Experiencing slow loading times on your ecommerce store? Struggling with an outdated product line and limited website functionality? Feeling outpaced by competitors?It may be the right time to consider migrating to a new ecommerce platform. In this comprehensive guide to ecommerce platform migration, we delve into all aspects of transitioning your website to a new platform, including:
Understanding Ecommerce Platform Migration
Should You Migrate Your Ecommerce Site?
Selecting the Right Ecommerce Platform
Self-Migration vs. Hiring Third-Party Assistance
Executing an Ecommerce Platform Migration
Ecommerce platform migration, also known as replatforming, involves transferring your entire ecommerce website from one platform to another, encompassing site data, content, and integrations.Why would businesses opt for new platforms and is it a viable option for you? Migrating your site is a significant decision.It involves financial investment, time, and effort, as well as potential risks and a learning curve. However, staying on a subpar platform can be far more costly in the long term.Consider the costs and benefits of migrating your website to determine if it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Here are some reasons why you might need to upgrade to a new platform:
Poor Performance: If your site’s performance is hindered by its current platform, an upgrade may be necessary, especially if it experiences slow loading times or technical issues.
Outdated Technology: Rapid technological advancements mean older platforms may lack essential modern features, compelling businesses to switch to keep pace with competitors.
Business Growth: As your company expands, your existing platform may no longer suffice, necessitating a more robust solution to support your growing needs.
Increased Efficiency: Migrating to a new platform could offer significant efficiency improvements, whether through automation, enhanced analytics, or simplified content management.
Evaluate the potential benefits in these areas and weigh them against the costs, including:
Platform costs
Site maintenance expenses
Specialist hiring costs
Time required for the transition
Choosing the right platform for migration is critical. Consider the following factors when selecting a new ecommerce platform:
Stakeholder Input: Engage with various stakeholders and departments to understand their requirements for the ecommerce platform.
Features and Capabilities: Compare the offerings of each platform and select one that aligns with your company’s needs.
Compatibility and Integrations: Ensure the chosen platform integrates seamlessly with current and future tools.
Team Expertise: Select a platform that aligns with your team’s skill level and familiarity.
Long-Term Viability: Choose a platform that can support your business in the long term and adapt to technological changes.
Customer Support: Evaluate the quality and accessibility of customer support provided by each platform.
Deciding whether to perform the migration in-house or hire professionals is a crucial consideration. If you opt for self-migration, dedicate ample time to planning to avoid data loss. Assess your team’s comfort and experience with tasks like setting up a new site, backing up data, and transferring it to the new platform.Hiring a data migration company can be beneficial if you prefer to outsource the process and allocate your time to other tasks. Some companies offer comprehensive services, including data migration and new site design.When migrating your website, follow these steps:
Plan the migration process
Catalog existing content
Design the new site
Backup your data
Migrate your data
Integrate plugins, email, and other tools
Test the website
Launch the new site
Notify existing customers
Monitor results
Ecommerce replatforming demands meticulous planning. Outline your migration scope and consider changes to your site, such as navigation or product categorization.Ensure access to your domain and SSL certificate, plan for URL changes, and set up 301 redirects to maintain search engine rankings and user access.Organize content for migration and design your new site with the new platform in mind, testing it on a staging site.Backup your site before migrating data, using FTP for static files and database import for dynamic sites. Adjust content or structure as needed.Connect additional tools like checkout platforms and chatbots, and test all elements thoroughly.Launch your new site during off-peak hours and prepare for potential bugs. Keep a backup of your old site for reference.Inform customers about the migration and monitor website performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console.Ecommerce platform migration is a substantial undertaking, but careful planning and adherence to this guide can lead to a successful transition.For professional assistance with your ecommerce replatforming, consider WebFX. With over 28 years of digital marketing experience and a team of over 500 experts in web design, development, and SEO, we can help streamline your migration process. Contact us online or at 888-601-5359 to learn more.
