Migrating an ecommerce store is not just a technical task — it’s a business-critical decision that affects your revenue, SEO visibility, and customer experience. If you’re planning an EKM migration to Shopify, who you choose to handle that move can make the difference between a smooth transition and months of avoidable issues.
One of the most effective (and often overlooked) options is working with a former EKM web developer who is now an experienced ecommerce specialist and Shopify Partner since 2018. This unique combination of platform knowledge and long-term Shopify expertise offers significant advantages that generic migration services simply can’t match.
This article explains why.
Understanding EKM From the Inside Matters
Many developers can “move data” from one platform to another. Far fewer truly understand how EKM works under the hood.
A former EKM web developer brings first-hand knowledge of:
- EKM’s database structure and export limitations
- How products, variants, customers, and orders are stored
- Platform-specific URL formats that impact SEO
- Common EKM customisations that can break during migration
- Real-world issues merchants experience as stores grow
This insider perspective allows potential problems to be identified before they become costly mistakes.
Why EKM Migration Is More Than Just Data Transfer
An effective EKM migration is not about copying content from one system to another. It involves:
- Preserving SEO value built over years
- Mapping legacy URLs accurately
- Re-architecting category and product structures
- Replacing EKM-specific features with better Shopify solutions
- Improving performance, usability, and scalability
A former EKM developer understands what needs to be preserved, what should be improved, and what should be left behind.
The Advantage of Shopify Expertise Since 2018
Platform familiarity alone is not enough. The real value comes when that EKM knowledge is paired with deep Shopify experience.
Working with an ecommerce developer who has been a Shopify Partner since 2018 means:
- Experience across multiple Shopify generations and feature releases
- Proven understanding of Shopify best practices (not shortcuts)
- Knowledge of the Shopify app ecosystem and when not to use apps
- Familiarity with Shopify SEO, performance, and conversion optimisation
- Confidence handling complex or high-revenue stores
This ensures your migration doesn’t just “work” — it positions your business for long-term growth on Shopify.
SEO Protection Requires Platform-Specific Knowledge
One of the biggest fears during EKM migration is losing search engine rankings. This concern is justified — poor migrations frequently result in traffic drops.
A former EKM web developer understands:
- How EKM URLs are structured
- Which pages carry the most SEO value
- How to implement precise 301 redirect mapping
- How to preserve metadata, internal linking, and content hierarchy
Combined with Shopify SEO experience, this allows migrations that minimise disruption and protect rankings, rather than rebuilding visibility from scratch.
Smarter Feature Replacement (Not One-to-One Copying)
Many failed migrations happen because stores are rebuilt as exact copies of their old platform.
An experienced ecommerce developer knows that Shopify works best when you:
- Replace legacy features with native Shopify functionality
- Use apps strategically instead of excessively
- Simplify workflows rather than replicating complexity
- Build for scalability, not platform workarounds
A former EKM developer understands which EKM features merchants think they need — and which ones Shopify handles better out of the box.
Better Communication, Fewer Assumptions
One of the hidden benefits of hiring a former EKM web developer is communication.
They already understand:
- Common EKM merchant frustrations
- Why businesses outgrow EKM
- Which features are business-critical vs convenience-based
This reduces assumptions, shortens discovery phases, and results in a migration that aligns with real business goals — not just technical requirements.
From Migration to Growth Strategy
The best EKM migrations don’t end at launch.
A Shopify-focused ecommerce developer can help with:
- Conversion rate optimisation
- Performance improvements
- Marketing integrations
- International expansion
- Ongoing Shopify enhancements
Instead of hiring one partner to migrate and another to grow, you benefit from continuity and strategic insight.
Final Thoughts: Experience on Both Platforms Is the Real Advantage
If you’re planning an EKM migration, the safest and most effective route is working with someone who understands both sides of the journey.
A former EKM web developer, now an experienced ecommerce specialist and Shopify Partner since 2018, offers:
- Platform-specific migration accuracy
- Reduced SEO and data risks
- Smarter Shopify implementation
- A foundation built for growth, not just transition
When your ecommerce store is a core revenue channel, experience matters — and dual-platform experience matters even more.