4 Tips for a Last-Minute Migration to a New E-Commerce Platform
When it comes to migrating all of your current e-commerce site's data to a new platform, "quick and efficient" isn't usually your first thought. Transitioning can be messy, time consuming and incredibly challenging if you haven't done your research. However, with the right plan in place, the process of moving all your store's data can certainly be quick and efficient — and help prepare your business for future growth.
To make the transition process quick and easy, here are several tips to consider before you begin your last-minute migration:
1. Choose a platform with one-click migration capabilities. The ability to migrate all or most of your store's current data in one click is a capability many merchants are often unaware of, but in the final days, choosing a platform that provides one-click migration will be your saving grace. Instant platform migration helps to significantly cut down on the manual work needed during your transition.
Be sure to compare platforms that offer automatic migration, as some can move over more data than others. Ask what store data can be migrated automatically and what will need to be done by hand, how much it costs and how long it will take.
2. Consider your store's potential for future growth. If you're transitioning your online store to a new platform, chances are you're not a beginner. Therefore, don't choose a beginner's e-commerce platform. There are a number of new platforms for small and midsize merchants that are user friendly and offer enterprise-level customization, among other features. Even in a last-minute transition, you can consider your options for growth and choose a platform that will enable you to expand your business in the long term.
Make a point to flesh out your store's future needs and how you can set yourself up to accomplish those goals in the short term. Do you want to start selling your products internationally? Maybe you're interested in a platform with more flexibility? Consider your current budget and what you're willing to spend moving forward. Make a list of what you want to accomplish and do your research to find the right service to do so.
3. Use free customer support and online tutorials. Without easily accessible and free customer support, a last-minute transition can result in unexpected roadblocks. Look for a platform that provides support across multiple channels to ensure you can have your questions answered immediately. Additionally, platforms that provide customer support services with online tutorials showing you step-by-step how to migrate your data, integrate your store with third-party apps, and design and run your store will be helpful both during your transition and in the long term.
4. Check your catalog and store contents before going live. One-click migration is certainly the fastest automated way to ensure most of your data crosses over with very little manual work. However, there's always a possibility that some of your data crosses over in an unexpected way. To ensure your data crosses over correctly and your store doesn't have any missing images, incorrect order history or inventory issues that might not be evident at first glance, consider giving yourself time to ensure everything is in its proper place. Test multiple times before you go live, and reach out to your new platform's customer support team for suggestions on what aspects of your site you should focus on testing first.
A last-minute transition to a new e-commerce platform can be a significant opportunity for smaller merchants to consider opportunities for growth. The latest small and midsize platforms provide new capabilities that merchants may not have had on previous platforms. Do your research to find a platform that enables you to quickly and efficiently migrate your data, while also setting up your store for increased sales in the future.
Uri Foox is president at Pixafy, a web development and software company.
