Can webflow users move their blog from a subdomain to a subdirectory on their website? If so, what steps should be taken and are there any precautions to be aware of?

Published on
September 22, 2023

Moving a Webflow Blog from a Subdomain to a Subdirectory

Yes, Webflow users have the ability to move their blog from a subdomain to a subdirectory on their website. This can be done following some specific steps, ensuring that the move is handled smoothly and any potential issues are addressed. Here's a guide on how to accomplish this:

  1. Evaluate the Impact: Before making any changes, it's essential to assess the potential impact of this move on your website's traffic and SEO. Consider factors such as URL structure, backlinks, rankings, and the potential for any broken internal or external links.

  2. Backup Your Website: It's always recommended to have a backup of your website before making any significant changes. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that you can revert to the previous setup if any issues arise during the move.

  3. Install Webflow CMS: You need to have the Webflow CMS activated on your website in order to move your blog from a subdomain to a subdirectory. If you haven't done so already, follow the steps to enable the CMS on your site.

  4. Create the Subdirectory: From your Webflow project dashboard, go to the Pages panel and add a new page. Set the URL for the new page as the desired subdirectory name (e.g., yourwebsite.com/blog). This will create a subdirectory where your blog content will be moved.

  5. Set up Collection: In the Pages panel, create a new Collection for your blog. This will allow you to manage and publish your blog posts from the CMS. Customize the Collection's fields according to your blog structure (e.g., title, author, date, content, tags, etc.).

  6. Transfer Blog Posts: In the Webflow CMS, navigate to the "Collections" tab and select the blog Collection. Transfer your existing blog posts from the subdomain to the new Collection in the subdirectory.

  7. Update Links and Navigation: Make sure that any internal links, navigation menus, or buttons referencing your blog content are updated to reflect the new subdirectory structure.

  8. Redirections: Set up 301 redirects from the old blog URLs on the subdomain to the new URLs in the subdirectory. This ensures that any existing backlinks or bookmarks will be redirected seamlessly, preserving SEO value.

  9. Test and Validate: Before making the changes live, thoroughly test the new setup to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. Verify that the blog posts are accessible from the subdirectory and that any redirects are working as intended.

  10. Monitor and Update: After the migration, monitor your website's performance using tools like Google Analytics and search console. Keep a close eye on any unexpected drops in traffic or any issues that may arise. If needed, address and adjust any potential SEO-related issues that may have occurred during the move.

It's worth noting that moving your blog from a subdomain to a subdirectory can have SEO implications. It may cause temporary fluctuations in search rankings as search engines reindex your website's new structure. To mitigate potential issues, follow SEO best practices and be diligent in monitoring the impact of the migration.