Webshop migration is a big step for any business selling online. To explore what it takes to get it right, we sat down with Raoul Straathof, Product Manager at KatanaPIM, and Stefan De Jong, Digital Strategist and Consultant at Kega. They brought a wealth of experience to the conversation, sharing practical tips, real-life examples, and advice on tackling common challenges. In this blogpost, we’ll cover the key points from our discussion, including the reasons businesses migrate their webshops, how to handle challenges like tight deadlines, and strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

What is webshop migration?

At its core, webshop migration is about moving an online store from one platform to another. This might sound simple, but it’s often a complex process involving rebranding, integrating new systems, or scaling up for growth. Businesses typically migrate to improve their store’s functionality, adopt modern tools like PIM systems, or enhance the customer experience.

The reasons vary: perhaps the current platform no longer meets the needs of the business, or new technologies like composable commerce offer opportunities to stay competitive. Whatever the goal, a successful migration ensures the webshop is ready to grow and adapt in the future. That said, migration comes with challenges, which is why careful planning is key.

Challenges in webshop migration

Webshop migration might seem like just a technical task, but it’s often a multi-layered process with plenty of potential pitfalls. One of the biggest challenges businesses face is time pressure. Migration projects are frequently tied to larger initiatives like rebranding or launching a new product line, which means tight deadlines are non-negotiable.

Another hurdle is managing internal stakeholders. A migration involves input from various departments—marketing, IT, and operations—all with their own priorities. Without a clear product owner to guide the process, conflicting goals can delay progress. Additionally, businesses often find it tricky to balance their vision for the "perfect" webshop with the reality of what’s feasible within the given timeline.

Finally, there’s the technical side. Migrating a webshop often means integrating a range of systems like PIM, ERP, or WMS, and ensuring these tools work seamlessly together. When existing systems are deeply interconnected, introducing new platforms while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly can feel like trying to change a tire on a moving car.

Strategies for a successful migration

A smooth migration starts with clear priorities. Businesses often want to check every box on their wishlist during a migration, but this can lead to delays and missed deadlines. Instead, focus on the essentials—what Stefan De Jong refers to as the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Launch with the basics and tackle additional features later.

Equally important is adopting an agile approach. Breaking the project into sprints makes it easier to adapt as new challenges or opportunities arise. This is where having a strong product owner is critical—they act as the single point of contact, making quick decisions and keeping the project on track.

When it comes to choosing tools and partners, Stefan emphasizes looking for the right partner first, then selecting the best tools to match. A good partner will help assess your specific needs and recommend platforms that integrate well with your existing systems.

Lastly, avoid trying to do everything at once. Migrating an ecommerce platform, PIM, and CMS simultaneously may sound efficient, but it increa ses complexity and risk. Instead, phase your migration, starting with the most impactful system and building from there.

Real-life example: BikeTotaal

To bring these strategies to life, let’s look at BikeTotaal, a leading Dutch cycling retailer. They faced a major challenge: migrating their webshop while rebranding and merging two business models—all under a strict deadline. Timing was critical, as the new branding launch date was already set.

The key to their success was prioritizing the essentials. Together with KatanaPIM and Kega, they focused on delivering an MVP solution that met immediate needs while leaving room to add features later. Despite the tight timeline, the team maintained flexibility by using an agile approach. This allowed them to adapt when unexpected issues arose without derailing the project.

Over the following months, the team continued refining and expanding the platform, proving that a phased approach to migration can deliver results without compromising on quality.

Key considerations for businesses

If you’re thinking about migrating your webshop, it’s essential to approach the process strategically. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion with Raoul and Stefan:

1. Invest in the right product owner: Your product owner acts as the glue holding the migration process together. They should be empowered to make decisions and manage internal stakeholders effectively.
2. Set realistic priorities: While it’s tempting to aim for perfection, focusing on an MVP approach ensures you meet deadlines and avoid overwhelming your team.
3. Adopt an agile mindset: Break the migration into manageable sprints, allowing for flexibility as the project progresses.
4. Don’t tackle everything at once: Avoid the risk of doing everything at once. Start with the system that offers the greatest impact—whether it’s the ecommerce platform, PIM, or CMS—and gradually add other components.
5. Choose the right partners: Working with an experienced partner can make all the difference. They’ll guide you in selecting tools and strategies that suit your specific needs.

By keeping these points in mind, businesses can turn webshop migration from a challenge into an opportunity for growth and innovation.

If you're considering a migration or want to learn more about how it works, contact Kega or reach out to us. Our teams are here to guide you every step of the way, from strategy to execution.

To dive deeper into the insights shared by Stefan De Jong and Raoul Straathof, watch the full interview here. Get inspired by real-life examples, learn from the challenges others have faced, and discover actionable strategies to make your migration a success!