How to Migrate to Shopify Checkout 2.0 and Keep Tracking Conversions

Yet Another Shopify Big Change #

Shopify is implementing significant changes to its checkout system. This article aims to explain these changes in simple terms and provide a clear roadmap for store owners to follow. The transition from checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility is mandatory and has important deadlines.

First, they introduced checkout.liquid for Shopify Plus, and people started to upgrade to Shopify Plus just for that. Now they are introducing Checkout Extensibility for all Shopify stores.

This is called the Shopify trap... okay, but let's move on.

Key Dates to Remember #

• August 13, 2024: Deadline for upgrading Information, Shipping, and Payment pages.
• August 28, 2025: Deadline for upgrading Thank you and Order status pages.

Understanding Checkout Extensibility #

Checkout Extensibility is Shopify's new system for customizing checkouts. It offers several advantages over the old checkout.liquid method, as they mention:

• Improved security
• Better performance
• Easier to update
• Compatible with Shop Pay

In fact, it just made our life harder, but it's for the best.

Steps to Upgrade Your Checkout #

There are a few steps you need to follow to upgrade your checkout to Checkout Extensibility. Here's a simple guide to help you through the process:

1. Review Your Current Customizations #

• Go to your Shopify admin
• Navigate to Settings > Checkout
• Click on "Review customizations"
• Examine the report of your existing checkout modifications

2. Create an Inventory of Customizations #

• List all scripts and plugins affecting your checkout
• Include modifications from checkout.liquid and Additional Scripts
• Use a spreadsheet to organize your inventory

3. Plan Your Migration #

Categorize your customizations into:

• Layout modifications
• Custom scripts and third-party integrations
• Conversion tracking

4. Implement New Solutions #

For Layout Changes: #

• Use the new Checkout editor in Shopify
• Be prepared to adjust your checkout flow

For Custom Scripts and Integrations: #

• Look for updated apps in the Shopify App Store
• Contact app developers for migration instructions
• Consider alternatives if necessary

For Conversion Tracking: #

• Implement Shopify Pixels for tracking
• Use provided code examples for major platforms (Google Ads, Facebook, etc.)
• For a detailed guide, refer to our article on how to track conversion in the simplest way

5. Build and Test Your New Checkout #

• Create a draft of your new checkout
• Implement your planned changes
• Thoroughly test all functionality, ensuring you address common UX problems in Shopify stores

6. Publish Your New Checkout #

• Once satisfied, publish your new checkout
• Monitor performance closely after the switch, and consider conducting a CRO audit for Shopify to ensure everything is optimized

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline? #

Missing the deadline can result in:

• Locked checkout.liquid customizations
• Disabled risk indicators for orders
• Slower Shopify Payments payouts
• Eventual auto-upgrading, which may result in loss of customizations

Don't forget about cro.media #

For more advanced strategies on optimizing your Shopify checkout, consider reading our in-depth guide on Conversion Rate Optimization for Shopify.

Don't want to mess with the migration process? Consider purchasing our ready-made module for Shopify Checkout 2.0.

What to say in the end #

The transition to Checkout Extensibility is a significant change for Shopify store owners. While it may seem daunting, it's designed to provide a more robust and flexible checkout experience in the long run. Start your migration process early to ensure a smooth transition and to take full advantage of the new features offered by Checkout Extensibility.

Remember, this change is mandatory. Failing to upgrade by the deadlines could negatively impact your store's functionality and performance. If you're unsure about any aspect of the upgrade process, don't hesitate to seek assistance from Shopify experts or consult the official Shopify documentation.

Stay proactive, plan carefully, and your store will be well-positioned to benefit from these new checkout improvements.