The way we approach webshop migration is changing. As ecommerce businesses aim for greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency, traditional all-in-one platforms are giving way to more modular solutions like headless commerce and composable commerce. To explore these modern strategies, we spoke with Joachim from Kega, a digital agency that specializes in ecommerce solutions for retail, B2B, and wholesale. With years of experience in helping businesses face these transformations, Joachim shared invaluable insights on how to adopt these approaches successfully.

In this blog, we’ll cover the key trends shaping webshop migration today, including the shift to headless and composable commerce, and discuss how businesses can take advantage of these strategies to future-proof their online stores.

Webshop migration: the trends

Joachim highlighted a major shift toward headless commerce, where the front end of a webshop is decoupled from its backend systems. This approach allows businesses to create highly customized user experiences without being tied to a specific platform, offering flexibility and quick implementation.

Building on this is composable commerce, which goes further by enabling businesses to integrate specialized tools for specific functions like content management, search, or loyalty programs. This modular strategy helps companies stay agile and tailor their systems to unique needs.

Joachim also emphasized the rise of hybrid migration, where businesses modernize gradually. By retaining existing backend systems and introducing a modern CMS or other modular tools on the front end, companies can reduce risk, implement changes faster, and achieve immediate benefits.

Avoiding pitfalls in webshop migration projects

While headless and composable commerce offer exciting opportunities, they come with their own set of challenges—particularly when it comes to webshop migration. Joachim pointed out that one of the biggest hurdles businesses face is defining their Minimum Viable Product (MVP). It’s easy to get carried away with the possibilities that composable commerce offers and attempt to implement every feature at once. However, this often leads to bloated projects that miss deadlines and go over budget.

Another challenge is managing complexity. With composable commerce, you’re working with multiple tools and systems instead of a single platform. This requires careful planning to ensure that everything integrates smoothly, both technically and operationally. For many businesses, the prospect of reconfiguring their backend systems while introducing new front-end tools can feel overwhelming.

Stakeholder alignment is another common issue. With so many decisions to make—from tool selection to feature prioritization—it’s essential to have clear leadership and collaboration across departments. Without a strong product owner or decision-maker, migrations can become bogged down in conflicting priorities.

Selecting the right tools and partners

Choosing the right tools and partners is a critical step in any webshop migration. Joachim emphasized the importance of starting with a discovery phase to fully understand the client’s needs. This involves conducting interviews with stakeholders and customers to map out the ideal customer journey and identify gaps in the current setup. By also considering the employee journey, businesses can ensure their teams are equipped to support the customer experience.

Once needs are clear, the next step is to evaluate tools and vendors. Joachim noted that it’s essential to focus on solutions that align with the client’s specific goals and offer the best value. Instead of defaulting to popular or flashy tools, the selection process should involve testing and demos to confirm that the chosen solutions fit seamlessly into the ecosystem.

Collaboration is key throughout this process. By working closely with clients, agencies like Kega ensure that every decision is well-informed and tailored to the unique needs of the business. This collaborative approach leads to more effective implementations and long-term success.

Key takeaways for businesses

Webshop migration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Joachim shared a few key takeaways to help businesses navigate the process successfully:

• Start small: Composable commerce doesn’t require a full-scale transformation right away. Focus on an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and build incrementally, adding value step by step. This approach helps you stay agile and meet your immediate goals without overloading your team.
• Adopt a hybrid approach: Retain existing backend systems where possible and gradually introduce new components like a modern CMS or search tools. This phased approach keeps projects manageable, reduces risks, and allows businesses to see value more quickly.
• Choose tools and partners wisely: Work with vendors and agencies that understand your unique needs and can provide flexible, scalable solutions. A collaborative approach ensures that every tool and integration fits seamlessly into your ecosystem.
• Avoid copying competitors: One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is trying to replicate what their competitors are doing. Joachim noted that many companies focus too much on which tools or platforms their peers use, rather than identifying their own unique strengths and priorities. The reality is that every business is different. Instead of chasing trends, take the time to define your goals and figure out what sets you apart. By focusing on differentiation and selecting tools that align with your specific needs, you can create a tailored solution that drives real value.

Webshop migration is a powerful opportunity to future-proof your business and create a scalable, flexible ecommerce setup. Whether you’re considering going headless, adopting composable commerce, or planning a hybrid approach, having the right guidance is essential.

Contact Kega or KatanaPIM today to explore how we can support your webshop migration with tailored solutions and expert advice. Our teams are here to help you define your goals, choose the right tools, and ensure a smooth, successful transition.

Ready to dive deeper into the insights shared by Joachim? Watch the full interview here for more practical tips and strategies to transform your webshop.