11 Processes Syncer Replaces in an Automated Migration to Shopify
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7 min reading time
Migrating an online store to Shopify often comes with pitfalls and mistakes, especially for businesses new to such a migration. Here are some of the most common mistakes when migrating to Shopify, along with tips on how to avoid them.
1. Insufficient Preparation and Planning
Many companies begin the migration process without a clear plan, which can lead to unexpected complications. Thorough preparation with a detailed step-by-step plan is essential to maintain overview and control. Consider:
Inventory of existing data (such as customer information, product details, and order history).
Creating a migration timeline , including deadlines for the various phases of the migration.
Assigning tasks to the team , with a project manager monitoring progress.
2. Forgotten Customer Account Migration
Many online store owners don't realize until later that customer accounts aren't automatically transferred. This means customers need to reactivate their Shopify accounts. To ensure a smooth process:
Send customers email notifications with a clear explanation of the process.
Consider creating a step-by-step guide so customers know how to activate their new account.
Inform customers about the benefits of the new site to motivate them to reactivate their accounts.
3. Unexpected Differences in Structure and Fields
Shopify has a different data structure than many other platforms, meaning some fields are missing or have different names. Some standard fields from other systems may not be standard in Shopify, requiring adjustments:
Review all fields in your current data and determine which ones need to be adjusted or supplemented.
Use apps or scripts to add missing fields if Shopify doesn't support them natively.
Check data formats and field limits to ensure you don't lose information during migration.
4. Neglecting Inventory Management and Order Synchronization
During the migration process, your old shop often remains active, meaning products may be sold. As a result, the inventory in your new Shopify store may not match the old one. This can also apply to orders. Here are some ways to manage this:
If possible, pause sales temporarily while you complete the migration.
Use a migration tool like Syncer, which allows you to synchronize inventory and orders to minimize discrepancies.
Make a final inventory check and adjust it before the new site goes live.
5. Underestimating External Integrations
Many companies sell through other channels, such as Bol.com, or use external systems for accounting, marketing, and customer service. These types of integrations often require reconfiguration in Shopify, which isn't always straightforward:
Make a list of any external integrations needed.
Check if Shopify offers standard integrations for these platforms, or if there are apps available.
Test each integration thoroughly to ensure data transfer is correct and remains up-to-date.
6. Insufficient Attention to Shipping Options and Payment Methods
At Shopify, shipping options and rates need to be reconfigured, as do payment methods. This can impact costs and customer convenience:
Review all shipping options and rates and adjust them to your target audience and the type of products you sell.
Compare payment method costs and see if Shopify's own payment solutions are cost-effective.
Test all options in the test environment to ensure shipping and payment options work correctly.
7. Not Testing in a Test Environment
Before launching your new online store, it's essential to include a test phase. This allows you to identify and resolve any errors before the new store goes live:
Set up a test environment to simulate the entire migration.
Test the checkout processes, product filters, and navigation to ensure everything works smoothly.
Try different devices and browsers to ensure the site functions properly for all users.
8. Choose a Theme that Fits Your Products
Choosing a suitable theme goes beyond a standard "responsive" design – almost all Shopify themes now support a responsive experience. However, it's important to choose a theme that offers features specifically valuable for your product type, such as:
Extensive filter options for a wide range.
Product recommendations and cross-selling opportunities.
Flexible product pages that can be customized to the type of information you want to show.
9. Not Preparing a Clear Data Analysis
Shopify offers reporting and analytics, but it can be helpful to set up Google Analytics and other tools to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and sales performance. Here are a few things to consider:
Set up Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager for comprehensive customer insights.
Configure e-commerce tracking to analyze sales data at a deeper level.
Consider tools like Syncer to synchronize data with external reporting tools or CRM systems.
10. Overlooking Customer Communication
Customer communication is often underestimated during a migration. Customers are accustomed to the old platform and may be surprised by the changes. Keep customers informed by:
To provide updates and explanations about the transition.
Inform customers in advance about account migrations and new features .
Gather feedback after launch so you can quickly address any bottlenecks.
11. No Clear Division of Tasks and Onboarding Process
A successful migration requires clear agreements about who is responsible for various tasks. A structured onboarding process is often lacking, leading to tasks getting mixed up or forgotten. Ensure:
Clear communication between all parties involved and a clear division of tasks.
A step-by-step plan with deadlines for each phase of the migration.
An onboarding guide for team members to make the process as smooth as possible.
By considering these pitfalls and considerations, you can avoid common problems and ensure a successful transition to Shopify.
