Haven't made the switch from Magento 1 to Magento 2 yet? Support for Magento 1 ends in June 2020 so now is the time for the big Magento migration. But that's not the only reason. Magento 2 offers many advantages over its predecessor. Find out in this blog what they are and what steps to takeFor a smooth transition from Magento 1 to 2.
The advantages of Magento 2
More than 12,000 websites in the Netherlands run on Magento, making this e-commerce platform the most popular in the Netherlands. Chances are that people reading this are one of them. Then it's good to know that switching from Magento 1 to Magento 2 brings many advantages. Therefore, here is a list of the most important ones.
Faster loading time
The loading time of Magento 1 sometimes leaves something to be desired. With Magento 2, this problem is solved: the loading time is on average 20% faster. Good for the Google ranking as well as for customers. Fun fact: 45% of online shoppers expect a website to load within 2 seconds.
Simple payment process
Generally speaking, the simpler the payment process, the fewer customers drop out and the more revenue an online store generates. In Magento 2, the payment process has been changed from six to two steps and an Instant Purchase option is offered. Ideal for returning visitors, as payment and shipping information is thus stored.
User-friendly interface
The complicated interface of Magento 1 has given way to a clear and simple interface in Magento 2. Finding tools, creating or modifying products, in Magento 2 we can just do it ourselves.
Mobile-friendly webshop
On average, 34% of all Dutch people per month make an online purchase via their mobile. This number continues to grow every year, which is why we can no longer escape having a mobile-friendly website. Magento 2 is therefore jumping on the mobile first bandwagon and giving mobile devices the highest priority.
How does a Magento migration work?
With the cessation of Magento 1 support, Magento 1 becomes unsupported software. No more further developments and updates. The migration is more complicated than you might think. Features of your current Magento 1 webshop cannot simply be copied. Reasons enough to start the migration now. But how do you go about it?
Step 1: Plan ahead
Are you getting the most conversions from December? Then don't plan the migration for this period! Choose a period when your customers will be least affected by the possible migration and you won't miss any sales.
Step 2: Taking stock
What data should be included? What extensions are important? Is there custom code? Is this the time to change the layout? Take stock of what you want and work with a Magento specialist to create a migration plan.
Step 3: Time for the migration
Once everything is mapped out, the actual migration of your database or data can begin. Think about SEO migration as well. After all, you don't want to lose your current position in Google after all your hard work.
Step 4: Testing, testing, testing
Converting visitors requires a smoothly running webshop. Therefore, nothing is put live without testing the functionalities. Any problems are solved and after this testing phase, your webshop is launched.
How we help you with the Magento migration?
Are you now thinking to yourself, "I'm ready to make the switch, but how do I go about it?" We'll take care of that. For example, did you know:
- this is the perfect time to take product categories in hand? We look at the impact on URL structure and implement a 301 scheme to avoid position drops in Google.
- email service provider dotdigital is built into Magento 2, putting email marketing automations at your fingertips? Thanks to our years of experience, we set up the perfect automations for you.
- tracking for Google Analytics, among others, must be rebuilt? We analyze the differences between your old and new webshop and work out which configuration adjustments we need to make to ensure data integrity during migration.
- you can contact one of our partners for the technical development of your webshop. Please contact us for more information about these technical partners.
Get in touch
Together, we'll make sure your Magento 2 migration goes off without a hitch. So contact us today.
