Migrating your online business to a new platform can be equally exciting and intimidating. Since you have chosen to upgrade to Magento 2, you can rest assured that your online store is in the right hands. However, before finalizing the move, it is wise to consider a few aspects of the platform change.
Let us guide you through some useful points that can help you make the moving process smooth and seamless.
Assess the Compatibility of All Your Themes and Extensions
Prior to migrating your Magento store to a new platform or version, it is essential to determine whether the extensions and themes you use will work with Magento 2. Ascertain the compatibility to ensure your store can function properly and use the same features after the move. Failing to do so could result in certain extensions or themes not working properly or even causing errors on the new platform.
Do not hesitate to reach out to the extension developers for guidance. They will be able to provide information on whether their extensions are compatible or if any updates are planned. They might also have a Magento 2-compatible product serving the same purpose already.
Regarding theme migration, you can contact the theme developers to inquire about the theme’s compatibility and the availability of updated versions. If your theme is incompatible with Magento 2, you must find an alternative or hire someone to design a brand new, custom theme for your store from scratch.
Consider the Impact on SEO
Migrating a website can have a detrimental effect on its SEO if not done properly. Ensuring that the migration process does not negatively affect your website’s visibility and search engine rankings is crucial. This includes ensuring that all relevant content is transferred over properly, metadata is preserved, and redirects from old URLs are set up to point to the corresponding new pages.
Fortunately, in the case of Magento 2, several built-in features are available to help build SEO-friendly URLs. Utilize that to minimize the negative impact that the migration might have. Remember to optimize your website appropriately, as load speed and mobile responsiveness can also impact search engine rankings!
Avoid moving your store during busy seasons when you know you will experience a high volume of traffic. This can lead to disruptions in the user experience and could negatively impact your sales and customer satisfaction in the future. Your customers do not want to experience site downtime when they are making their holiday purchases.
There may be a period in which your traffic may be lower than usual after changing to Magento 2. This should not worry you, though, as it is a normal occurrence during website migration.
Remember About CRM and ERP Integration
Integrating your Magento 2 store with CRM or ERP systems can significantly improve business operations by streamlining processes, improving data accuracy, and enhancing customer experience. CRM systems allow for effective customer relationship management, sales tracking, and personalized marketing campaigns. ERP is essential for resource planning, inventory management, and financial monitoring. By integrating these systems with your store after moving platforms, you can make sure that your business operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently.
When you migrate to Magento 2, synchronizing data between your store and your CRM or ERP systems eliminates the need for manual data entry, thus reducing the risk of human error in the process. It also saves a reasonable amount of time, as your employees will be able to work on more important tasks when digital systems handle your data automatically.
Carefully Evaluate the Costs
Everyone likes to save money. Unnecessary spending is something that every business wants to avoid. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate your budget and migration costs before starting with the actual work.
There is no specific formula for calculating the costs that your Magento 2 migration will incur, as it depends on various factors, such as the amount of data that needs to be migrated, the number of staff involved in the process, and the complexity of your current system. When calculating, think about the total expenditure, including any possible recurring expenses like maintenance and support.
Any help from external companies like consulting services or professional Magento support services should also be taken into account. These can significantly impact the overall cost but can save time and other resources, so consider what your priority is.
Prepare a Thorough Migration Strategy
You can’t just dive head-first into the platform migration process. Without proper planning, the project may fail, with disastrous consequences for your business. Because of the intricacy of the whole undertaking, creating a thorough migration strategy is crucial.
Define clear objectives and goals for the process, as well as a timeline and budget. Prepare strategies to overcome any potential obstacles or challenges that may arise throughout the migration. You can use flowcharts, diagrams, or other visual aids to help visualize the migration process. Make it as understandable and accessible as possible for all stakeholders involved.
Remember that the platform switching may impact various aspects of your business, not only the store itself. Consider hiring a team of experts or consultants who specialize in Magento 2 to make the process smooth and efficient.
Store owners who are concerned about whether external developers will be up to the task of migrating their store should seek out reputable development agencies or Magento support services with platform migration experience. Seek out the reviews, client testimonials, and portfolio of successful projects to ensure you are only hiring the best. Case studies can also be a good indicator of a company’s capabilities and expertise. See an example of such a case here: Home Decore Magento Store.
Magento 2 Migration: Is It Worth The Hassle?
Although it may be a daunting task, upgrading your online store to Magento 2 is definitely worth it. While there are challenges involved in migration, Magento 2 can offer improved performance, enhanced user experience, and access to new features. It can change how your online store operates and help you stay competitive in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry.
If you are wondering if you should invest the time and effort into the migration, consider the long-term benefits that can be gained. If you prepare adequately and ensure you work with experienced professionals, you will be able to enjoy your store in its new and improved state in no time.
