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Platform Modernization

Legacy WordPress Migration

Migrate legacy WordPress to Astro or Next.js. The WordPress REST API isn't built for modern apps—full migration is usually cleaner than headless.

Compare options
15+ years PHP/WordPress
This site runs on Astro
Full migration recommended

Why we recommend migration over headless

WordPress REST API works, but it's clunky. Pagination requires manual handling. Custom fields need plugins. Authentication is bolted on. Headless WordPress adds complexity without eliminating plugin debt.

For most legacy WordPress sites, full migration to Astro or Next.js is the cleaner path. You eliminate plugin maintenance, get modern tooling, and unlock AI features without fighting the WordPress API.

Three paths for legacy WordPress

Astro for content sites. Next.js for AI-powered apps. Headless only if you must keep WordPress.

Recommended · 6-12 weeks

Migrate to Astro

Best for content-heavy sites

Full migration from legacy WordPress to Astro. Exceptional performance, zero plugin maintenance, modern developer experience.

Pros

  • + Exceptional Core Web Vitals—static by default
  • + Zero plugins to maintain or patch
  • + This site runs on Astro (we practice what we preach)

Cons

  • − Limited interactivity (not for app-like UX)
  • − No built-in AI streaming (use Next.js for RAG)
  • − Editors use Git/MDX or headless CMS

For AI platforms · 10-16 weeks

Migrate to Next.js

Best for AI-powered apps

Full migration from legacy WordPress to Next.js + Prisma. Add RAG, chat, agents, and interactive dashboards.

Pros

  • + Native AI integrations (Vercel AI SDK, streaming)
  • + Full-stack TypeScript, easier hiring
  • + Best for: dashboards, portals, AI-powered features

Cons

  • − Higher upfront investment than Astro
  • − More complexity than content sites need
  • − Requires auth migration (Clerk, Auth0)

If you must keep WP · 8-14 weeks

Headless WordPress

When migration isn't possible

Keep WordPress as headless CMS, build Next.js frontend. You manage WP hosting and plugins—we build the frontend.

Pros

  • + Editors keep familiar WordPress admin
  • + Lower initial investment than full migration
  • + Works if compliance requires WordPress

Cons

  • − REST API requires workarounds for pagination, auth
  • − Still maintaining plugins and hosting
  • − Usually transitional, not a stable end state

How to choose

Content-heavy site (blog, docs, marketing)? → Migrate to Astro

Need AI features (RAG, chat, agents)? → Migrate to Next.js

Compliance requires WordPress? → Headless WP (you maintain hosting)

WordPress headless is usually transitional. The REST API wasn't designed for decoupled architectures. Most teams are happier after full migration.

WordPress to Astro guide

Step-by-step walkthrough covering content export, component rebuild, and deployment strategies for teams migrating legacy WordPress to Astro.

Read the migration guide →

FAQ

Why migrate instead of going headless? +
WordPress REST API works but it's clunky—pagination, authentication, and custom fields all require workarounds. Headless adds complexity without eliminating plugin debt. For most sites, full migration to Astro or Next.js is cleaner.
When should we choose Astro vs Next.js? +
Astro for content-heavy sites (blogs, docs, marketing) where speed and SEO matter most. Next.js when you need AI features (RAG, chat, agents) or app-like interactivity. This site runs on Astro.
What happens to our WordPress content? +
We export via REST API or database dump, migrate to Markdown/MDX or a modern CMS (Sanity, Payload), and preserve all media. URLs get 301 redirects, SEO metadata carries forward.
Will we lose SEO rankings? +
Not when handled properly. We preserve permalinks with redirects, migrate metadata, and submit new sitemaps. Most sites see improved rankings thanks to better Core Web Vitals.
How long does WordPress migration take? +
Astro migrations: 6-12 weeks. Next.js migrations: 10-16 weeks. We run both stacks in parallel so there's no downtime during cutover.

Ready to migrate?

Start with an assessment. We'll audit your legacy WordPress site and recommend the right migration path—Astro for content, Next.js for AI.

Request proposal