Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is not a quick and easy thing to do, which is why there are companies and jobs centered around doing this herculean task. The transition to Magento 2 is a sizable commitment that requires great attention to detail in every step of the way.
But once you do so, you will be able to enjoy running an optimized online store for the next several years to come.
Here are three major considerations to remember when planning your big move to Magento 2.
Don’t Migrate By Yourself
You can attempt to migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2 by yourself, but it is only recommended for Magento masters, replete with knowledge, resources and years of experience. It isn’t as easy as saving your store to your computer and importing it once you launch Magento 2. If you consider yourself to be anything short of a master when it comes to Magento, don’t try to migrate to Magento 2 on your own. If you try to do so, it will take you a very long time to figure out all the requirements and necessities to get your store up and running to Magento 2.
Instead, you should consider hiring the help of a Magento agency to do all the hard work for you so that you can have your store transition to Magento 2 as quickly and smoothly as possible. You will be at peace knowing that your online store is future-proofed and ready for the next handful of years to come. Also, having a Magento partner is less expensive than any other options to transfer your store over to the newest version. You’ll be happy to have the assistance, and your online store will start showing the results of the money and time invested within no time.
Back Up Your Store
One thing to be sure about technology is that nothing’s for sure. Moving your store from Magento 1 to Magento 2 can have some of the data lost or misplaced in your database. That is why you should save a copy of your store for future reference and use.
You can save your store and all of its assets in one of the multiple different ways. Firstly, you can get a flash drive that you can connect to your computer’s USB port. And, have a physical storage platform that you can always have on hand. Alternatively, you can save your data on an SD card, either inserted in an SD card slot or an SD card reader that is connected into the USB port.
You can also save your store on a cloud platform, which involves no physical storage medium and is saved on an online server, so you can download and access your data from anywhere and at any time.
Consider Giving Your Site a Makeover
Your Magento 1 theme may not be available or can be replicated with Magento 2. If you have been using a particular theme or appearance for the past number of years, you can have your site on Magento 2 look more appealing than it was before.
If you have previously hired a web designer to design your website, you should have all the assets to build the site back up as intended. If you used a theme or template instead, then you will have to see if it is also offered in Magento 2. If this is the case, though, then having a site makeover can still be a good thing. You can try to make it as similar to your old site, but perhaps you can also explore in what ways your new site can be better in terms of visuals or navigability.
The most important consideration before all of them is it will take two to six months for your store to migrate to Magento 2. So make an early decision and contact a trusted Magento Agency in Dallas, Texas to Migrate your Ecommerce store to Magento 2.
Unravel the complex web of transitioning from Magento 1 to 2, exploring best practices and pitfalls to avoid for a seamless, successful migration.
Introduction
Embracing change can be daunting, especially when it comes to technology. For those operating e-commerce platforms, transitioning from Magento 1 to 2 is a classic case in point. The shift from Magento 1 to 2 is not merely an upgrade but a complete overhaul of the system that calls for strategic planning and precise execution. This detailed guide dives into the dos and don’ts when moving from Magento 1 to 2, providing insights and recommendations that are invaluable for anyone standing on the cusp of this significant move.
Understanding Magento 1 and Magento 2
Understanding the key differences between Magento 1 and Magento 2 is a critical step in your migration journey. It’s like knowing the terrain before embarking on a hike. This section gives an overview of the two versions and highlights the improvements in Magento 2 that justify the migration.
Magento 1: The Legacy System
The legacy system, Magento 1, while it served its purpose, had its limitations, and certain aspects left room for improvement. This section explores the architecture of Magento 1, its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Magento 2: The Upgrade
Magento 2, the upgrade, offers several enhanced features, improved performance, and more flexibility. This section highlights the benefits of Magento 2, delving into its advanced functionalities and better user experience.
Dos and Don’ts When Moving from Magento 1 to 2
When migrating from Magento 1 to 2, there are certain actions you need to take, as well as potential pitfalls you should avoid. This section is a comprehensive guide on these crucial dos and don’ts.
The Dos
- Plan Your Migration
- Backup Your Data
- Choose the Right Time for Migration
- Use Magento’s Data Migration Tool
- Test Your New Site Before Going Live
The Don’ts
- Don’t Overlook the Complexity of the Task
- Don’t Forget to Review Extensions and Custom Code
- Don’t Neglect SEO Considerations
- Don’t Rush the Process
- Don’t Neglect Post-Migration Support
The Migration Process
This section provides a step-by-step guide on moving from Magento 1 to 2, highlighting the key stages and activities involved.
Preparation
Before jumping into the migration process, adequate preparation is crucial. This section delves into what your preparation phase should entail.
Migration
The actual migration process involves several steps, each requiring meticulous attention. This section explains each step in detail.
Post-Migration Activities
Once the migration is done, the work isn’t over. Post-migration activities are equally important to ensure a smooth transition.
Common Challenges in Migration
The migration process is not always a bed of roses. This section highlights the common challenges one might face and how to tackle them effectively.
Case Studies
This section presents some real-life examples of businesses that have successfully transitioned from Magento 1 to 2, highlighting the strategies they employed and the results they achieved.
Conclusion
Migrating from Magento 1 to 2 is a substantial task, but with adequate preparation and by following the dos and don’ts, it can be a smooth transition.
FAQs
Why should I migrate from Magento 1 to 2?
What’s the typical timeline for migrating from Magento 1 to 2?
Can I migrate all my extensions from Magento 1 to 2?
What happens to my SEO rankings after the migration?
Are there any tools to help with the migration process?
Can I run my Magento 1 store and Magento 2 store simultaneously during migration?