The Best Practices for Web2 to Web3 Migration

Think of the early internet as a shopping mall: many stores (websites) organized by hallways and signs (domains). 

In Web2, most of the mall is managed by a handful of owners (registrars, DNS providers) who set rules and control access. Web3 changes the model. Instead of leasing a store, you own the unit outright. On-chain, that unit is your domain name.

Because of decentralization and user ownership, interest in Web3 domains is rising. Many businesses and creators are exploring how to move from Web2 to Web3. This guide outlines practical steps and good habits for migrating while keeping control of your digital identity.

Understanding Web2 and Web3 differences

Web2 domains, also known as traditional internet domains (like example.com), operate under the global DNS. You lease a name from a registrar, rely on a centralized registry, and the name can expire if you stop renewing. The rules sit with third parties.

Web3 domains (for example, yourname.eth, brand.hod) are blockchain assets held in a wallet. They live outside the DNS hierarchy and follow a distributed model. Ownership is direct: once you hold the tokenized name, you control it.

Traditional DNS records point to servers (A, CNAME) and support email (MX) or verification (TXT). Web3 names can also map to wallet addresses, decentralized storage, and other on-chain resources. In short, you move from renting an address under others’ rules to owning an identifier under yours.

Why migrate from Web2 to Web3

• Security and ownership. Web2 domains depend on registrars and registries. Takedowns or policy changes can disrupt access. With Web3 names, control follows the wallet keys.
• Digital identity and portability. A musician can register artistname.eth or artistname.hodl and use it for payments, profile links, and verification. A company can map brand.eth to decentralized assets so the name travels across platforms.
• Interoperability and independence. As more services accept wallet-based identifiers, a Web3 domain works across apps without depending solely on centralized infrastructure.
• Future readiness. Moving now helps establish long-term ownership of an online identity that can integrate with new tools and services.

Preparation before migration

• Back up everything. Export current DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT), download site files, and back up databases.
• Review hosting and CMS. Identify managed services, plugins, or integrations that may not work with decentralized storage. Plan alternatives.
• Plan for minimal downtime. Choose a low-traffic window. If possible, perform a dry run. Let users know what will change.
• Audit security. Use strong passwords, 2FA, and current software. A move to Web3 still benefits from solid Web2 security basics.

Technical steps and good practices

1) Set up a Web3 wallet

Pick a wallet compatible with your target chain. During setup, create a strong password, store the recovery phrase offline, secure private keys, and add funds for fees if needed.

2) Register a Web3 domain

Choose a name and a top‑level domain (TLD) that fits your audience. With a registrar that supports Web3 domains, submit the transaction to mint the name on-chain.

3) Use decentralized storage (e.g., IPFS)

Upload site files to a decentralized storage network and record the resulting content hash (CID). Configure your Web3 name’s records (via the resolver or registrar UI) to point to that CID.

4) Configure bridging so Web2 users can still reach you

Many users access sites with standard browsers. Use DNS bridging so both paths resolve to the same content.

• Keep your Web2 domain (e.g., brand.com) active. Point it to your decentralized site or a landing page.
• Configure the Web3 resolver so brand.eth resolves to the same content on decentralized storage.
• If you maintain a traditional server, ensure both the Web2 domain and the Web3 domain route cleanly to it while you transition.
  
  

5) Test and monitor

Check resolution across browsers and devices. Verify wallet-based flows if you use them. Monitor uptime and performance. Confirm fallback paths work.

Maintaining a hybrid Web2–Web3 setup

A staged migration reduces risk. Keep your Web2 presence active while introducing the Web3 name.

• Keep email on your Web2 domain if needed (e.g., info@brand.com) while the site becomes reachable at both brand.com and brand.eth.
• Provide clear messaging about the new address and why it exists.
• Review and update integrations that rely on your domain (analytics, payments, OAuth, embedded apps).
  
  

Communication and education

Notify users before changes go live. Explain what is changing and how to access the new address. Provide a short FAQ, such as:

• Do I need a wallet to view the site? No. We maintain access via brand.com while we add brand.eth.
• Will old bookmarks still work? Yes. We redirect traffic appropriately during the transition.
• How do I verify our official name? Publish the official Web3 name on your site and socials.

Keep the language straightforward and avoid jargon. Share a timeline so users know when redirects start and how long both addresses will coexist.

Ongoing management and security

• Wallet safety. Store recovery phrases offline. For high-value names, consider a hardware wallet and multi‑sig where supported.
• Upgrades. Track registrar or resolver updates and follow recommended upgrade paths.
• Backups. Keep local copies of site files and data, even if you host on decentralized storage.
• Term checks. Some Web3 domains are one-time purchases. Confirm renewal or maintenance terms for your TLD.
• Integrations. Periodically review where your name is linked (social profiles, wallets, dApps) and update as needed.
• Brand protection. Monitor for confusingly similar names across ecosystems and chains.

Closing note

Migrating from Web2 to Web3 is a shift from leasing to owning your online identity. 

With careful backups, a secure wallet, a minted domain, bridging for Web2 access, clear communication, and ongoing stewardship, you can move without disrupting users while gaining direct control over your name.

Freename, the first ICANN-accredited Web3 registrar, make this process easier by providing tools for registration, bridging, and decentralized DNS integration—helping users and brands secure their Web3 identities with full ownership and no renewal fees.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it expensive to move from Web2 to Web3?
   Costs depend on the domain TLD, gas fees, and whether you use decentralized storage. Many names and IPFS hosting options remain affordable.
2. Can I keep my .com domain and add a Web3 domain?
   Yes. You can maintain both simultaneously. Many projects do this for accessibility and SEO continuity.
3. What happens if I lose access to my wallet?
   Losing private keys can mean losing control of your domain. Always back up recovery phrases and consider multi‑sig or shared custody for organizations.
4. Do Web3 domains expire?
   Some are permanent, others require renewal depending on the TLD’s policy. Check before purchase.
5. Can users visit my Web3 site without a crypto wallet?
   Yes. Through DNS bridging or gateway links, users can reach decentralized sites via normal browsers.
6. Is Web3 migration suitable for all businesses?
   Not necessarily. Businesses reliant on heavy database operations or dynamic content may prefer a hybrid setup first.

Note: Freename Web3 domains generally have no renewal fees. Ownership is permanent once minted, though specific TLD policies may vary. For mirrored Web2–Web3 pairs, if the Web2 domain is lost or transferred, the linked Web3 version may also be affected.