The open-source Magento eCommerce platform gives users a solid and scalable framework for creating online storefronts. Since its release in 2008, Magento 1 has been the platform of choice for many companies with online stores.
Magento 2 is a worthy upgrade because it provides more functionality, better performance, and security updates. And, since Adobe announced it would stop releasing updates for Magento 1, merchants looking to continue to sell online should migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2.
You can contact professional Magento 2 upgrade service providers that helps to upgrade your current Magento 2 version to the latest one and improve the speed, scalability, and security of your online store.
Without further ado, let’s find out more about how to migrate Magento 1 to Magento 2 shortly.
I. Step-by-step guide to migrate Magento 1 to Magento 2
It might be challenging to migrate Magento 1 to Magento 2, but doing so is necessary if you want to keep getting IT security solutions and updates for your online store. The migration process entails several steps described in the following paragraphs. Let’s explore them!
Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Magento 1 Store
Before beginning the migration process, it’s important to evaluate your current Magento 1 store. This will help you identify your existing store’s extensions, customizations, and integrations. You can better plan your migration to Magento 2 after thoroughly auditing your current store.
Analyze your current setup and determine whether your plugins and themes are compatible with Magento 2. If not, you may need new plugins and themes for your Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration. You should also note any performance issues, security vulnerabilities, or outdated features you want to address in your new Magento 2 store.
Your final migration preparation steps should include removing outdated data and checking your store’s ranking components using a tool like Google Analytics to avoid losing traffic. Once you’re done, you can move to the installation stage and actively migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2.
Step 2: Install Magento 2
Installing Magento 2 on your server is the next step. Magento offers a user-friendly installation wizard to set up a new Magento 2 instance. Download the most recent version of Magento 2 from the official Magento website or install it by using Composer. The installation steps are as follows:
- Create a file system owner and set up permissions for the account;
- Download the Magento 2 package;
- Create a database on your web host;
- Use FTP to upload Magento;
- Extract the files;
- Agree to the terms and install Magento 2;
- Create your admin account;
- Install and press Finish.
Step 3: Set up your Magento 2 Store
After installing Magento 2, you can set up your store. This involves setting up your store’s settings, such as its name, logo, contact details, and payment options. Another way to set up your store design is to choose a theme and modify it to fit your brand.
Step 4: Install and Configure data migration tool
Transfer your items, clients, orders, and other data from Magento 1 to Magento 2 using Magento’s data migration tool. Your Magento 1 data should be backed up before the migration process starts.
To utilize the Data Migration Tool, you must prepare a configuration file that details the source and destination databases, migration settings, and other information. Mapping your Magento 1 and Magento 2 database structures will allow you to describe the migration’s customization options and how your data should be moved.
The Data Migration Tool helps move stored data and settings by using CLI commands. You can use Composer to install the tool by first making sure the versions match.
After installing the Data Migration Tool, take the following steps:
- Configure it using the configuration files found in the Magento 2 root directory.
- Run the data migration tool by bulk copying your data from Magento 1 to Magento 2.
- Reindex your Magento 2 indexers.
You can change the migrated data, including sales rules, CMS pages, and catalog structures. However, be careful when manually migrating data, as errors can affect your new site.
Step 5: Migrate your themes, extensions, and customizations
You must transfer custom extensions and modifications from your Magento 1 shop to Magento 2. This process is complex, so, you may need to hire a developer. Similar extensions and customizations from the Magento 2 marketplace can also be used.
Before migrating, examine your themes, extensions, and modifications to see if they are compatible with Magento 2. You should also check if the Magento 2 marketplace offers any substitute extensions or customizations in case your Magento 1 ones are not supported.
Step 6: Test your Magento 2 store
It’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate your Magento 2 store once the migration procedure is finished. The evaluation consists of assessing the functionality of your store, including browsing, checkout, processing payments, and delivery.
Test the functionality of your Magento 2 store using automated testing tools like Selenium. You can also test your store’s performance under intense load by using load testing tools like Apache JMeter.
Step 7: Launch your Magento 2 store
After testing your Magento 2 store’s performance, it’s time to launch it. Configure your DNS settings, install your SSL certificate, and set up backup and recovery procedures before reopening your business. Additionally, it is advised to soft launch your store to a small audience to find and address any last-minute problems before going live to the general public.
You can test your store’s performance and functionality, get user input, and improve the user experience during the soft launch. Use targeted marketing strategies to promote your store to generate buzz and increase interest in your launch.
Open your store to the public after your soft launch ends and any concerns have been resolved. Make a launch plan that includes setting up your social media accounts, writing a press release, and improving your store’s SEO to ensure a successful launch.
After you launch your online store, constantly check on its performance and immediately fix any problems to provide users with the best experience possible.
II. Conclusion
Although migrate Magento 1 to Magento 2 can be challenging, doing so is essential to keeping your online business secure and competitive. Upgrade your store to Magento 2 and give your clients a better online buying experience.
To maintain your store’s security and performance, keep it updated at all times. Always seek professional support if you need help with any phase of the migration process.
Landofcoder is one of the best Magento service providers which has over 10-year experience in this field. We could help you migrate your Magento store to the latest version and ensure you that your online business will be in good hands. Let’s take your store to the next level and be top of the eCommerce’s game with Landofcoder!
