Case study: Migrating from Readme for API docs

Updated Mar 25, 2026

DailyStory published their original API docs to Readme in 2019 under the domain dev.dailystory.com.

Readme was a great solution for their technical documentation at that time. However, DailyStory never required all the advanced functionality that Readme offered. In August of 2025 they began to evaluate alternatives that were both simpler and most cost-effective.

In September they selected HelpGuides as their new API documentation platform. The same platform they were already using for DailyStory's user documentation.

Migrating to HelpGuides for REST API documentation

In mid-September DailyStory started the migration of their technical documentation from Readme to HelpGuides. This migration took 2 weeks and moved 127 documented REST endpoints from Readme to HelpGuides. Additionally there were several articles that needed to be moved as well.

Challenges with the migration

Readme provided an export of all the technical documentation in Markdown format. And while this was easily imported, it wasn't quite as simple as they had hoped. While content and code snippets were easily migrated, individual API details, such as header or query string parameters, were manually copied one-by-one.

For example, the About REST end point which provides a simple, reliable REST API that does not require authorization required each parameter, such as tenant, to be copied directly.

However, even this was fairly painless, and provided an opportunity to review the API endpoints, grammar and details while moving the documentation.

Missing Functionality

Missing from HelpGuides API documentation is sample code and the ability to test end points in real time. However, neither of these were requirements as most of DailyStory's customers were not using this Readme functionality in the API documentation.

Nevertheless, adding support for testing the endpoints and auto-generating code samples is on the roadmap for HelpGuides API documentation tools.

Benefits from the migration to HelpGuides

The most immediate benefits, besides cost, was the simplicity of HelpGuides platform. With none of the unnecessary enterprise-level integrations and features, it was easy for the DailyStory team to rapidly migrate, review and publish updated API documentation.

URL structure maintained for SEO

The URL structure between Readme and HelpGuides was maintained such that there were no broken URLs after the migration. While some endpoints weren't fully migrated, DailyStory was able to reserve the URLs for future use with draft articles.

Clear examples of JSON request and response structures

DailyStory's example of the HTTP request body or the HTTP response on Readme were often difficult to find. Many customers working with DailyStory's API reported frustration with having to dig through confusing menus and drop-downs to see simple JSON examples used in the request or response.

Granted, Readme does a great job at taking the request body and turning it into a set of parameters, but sometimes customers just wanted to see the native JSON. And this is easily addressed in HelpGuides.

Custom HTML, JavaScript and CSS included

While Readme does allow for custom HTML, JavaScript and CSS, it required a higher tier license than what DailyStory had been on. These features are included by default along with a custom domain name in HelpGuides.

Simpler Search and AI generated answers

The DailyStory team appreciated the simpler search tools and AI generated answers that are included by default in HelpGuides.

Looking for a better, affordable alternative to Readme?

Consider HelpGuides. You'll find it to be an excellent solution for your API documentation. Take a look at DailyStory's REST API documentation to see HelpGuides in action.