CMS Migration

Strapi

Next.js

How to Replace WordPress with Strapi and Next.js

Move from a monolithic WordPress stack to a modern headless architecture that delivers speed, security, and editorial flexibility. This guide covers architecture, migration steps, SEO preservation, and launch strategy.

Jan 16, 2026

11 min read

LogNroll Team

Engineering & Product

Why Move Off WordPress?

WordPress is flexible, but large sites often fight performance bottlenecks, security updates, and plugin dependencies. A headless CMS keeps content management in Strapi while Next.js focuses on fast delivery, predictable deployments, and modern SEO patterns.

Performance

Static generation and edge caching deliver faster page loads and better Core Web Vitals.

Security

Decouple the CMS from the public site to reduce attack surface and plugin risk.

Editorial Control

Custom content types, approvals, and granular roles without WordPress plugin sprawl.

Omnichannel

Use the same content in web, mobile, and documentation sites.

Target Architecture

The new stack separates content management from site delivery. Strapi powers editorial workflows, and Next.js renders pages with static or server-side rendering. This creates a clean boundary between authoring and performance.

Strapi CMS

Content modeling, roles, approval flows, and APIs (REST/GraphQL).

Next.js Frontend

SSR/SSG/ISR pages, SEO metadata, and optimized routes.

Infrastructure

Postgres/MySQL for Strapi, object storage for media, and CDN for assets.

Search + Analytics

Search indexing, analytics, and tracking without blocking rendering.

Migration Plan

Audit WordPress

Inventory post types, taxonomies, ACF fields, templates, and SEO plugins.

Model Content in Strapi

Create content types and components that mirror WordPress structures.

Build the Next.js UI

Create layouts and templates that consume Strapi APIs.

Migrate Content

Export from WordPress, transform to Strapi JSON, and import via API.

Preserve SEO

Match URLs, add 301 redirects, keep canonical tags, and submit sitemaps.

Launch and Monitor

Run a staged cutover and monitor traffic, errors, and index coverage.

Content Modeling Tips

Break pages into reusable components (hero, CTA, testimonials) instead of monolithic templates.
Use relations for categories, authors, and related content to mirror WordPress taxonomies.
Plan localization and preview needs early to avoid content migrations later.

SEO Preservation Checklist

URLs & Redirects

Keep slug formats the same where possible, and add 301 redirects for any changed routes.

Metadata Parity

Port titles, descriptions, Open Graph tags, canonical tags, and structured data.

Sitemaps

Generate XML sitemaps in Next.js and submit to Search Console on launch.

Tracking & Analytics

Validate analytics, pixels, and conversion events before switching traffic.

Editorial Workflow and Governance

Strapi supports roles, draft/publish workflows, and approval chains. Pair it with Next.js Preview Mode so editors can view content changes without publishing.

Roles & Permissions

Segment access for authors, editors, and publishers with fine-grained rules.

Preview & Review

Configure preview tokens and approval steps before content goes live.

Launch Strategy

Run parallel environments until content and SEO are validated. Use a staged rollout to minimize risk and preserve rankings.

Spin up staging with a full content copy and run Lighthouse/SEO audits.
Validate forms, analytics, and search across high-traffic landing pages.
Launch with 301 redirects and monitor crawl errors for the first two weeks.

Common Pitfalls

Changing URL structure without mapping redirects.
Ignoring image migration and asset storage rules.
Missing preview or draft workflow for editors.
Not validating structured data and metadata parity.
Skipping regression checks for analytics and forms.

Need Help With the Migration?

LogNroll helps teams track content performance, conversions, and user behavior after migration. If you want a faster rollout with better analytics, we can help.