Migrate 40+ Legacy WordPress Sites to Contentful CMS and Next.js Framework

Goals for Next.js/Contentful Migration

Building a Centralised, Secure, and High-Performance Platform

As part of the NRMA development team, we embarked on a significant project to streamline NRMA Parks and Resorts' digital presence, which includes over 50 parks and multiple resorts across Australia. This large-scale migration aimed to unify multiple WordPress sites into a single, centralised Contentful platform, benefiting both content editors and end users by ensuring that content was accessible, cohesive, and secure. The move to Next.js and Contentful enabled the NRMA team to manage all properties from one efficient hub, eliminating reliance on outdated, plugin-heavy WordPress sites.

Working closely with NRMA stakeholders, we analysed current workflows and mapped a robust plan to develop content models that aligned with NRMA's needs. Through this collaborative process, we delivered a scalable solution that not only simplifies content management but also optimises the overall user experience. By leveraging Next.js for front-end development, we achieved a highly performant codebase designed to facilitate seamless upgrades and rapid feature implementations. This migration has created a solid foundation, supporting NRMA’s mission of delivering exceptional, uniform experiences across all properties.

Approach

Custom Content Model and Scalable Architecture with Next.js and Contentful

With Contentful's headless CMS architecture, we developed custom content components specifically tailored for NRMA. Moving beyond WordPress plugins, we created reusable and brand-specific modules that meet NRMA’s high standards for precision and user experience. The disseminated content model allows NRMA to share core brand content across multiple properties while maintaining the flexibility to adjust as needed.

This centralised content approach empowers NRMA to distribute information seamlessly across multiple channels, maximising reach and maintaining brand consistency. Additionally, Contentful’s API allows NRMA to quickly respond to market changes, empowering their team to adjust and distribute content across all platforms from a single source—an essential feature for any growing, user-focused brand.

Proactive Error Handling

Leveraging Real-Time Error Detection to Improve Reliability and Revenue

For a system of this scale, proactive error handling is essential. By implementing DataDog for error logging, our team established a rigorous error detection system to identify and address issues across platforms before they impact users. This approach enables real-time identification of bugs and continuous monitoring, ensuring NRMA’s online presence remains both secure and reliable.

Moving from WordPress’s plugin-heavy ecosystem to a streamlined, API-driven architecture also allowed us to address ongoing security challenges. The migration reduced vulnerabilities associated with plugin incompatibility and mitigated data breach risks, safeguarding NRMA's brand reputation and user data. This proactive strategy not only enhances user experience but also strengthens the integrity of NRMA’s services, ensuring that online interactions remain secure and uninterrupted.

Precision Messaging and Brand Control

Achieving Consistent Brand Identity with Tailored Content Delivery

We meticulously designed NRMA’s custom content components to ensure a pixel-perfect representation, aligning with detailed Figma specifications. Unlike traditional CMS solutions, our components are crafted specifically for NRMA’s brand, offering a high degree of control over every visual and textual element. This enables precise messaging and brand alignment across all channels, ensuring that NRMA’s identity remains clear and recognisable throughout the user experience.

By implementing a "create once, distribute multiple times" model, the NRMA team can craft messages that are consistently aligned with brand standards and can be easily shared across various properties. This model optimises resources and amplifies reach, allowing NRMA to maintain a strong market presence with minimal redundancy in content creation efforts.