates thousands of CMS records, security controls, and integrations required for enterprise teams.

5. What happens to AEM URLs?

You can preserve SEO by setting up 301 redirects in Webflow to maintain link equity.