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Considering a move to BigCommerce? Good Choice!
Of all the SaaS platforms out there, BigCommerce is the closest you’ll find that allows the customization you’ve enjoyed as a Yahoo merchant. Additionally, its ability to technically scale your organization far outpaces the restrictive nature of Yahoo. With far fewer issues and an abundance of new features, BigCommerce will feel like a breath of fresh air. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan properly! We’ve put together a list of seven tips you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure a successful transition.
1. Carefully Consider The Functionality You Need To Keep.
Online merchants are always trying new ideas to drive sales like adding features to the website and testing add-ons. Sometimes, when you have to pay a developer to remove a feature that isn’t working out, it’s easier to keep it around. A platform migration is the perfect time to assess the customized areas of your site which are unlikely to be native to your destination platform. It’s a good idea to make a list of the critical features you want to keep that are over and above default platform functionality.
2. Evaluate The Technology You Need To Add.
While BigCommerce has a lot of features baked in out-of-the-box compared to Yahoo, there are also about 700 more apps on the BigCommerce Apps Marketplace. However, you might need some custom functionality or the ability to integrate with technology that doesn’t have a ready-to-go app. Come prepared with a list of the new apps you’d like to try out, and customized features you’d like to add to kick your sales into high gear.
3. Scope Out Critical Third-Party Technology.
There are several features built into BigCommerce which would require ongoing third party subscriptions on Yahoo. We recommend getting familiar with the native features of BigCommerce so you can see if those fit your needs. Sometimes, the role a third-party software fills is critical, but you might be open to trying a new provider.
4. List Out The Usability Errors You’ll Need To Fix.
Moving to a different platform represents the perfect opportunity for you to re-evaluate your brand’s user experience. Why keep the same old look and feel when you can elevate it to new heights?
Responsive design is automatic for any new site build, but it’s a good idea to review your current site for usability issues so you can make sure to improve them during a migration. Site navigation is one of the most important considerations when migrating, because it’s a great time to make sure your essential products are front and center.
5. Think About How Much Support You and Your Team Will Need.
One of the big benefits of BigCommerce is the support they provide their merchants. Their website has an abundance of articles to help your business learn the platform better. They also offer expert customer support though live chats, telephone and email. In addition, hiring an agency partner to help maintain and optimize your eCommerce store gives your team access to even higher levels of support.
6. Consider How To Improve Your Brand Perception.
As you look at the competitive landscape, are you noticing areas where your brand has lagged behind? A store migration can help address these challenges in a way that brings fresh vitality to areas that need some attention.
“Brand” is another word for “differentiation.” Your brand experience needs to differentiate itself in the minds and hearts of consumers, far apart from the narrative your competitors are telling. Your brand needs to provide stability and comfort to existing customers while opening up opportunities to merchandise to an expanded audience.
7. Keep SEO and Marketing Top-of-Mind.
One of the biggest concerns about a store migration is losing the SEO value of your current storefront. When migrating your site, there will initially be a slight dip in your SEO, but with the right team spearheading your new website, your listings will only improve.
Retention of your SEO is one thing, but marketing to existing and new customers is another. Once you’re established onto BigCommerce, it’s time to start looking at how you want to increase your site traffic further. PPC, email marketing, and social media are all great avenues to market your business.
Ready to make the big leap or want to learn more? Our team of eCommerce experts is ready to provide a free consultation. Give us a call at 678-402-6378 or email info@eystudios.com.