Hi, there! Are you one of the many online store owners whose support for Magento 1 has been recently brought to an end? You are now practically faced with the challenge of ecommerce migration! If you still have not upgraded to Magento 2 maybe you still have a better option!
Migrating your ecommerce platform is a serious act, and it usually takes its time, efforts and money. Why not resolve it all at once for the long term? If you think it over, this may appear as a blessing in disguise!
If you already are a Magento user you may have probably convinced yourself that the platform has both pros and cons. And indeed, there are other solutions out there which can save you all the trouble related to, let’s say, big development investment!
Today, we make a brief comparison between Magento and Shopify. We focus on the case of Magento to Shopify migration in particular. We outline some main reasons to consider it in detail. Then, we see how to best streamline Shopify migration in 7 simple steps.
The evaluation of Magento and Shopify already is a buzz theme in ecommerce. Yet, recalling some basic facts may ease your decision. If you would like to start researching the topic on your own, look here and enjoy!
Let’s see how the story goes.
Magento vs Shopify at a Glance
Both Magento and Shopify are popular ecommerce platforms, serving clients of different needs. Yet, which one leads the game? Our answer is clear – in the long run, you will be much better off with Shopify. But why?
Well, although we are probably biased, Shopify is an all-in package, providing premium ease-of-use, coupled with high performance, security and ecommerce functionalities. Here, you do not have to worry about additional services such as hosting, development or maintenance.
Further, Shopify is well backed-up with additional professional templates and tools, as well as plugins and apps which can resolve almost any additional issue you encounter. It offers fixed and all-inclusive pricing which often is the more cost-effective option in the long run.
Magento, on the other hand, although open-source and free, does require development, maintenance and support investment. Here, for example, you certainly cover your hosting on your own. All of this incurs additional expenditure for services, which can make your experience costly.
With Magento, you may also encounter performance issues during peak times with no support to rely on. Finally, using all platform functionalities involves a high learning curve and this complicates its implementation in the long term.
As a Shopify agency, we have witnessed Magento to Shopify migration as a frequent practice. The main benefits from migration for the online store owner are improved ease-of-use, enhanced performance and security, and price predictability. And this brings in tangible results!
Are you ready to set off on a new journey for enhanced ecommerce resources?
A Basic Checklist for Magento to Shopify Migration
How Challenging is it to Decide on a Migration Project?
No wonder changing your ecommerce platform may look frightening! And it partially is, indeed! Your work in ecommerce web development, SEO copy, and overall positioning do require serious risk analysis.
Our good news is that an effective Magento to Shopify migration has been tested out for years and it works. You can keep all of your achievements and even boost them further. Besides, we are also here to help you out during the migration process should you need any help.
If you prefer investigating the option yourself first, you may immediately do so by trying the free 14-day Shopify’s trial version.
7 Steps for Best Magento to Shopify Migration
Based on both our practice and industry awareness, we have collected these simple 7 steps, with which you can make the migration process simple, comprehensive and achievable. You can even attempt it on your own.
1. Set up a Shopify Account – if you are new to Shopify, you may initially pick up its basic plan. If it turns out that you need more advanced features, you may always upgrade later on.
2. Backup Your Store (in Magento) – you have to make sure that all your current ecommerce data is safe and secure. No matter if your hosting provider does back-up for you, you better create your local backup copy from the Magento’s Admin sidebar: “System>Tools>Backups”.
3. Choose a migration app – as a next step, you have to pick up the app with which you are going to perform your ecommerce migration. You can choose from several proven options such as “Import Store”, “Excelify”, “OEasy”, “Ablestar Bulk”, etc. We suggest that you go for the first one.
4. Export Data (from Magento) – preparing your data file for export is probably one of the most painstaking steps in the process. You have to revisit Magento’s admin panel and follow: “System>Data Transfer>Export”. Here, however, you will need to repeat the export process separately for your Products, Customers, and Customer Data. Depending on your migration app, you have to choose between generating an XML or CVS. If using the Import Store app, do choose the XML.
5. Import Data (to Shopify) – now, you will have to start operating your new Shopify Account. Go to your admin panel, click on “Apps > Import Store”, and then select “Magento” from the drop-down menu. Go to “Upload Files>Add File” to select your Magento export. To finish the process, select “Continue import>Import”.
6. Review (Imported) Data – although you are almost done now, sometimes there may be omissions of data or other issues. That is why you have to review your imported data. If you encounter any loss of data you may add it manually under the respective category. You may also install some specific apps such as Bundle Products and Discount to resolve any related issues if needed.
7. Complete Your New Shopify Design – finally, it is time to design your new online store. You can do so by picking up one of the free Shopify themes and explore its user-friendly options. Why don’t you try some new apps such as DragDropr?
Are you impatient to see the outcome? Once you are finished, you will be almost immediately enabled to reap the benefits of your new project.
Should you need a complete guide for Shopify migration, you can find one here. You can also always approach us for migration consultation and advice.
Wrap-up
You are faced with the real chance of transforming Magento’s 2020 support challenge into your new ecommerce opportunity. If choosing a Shopify migration project, it is sure to pay off well.
Magento to Shopify migration may look challenging but there is a simple way to achieve it. All you have to do is follow the above 7-step process. Let’s recap:
- set-up a Shopify account (1)
- create your data back-up (2) & select a migration app (3);
- export data from your legacy system (4) & import into the new system (5);
- review data import (6) & complete new design (7).
We stay at your disposal for any Shopify migration issues. We will be happy to both address your immediate questions and support you with new development options in the long run.
