Background
In October 2025, a Gas Industry client utilising Magento 2 approached The WebCo to explore alternative platform options. Their requirements had evolved, and they no longer needed the extensive e-commerce functionalities offered by Magento 2. Instead, they sought a lightweight, cost-effective solution that would reduce maintenance expenses while retaining the existing website design and user experience.
Challenges with Magento 2
-
01
High Maintenance Costs
Magento 2 required extensive development resources, high hosting costs, and frequent updates. -
02
Complex Backend for Non-Technical Staff
Managing product catalogues, orders, and customer accounts was cumbersome. -
03
Performance Issues
Slow loading times affected customer experience and order processing efficiency. -
04
Limited Content & Marketing Capabilities
The client needed a more content-driven approach for SEO and customer engagement. -
05
Scalability Concerns
Magento 2 was proving too complex for their business needs, with features they were not utilising.
Project Objectives
- Identifying a new, streamlined platform that does not require e-commerce functionality.
- Preserving the current website’s design and user experience to maintain brand consistency.
- Reducing ongoing operational costs by selecting a more economical platform.
- Removing all e-commerce features, including “Add to Cart,” checkout pages, and the payment gateway.
Our Approach
Our initial step involved a comprehensive assessment of the client’s updated requirements. We evaluated various non-e-commerce platforms, including Laravel and WordPress (without WooCommerce), analysing their advantages, limitations, and overall cost-effectiveness. Based on this analysis, WordPress was determined to be the optimal solution, offering flexibility, ease of use, and cost efficiency.
Solution Overview
The re-platforming process involved the following key phases:
Planning & Requirement Analysis
The planning phase focused on defining the new website’s requirements. Since this transition primarily involved feature removal rather than new functionality development, we conducted in-depth discussions with the client to align on expectations. These discussions were meticulously documented to ensure clear communication with the development team.
Using detailed documentation and process flow diagrams, we mapped out the transition plan, ensuring the retention of essential functionalities while systematically removing e-commerce components.
Database Migration
We opted for a manual migration approach to ensure accuracy and consistency. Key product information, including name, price, images, and descriptions, was carefully transferred from Magento 2 to WordPress. A dedicated tester reviewed each listing to maintain formatting, visual appeal, and alignment with the original data.
Some of the data we migrated included
- Product Catalog (Gas types, cylinders, pricing structures, bulk orders).
- Customer Accounts (B2B wholesale buyers, login credentials, order history).
- Order History & Transactions (Ensuring continuity for returning customers).
Front-End Migration
- Adjusting the header, footer, and navigation menu.
- Modifying product pages to remove e-commerce functionalities while preserving layout and aesthetics.
- Ensuring a seamless user experience across the redesigned platform.
Client Communication & Training
Front-End Migration
Client Communication & Training
Development Process
We implemented an Agile development methodology to maintain flexibility, foster continuous improvements, and enhance collaboration with the client:
- Weekly Work-in-Progress (WIP) meetings facilitated transparency and allowed real-time client feedback.
- Stakeholder approvals were integrated throughout the development cycle to minimise last-minute changes and ensure alignment at every stage.
Testing & Quality Assurance
-
Internal Testing:
- Functionality validation
- Usability testing
- Cross-browser and device compatibility checks
- Performance and security assessments
-
User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
- The client performed UAT to verify that the final implementation met expectations and functioned as intended in a live environment.
Go-Live & Post-Deployment Support
- Live functionality testing to confirm the seamless operation.
- Verification of third-party integrations to prevent disruptions.
- SEO and analytics assessments to maintain search engine visibility and site performance.
Results & Business Impact
- 50% Reduction in Hosting & Maintenance Costs – WooCommerce's lightweight setup reduced infrastructure expenses.
- 40% Faster Load Times – Improved user experience led to a lower bounce rate and higher engagement.
- Simplified Order Processing – B2B clients reported easier navigation and faster transactions.
- Increase in Organic Traffic – WordPress-powered content marketing boosted search rankings.
- Higher Conversion Rates – A more intuitive interface and custom B2B pricing features improved lead generation and sales.
Conclusion
The Magento 2 to WordPress re-platforming project successfully addressed the client’s need for a more cost-effective, user-friendly, and performance-optimised solution. By carefully preserving the website’s design and user experience while eliminating unnecessary e-commerce functionalities, we ensured a seamless transition that aligned with the client’s evolving business goals.
The migration resulted in significant cost savings, improved site performance, and enhanced content management capabilities, empowering the client to focus on SEO and customer engagement. Through a structured development process, meticulous testing, and ongoing client collaboration, we delivered a streamlined platform that meets the client’s needs while maintaining scalability for future growth. This project highlights the effectiveness of strategic platform selection in optimising digital presence and operational efficiency.
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