How We Increased Skin Matrix Sales by 716% with a Smooth Magento to Shopify Transition
Skin Matrix, a trusted name in Australia's premium beauty and skincare market, faced a pivotal moment in its e-commerce journey. As their online presence grew, so did the need for a more robust and scalable platform.

Country of Origin : Australia
Overview
Skin Matrix has been our valued client for a long time, and they have been using the Magento platform for over 5 years. After our continuous efforts with SEO, CRO audits, and Google ads, we realised the website needed better performance and a more engaging user experience. To achieve this, we discussed and finalised the decision to migrate from Magento to Shopify for a more advanced solution.
Our expertise in e-commerce migrations allowed us to take on the challenge of transitioning Skin Matrix from Magento to Shopify. It was not just a platform change but a strategic move that would prove transformative for their business’s improved performance and success in the skincare & beauty market.
Technology
Industry
Deliverables
Competitiveness
Website

Purpose Behind the Migration From Magento to Shopify

Our Approach & Achievements
Complex Migration
Successfully migrated Skin Matrix’s products, categories pages and customer data from Magento to Shopify, ensuring seamless transition and data integrity.
URL Redirection
Preserved SEO value and user experience by implementing precise URL redirection strategies during migration from Magento to Shopify.
Functionality Intake
Enhanced essential functionalities to optimise user experience and operational efficiency on the new Shopify platform for Skin Matrix.
Customisation Through Apps
Customised Shopify features using apps to meet Skin Matrix’s specific needs, enhancing website functionality and user engagement.
Rapid Deployment
We used a demo store for development and briefly displayed an 'under construction' banner only when migrating to minimise downtime, demonstrating our team's efficiency and commitment to maintaining sales.
What Prompted Us To Do This
We encountered the following challenges while migrating from Magento to Shopify:

Category Hierarchy Differences
Magento offers a hierarchical view of categories (e.g. main category -> first child category -> second child category, etc.). Shopify does not support this structure, so we had to make adjustments in category management.
Category Import Limitations
Shopify does not support the direct import of categories from Magento, so we had to set up categories in Shopify manually.
Configurable Product Import Issues
In Magento, each product variant is created as a child product, allowing multiple variants without combinations. In Shopify, we had to add each product variant combination individually, which complicates the import process.
Product Attributes
Shopify does not provide native support for product attributes in filters on listing pages. So, we had to install an additional application to achieve similar functionality.
Blog Functionality
Magento allows for custom URLs for creating blog posts, categories, archives, and post searches. Shopify lacks these built-in features, so we had to use third-party applications and perform manual blog import, which is time-consuming and complex.
Customer Account Activation
Active customers in Magento must reactivate their Shopify accounts. As soon as we imported customers into Shopify, we sent them an activation email, and they need to set a new password to activate their accounts.
Data Migration Complexity
Migrating extensive data such as product details, customer information, and order histories from Magento to Shopify is a complex task, and we used specialised tools to ensure accuracy and completeness.
URL Structure Changes
Magento's flexible URL structure may differ from Shopify's, potentially impacting SEO. So, we implemented redirects to maintain search engine rankings and traffic.
Customisation Challenges
Custom features and functionalities built into a Magento store did not have direct equivalents in Shopify. So, we did custom development to obtain the custom features and functionalities. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps to achieve a similar outcome.
Strategy & Execution
Custom Feature Integration
We meticulously integrated custom features and functionalities to ensure the new Shopify site mirrors the capabilities of the Magento site. It included moving a price alert button to a more suitable position and customising email templates to match previous designs.
Safety Attribute Display
We added custom conditions to display safety attributes on product detail pages, ensuring the correct options are shown based on the data inserted.
Enhanced Filtering and Search
Recognising that Shopify's default filter didn't match Magento's capabilities, we installed a robust filter and search application. We connected all product attributes to this application, creating an efficient filtering system on the product listing page.
Thorough Functionality Testing
Our team conducted extensive functionality testing at multiple levels: developer, QA/QC, and client-end. From functionalities to the design flow, we rigorously tested each aspect of the site to ensure a seamless transition.
Performance Optimisation
After the migration, we assessed the site's performance using Google Insights, noting a significant performance improvement over the previous Magento site.
Enhanced Security Measures
To ensure robust security, we implemented SSL across the site, providing encrypted connections and safeguarding data integrity and customer information.
Structured Timeline and Milestones
The migration process was completed within a month, adhering to a structured timeline with specific milestones. Key phases included application research, data migration, theme design implementation, comprehensive testing, issue resolution, and final deployment.
Seamless URL Redirection
Redirecting old URLs to the new Shopify URLs was complex, but we managed it efficiently. We ensured that product, collection, page, and blog URLs retained their SEO value, preventing any loss of traffic or search engine rankings.
Efficient Data Migration
We successfully migrated all data from Magento to Shopify, including products, customers, and order history. We ensured no data loss and maintained continuity for business operations.
Post-Deployment Support
After the site went live, we thoroughly tested all functionalities in the live environment. We also provided ongoing support to resolve post-deployment issues and implement client feedback, ensuring smooth operation and client satisfaction.

Compelling Reasons to Migrate Your Magento Site to Shopify
Shopify's robust platform allows for seamless integration of custom features, such as improved filtering systems and customised email templates. Enhanced security measures, like SSL implementation, ensure data protection and customer trust. The structured migration process, with thorough testing at every stage, guarantees a smooth transition. Furthermore, efficient data migration and URL redirection preserve your SEO value and business continuity.
These compelling advantages make Shopify an excellent choice for optimising your e-commerce site and boosting overall performance.

Outstanding Outcomes
After migrating from Magento to Shopify, the Skin Matrix website has experienced a notable performance boost. The site speed and overall functionality are now significantly faster and smoother. The website no longer experiences downtime or interruptions, ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience.
We assessed the site's performance using Google Insights and observed a substantial increase in speed and efficiency compared to the previous Magento platform. This enhanced performance has improved user satisfaction and a seamless customer shopping experience.

Transformation & Growth Post-Migration
Following the migration to the Shopify platform, Skin Matrix achieved remarkable success:

These results, observed over three months from February 1st to May 1st, 2024, highlight Shopify's transformative role in driving substantial growth and success for Skin Matrix.
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