Are you thinking about switching from EKM to Shopify? Recent price hikes have made EKM less appealing, and it's no wonder that clients are asking how easy or cost-effective it is to move from one e-commerce platform to another.
There are several great alternatives, but Shopify is the go-to alternative for ease of use. It allows you to leverage its extensive customisation, scalability, and user-friendly features.
E-commerce platform migration can feel monumental, especially when keeping your SEO, customer data, and order history intact. In this guide, I will 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 Shopify might be the best next step for your e-commerce store:
Feature Comparison: Shopify boasts an expansive app marketplace, greater customisation options, and a robust support system that equals EKM.
Benefits of Shopify for Scaling: Shopify's vast ecosystem of apps and integrations allows for growth and flexibility in ways that EKM may not support.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Shopify offers a wide selection of optimised themes, smooth checkout processes, and mobile-friendly designs that customers love.
Long-Term Value: Shopify's established reputation, consistent updates, and high security make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to grow with peace of mind.
Getting Started with EKM to Shopify Migration
Ready to begin? Here's how to set the foundation for a seamless migration:
Backup Data from EKM: Before you start migrating, create a backup of all essential data from EKM. This step ensures access to product details, customer information, and order history if anything goes wrong during the migration.
Create Your Shopify Account: Start by setting up a Shopify account and choosing a plan that fits your needs. Shopify offers several options, so you'll find something whether you're a small store or a large retailer.
Familiarise yourself with Shopify's Tools: Explore Shopify's dashboard, features, and resources. Familiarity with Shopify's ecosystem will make the transition smoother.
Exporting 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 a CSV format. Make sure this information is complete and well-organised.
Format and Structure Considerations: Verify that the exported files are compatible with Shopify's import format. Shopify supports CSV files for most data types.
Data Quality Assurance: Before importing, review your exported data carefully. 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. To avoid compatibility issues, follow Shopify's guidelines on the file format.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: Watch for common import problems, such as missing fields or mismatched categories. Shopify provides detailed documentation to help troubleshoot errors.
Handling Product Variations and Categories: EKM and Shopify might structure categories and product variations differently. After importing, review your product listings to make sure they display correctly.
Customising Your Shopify Store Design
One of the best parts of moving to Shopify is its design flexibility.
Choosing and Customising Themes: Shopify offers both free and premium themes. If you want a familiar look, pick one that resembles your old EKM theme, or select something fresh to enhance the shopping experience.
Mobile Optimisation Essentials: Shopify themes are mobile-responsive by default. Test your site 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. Explore popular apps like Oberlo for dropshipping, Klaviyo for email marketing, and Yotpo for reviews.
SEO Migration Tips for EKM to Shopify
Maintaining your SEO rankings through migration is critical. Here are some best practices to help you keep your rankings intact:
Maintaining SEO Value: If you aren't careful, migrating can lead to a dip in traffic. Transfer metadata, such as product descriptions, titles, and keywords.
Updating Internal Links and Images: Update URLs and internal links. Also, optimise image alt tags and metadata for better SEO on Shopify.
Refresh Content for SEO: During the migration, review product descriptions and on-page content. Minor updates can boost your rankings on Shopify.
Testing Your Shopify Store Before Launch
Before you officially launch, a few quality assurance checks are in order.
Final Checklist: Review each page, test all links, and ensure site speed is up to par.
Testing Payment and Checkout Processes: Make sure the checkout process works flawlessly. Test different payment methods and verify that the order process is smooth.
Gathering Feedback: Before going live, consider enlisting a few customers or team members to navigate the store and provide feedback. Their insights can help you fine-tune the experience.
Going Live and Post-Migration Steps
Congratulations! You're ready to launch. Let's take a few post-migration steps to keep your new Shopify store running smoothly.
Performing a Final Data Check: Ensure product listings, customer data, and order history are accurately displayed.
Updating Brand Assets and Communications: Update all links on your social media, email templates, and other brand assets to point to your new Shopify store.
Monitoring Performance: Use Google Analytics and Shopify Analytics to track your site's performance. Analysing this data can help you identify areas for improvement.
Engaging Existing Customers: Email your customer list, letting them know about the new store and inviting them to visit.
Troubleshooting Common Migration Issues
Sometimes, migration can come with its own set of challenges. Here's what to do if you hit a few roadblocks:
Data Import Errors: If you encounter issues with data import, such as missing or duplicate data, Shopify's support team can help. They offer extensive resources to guide you through troubleshooting.
SEO and Traffic Concerns: If you notice a dip in rankings post-migration, be patient. It's common to see temporary changes. Focus on improving your on-page SEO, and consult Shopify's SEO resources if you need assistance.
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.
Conclusion
Migrating from EKM to Shopify is a big decision, but it can be a smooth and rewarding transition with the right strategy.
Shopify offers robust tools and support to help you grow your e-commerce business. By following this guide, you can ensure that your migration is as seamless as possible. So, are you ready to set up your store for success on Shopify? Start today and watch your business reach new heights!
This guide should help you deliver a smooth customer migration experience, retain your SEO efforts, and take advantage of all Shopify offers. Good luck, and happy selling on your new platform!
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