EKM to Shopify Migration: Complete 2026 Guide

Are you thinking about switching from EKM to Shopify? If you are, you’re not alone. Recent price hikes have made EKM less appealing, and I’m hearing from more clients who want to know how easy or cost-effective it is to move from one e-commerce platform to another.

There are several decent alternatives, but Shopify is the one I recommend most often for ease of use. It gives you serious customisation, it scales well, and it’s genuinely straightforward to work with once you’re set up.

I recently completed a successful EKM to Shopify migration for Xcell Rubber, and I managed to preserve their SEO rankings while improving their conversion rate. E-commerce platform migration can feel monumental - especially when you’re trying to keep your SEO, customer data, and order history intact. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps for a smooth migration and set you up for success on Shopify.

Why Choose Shopify Over EKM?

If you’re considering Shopify, you likely have price, growth and ease of use on your mind. Here’s why I think Shopify might be the best next step for your e-commerce store:

• Feature Comparison: Shopify has an expansive app marketplace, greater customisation options, and a robust support system that matches EKM. I’ve written a complete guide to pay monthly websites that covers your options in more detail.
• Scaling: Shopify’s ecosystem of apps and integrations allows for growth and flexibility in ways that EKM simply can’t support. My multi-channel selling guide shows how to make the most of this ecosystem.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Shopify offers a wide selection of well-optimised themes, smooth checkout processes, and mobile-friendly designs that customers genuinely enjoy using.
• Long-Term Value: Shopify’s established reputation, consistent updates, and high security make it an ideal choice if you’re planning to grow with peace of mind.

Getting Started with Your Migration

Exporting Your Key Data from EKM

Now that you’re set up on Shopify, it’s time to gather your data from EKM.

• Products, Customers, and Orders: In EKM, you can export data such as product listings, customer details, and order history, typically in CSV format. I always make sure this information is complete and well-organised before I move anything across.
• Format and Structure Considerations: I check that the exported files are compatible with Shopify’s import format. Shopify supports CSV files for most data types.
• Data Quality Assurance: Before importing, I review the exported data carefully. I clean up any outdated product listings or duplicate information to ensure a fresh start on Shopify.

Importing Data Into Shopify

Now comes the part where you bring your data into Shopify and start shaping your new store.

• Using Shopify’s Import Tool: Shopify has built-in tools for importing products, orders, and customer details. I’d recommend using Shopify’s official migration documentation for proper file format requirements to avoid compatibility issues.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues: Watch for common import problems, such as missing fields or mismatched categories. I’ve hit these before, and Shopify provides detailed documentation to help troubleshoot errors.
• Handling Product Variations and Categories: EKM and Shopify structure categories and product variations differently. After importing, I always review the product listings to make sure everything displays correctly.

Customising Your Shopify Store Design

One of the best parts about moving to Shopify is its design flexibility.

• Choosing and Customising Themes: Shopify offers both free and premium themes. If you want a familiar look, I’d suggest picking one that resembles your old EKM theme, or you could select something fresh to enhance the shopping experience.
• Mobile Optimisation: Shopify themes are mobile-responsive by default. I always test on mobile devices to ensure customers have a great experience, no matter how they browse.
• Essential Shopify Plugins: Shopify’s app store features plugins for everything from inventory management to marketing. I’d point you towards apps like Klaviyo for email marketing and Yotpo for reviews as good starting points.

SEO Migration Tips

Here are the best practices I follow to keep rankings intact:

• Maintaining SEO Value: If you aren’t careful, migrating can lead to a dip in traffic. I always transfer metadata - product descriptions, titles, and keywords - before anything else. My UK Shopify shipping guide ensures you configure everything correctly from launch.
• Updating Internal Links and Images: I update URLs and internal links throughout, and I optimise image alt tags and metadata for better SEO on Shopify.
• Refreshing Content: During the migration, I review product descriptions and on-page content. Minor updates can give your rankings a genuine boost on Shopify. I’ve written a project management guide that helps keep everything on track.

Testing Before Launch

Before you officially launch, a few quality assurance checks are in order.

• Final Checklist: I review each page, I test all links, and I make sure site speed is up to par.
• Testing Payment and Checkout: I make sure the checkout process works properly. I test different payment methods and I verify that the order process is smooth from start to finish.
• Gathering Feedback: Before going live, I’d recommend enlisting a few customers or team members to navigate the store and provide feedback. Their insights can help you fine-tune the experience before launch day.

Going Live and Post-Migration Steps

You’re ready to launch. Here are the post-migration steps I follow to keep a new Shopify store running smoothly.

• Final Data Check: I go through every product listing, I check customer data, and I verify order history is accurately displayed.
• Updating Brand Assets: I update all links on social media, email templates, and other brand assets to point to the new Shopify store. It’s one of those easy-to-forget steps that catches people out.
• Monitoring Performance: I use Google Analytics and Shopify Analytics to track the site’s performance. Analysing this data helps identify areas for improvement early.
• Engaging Existing Customers: I send an email to the customer list, letting them know about the new store and inviting them to visit.

Troubleshooting Common Migration Issues

Sometimes migration comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s what I do if I hit a few roadblocks:

• Data Import Errors: If you encounter issues with data import - missing or duplicate data, that kind of thing - Shopify’s support team can help. They offer extensive resources to guide you through troubleshooting. My Shopify design services include professional data migration support if you’d rather hand it off.
• SEO and Traffic Concerns: If you notice a dip in rankings post-migration, don’t panic. It’s common to see temporary changes. I focus on improving on-page SEO, and I consult Shopify’s SEO resources if I need a second opinion.
• Support Options: Shopify provides various support channels, including a help centre, live chat, and community forums where you can get advice from other Shopify users. For complex migrations, professional project management can prevent costly mistakes.

The Bottom Line

Shopify offers robust tools and support to help you grow your e-commerce business. If you follow this guide, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a seamless migration. If migration costs are a concern, my pay monthly website plans include professional setup with no upfront fees.

If you’re ready to make the move, get in touch and I’ll walk you through it.