Difficulties of online store migration
You can’t migrate an online store to another engine without good reasons. For example, it doesn’t make sense to switch to another platform just because you liked it. This can lead to loss of customers and other complications. Therefore, you should change the platform only if there are serious reasons. This service is ordered as part of the ecommerce development services package if the site does not meet the owner’s needs.
For example, if the business has expanded, you will have to review the functionality of the site. Also, the site may not cope with the tasks set. This problem is especially relevant for self-written projects, and not for large CMS. Such sites are created for specific functions and are completely dependent on the developer. They are difficult and expensive to upgrade and supplement with new tools. It will be easier to switch to a full-fledged platform.
Frequent complications during the transition
Migration to a new engine entails many complications, for example:
- the traffic to the web resource decreases sharply;
- positions in search engines fall;
- many functions and tools that were in the old online store stop working;
- the site becomes vulnerable to intruders;
- most internal links stop working.
Due to changes in links, pages will not be displayed correctly. For example, product photos may become unavailable because the links to them have changed. If you have modules with the most popular products on your main page, they will also stop working (because they display visual content via links). Therefore, you need to minimize the consequences of the transfer in order to maintain positions in search engines and not lose customers.
Recommendations for moving to a new platform
First, you need to compare different platforms and consider their pros and cons. Don’t grab the first option you come across just because of the pretty ad. Consider all the capabilities of the platform and compare them with your goals. If the platform is able to provide the necessary functionality, you can start migrating.
To move with minimal losses, you need to:
- Set up redirects correctly. If you don’t do this, users will often encounter errors. This will scare off even regular customers of the online store.
- Create templates for links that are as similar as possible to the old addresses. Links will change in any case after moving to a new platform. But they can be made similar to previous versions.
- Transfer all visual and text content from the old site. These materials have a beneficial effect on the promotion of the site. If they are not saved, traffic will drop sharply.
- Adapt the design. It is not recommended to radically change the online store template, as this will negatively affect positions in search engines.
- Re-configure analytics.
Before starting the move, be sure to make copies of the pages of the old online store. This will help avoid data loss. Start migration only if you are confident in your knowledge and skills. If you have any doubts, it is better to entrust this task to professionals.
