Making big changes to your business is always a little scary. It’s normal to have questions and concerns when you are thinking about moving your online shop from one platform to another. You might be wondering if it’s worth the effort, if it’s safe, and what will happen to all the hard work you’ve already put into your website.
We hear these questions every day from business owners just like you. To help put your mind at ease, we have gathered the most common questions we get asked about EKM migration and answered them in plain English. Our goal is to give you the clarity you need to make the best decision for your business.
FAQ Section
Here are the answers to the top questions about switching platforms.
What happens to my products?
This is usually the first thing people ask. You have spent hours writing descriptions and uploading photos, and the thought of doing it all again is a nightmare. The good news is: you don’t have to.
When we perform an EKM migration, we transfer all your product data for you. This includes:
- Product names
- Descriptions
- Prices
- Images
- Variants (like sizes and colours)
- Stock levels
Everything moves over to Shopify, so your new store is ready to sell the moment it launches.
Will I lose SEO rankings?
If your store appears high up on Google search results, you definitely want to keep it that way. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is valuable, and losing it is a valid fear. However, if the migration is done correctly, your rankings are safe.
The secret lies in “301 redirects.” Think of these like a change-of-address card for the internet. When you move, your old EKM web addresses (URLs) will stop working. We set up a redirect for every single page so that if someone clicks an old link on Google, they are instantly sent to the correct page on your new Shopify site. This tells Google that your page has simply moved, not disappeared, preserving your hard-earned reputation.
How long does it take?
The timeline can vary depending on how big your store is and how much custom design work you want. However, for most businesses, a standard EKM migration takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
- Week 1: Planning and data backup.
- Week 2: Moving data and setting up the store.
- Week 3: Designing the look of the site and adding apps.
- Week 4: Testing everything and launching.
We work efficiently to ensure your business experiences zero downtime during the switch. Your old store stays live and selling right up until the moment your new store is ready.
What about apps and plugins?
EKM and Shopify use different systems for adding extra features. This means your old EKM plugins won’t work on Shopify directly. But don’t worry—Shopify has an App Store with thousands of apps that are often even better.
During the migration, we look at what features you are currently using (like reviews, email marketing, or live chat) and find the best Shopify equivalent for you. Often, you will find that features you used to pay extra for are either built-in to Shopify or available via a better, more modern app.
How much does it cost?
The cost of moving depends on the size of your project. There are two main costs to consider:
- The Migration Service: This is the one-off fee for the work of moving your data, setting up the SEO redirects, and designing your new store.
- Shopify Costs: Once you launch, you will pay a monthly subscription to Shopify.
While there is an upfront cost to move, most businesses find they save money in the long run. Shopify’s plans are transparent, and because the platform converts more visitors into buyers, the return on investment is often very quick.
Shopify Advantages Explained in Simple Terms
So, why go through all this trouble? Why is Shopify better? Here it is in simple terms:
- It’s Faster: Shopify websites load incredibly quickly, which keeps customers happy and helps you rank better on Google.
- It’s Mobile-First: More people shop on phones than computers now. Shopify is built to work perfectly on mobile devices, meaning you won’t lose sales from frustration.
- It Grows with You: Whether you sell 10 items a day or 10,000, Shopify can handle it. You won’t hit a “ceiling” that forces you to upgrade or move again.
- It’s Easier to Use: The back-end system is clean and simple. Managing orders, adding products, and checking your sales figures is straightforward and stress-free.
Why Media Mole is the Ideal Migration Partner
You could try to move your store yourself, but it’s a complicated technical process. One wrong move with your data or your SEO redirects can cause big problems. That’s why it pays to have an expert on your side.
At Media Mole, we specialise in platform migrations. Whether it’s a Sellerdeck Migration or an EKM migration, we have a proven checklist to ensure nothing gets missed.
- We keep your data safe.
- We protect your SEO rankings.
- We build you a beautiful, high-converting store.
We handle the technical headaches so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Additional Resources & Next Steps
If you are ready to explore a move, the best first step is to get a clear picture of what it involves for your specific business. Every store is unique.
- Audit Your Store: Look at your current site. What do you hate about it? What do you wish it could do? Make a wish list.
- Check Out Shopify: Sign up for a free trial just to look around the back office. See how it feels compared to EKM.
- Talk to Us: Contact Media Mole for a free consultation. We can look at your current site and give you an honest assessment of what a migration would look like.
Moving platforms is a big step, but it’s also an exciting one. It’s the step that unlocks the next level of growth for your brand.