Legacy Site Spring Cleaning – App & Script Edition

I know it's not Spring.... but Summer and the pre Christmas season really is the best time to give your site a proper dusting down (yep, sorry we did just say the "C" word)!

In this edition of The Pixel, we’re getting stuck into the nitty-gritty of a digital declutter and how it can give your site a proper performance boost ready for that all important peak season.

If your e-commerce store's been chugging along nicely for years, well done!

But like even the most reliable workhorse, it might be carrying a bit of extra weight – outdated apps, scripts, and bits of code that are past their best and making your site sluggish.

The Hidden Costs of Code Clutter

Outdated code might seem harmless, but it can quietly wreak havoc on your site:

• Every bit of unnecessary code makes your site work harder. Think of it like piling too many boxes in the back of the van. Slow loading times mean shoppers get impatient and head elsewhere – and search engines won't be too pleased either.
• Old code has a knack for clashing with your current setup. Suddenly, things look a bit off, features stop working, and it's a right faff for everyone involved.
• A tangled mess of code is a proper headache for your developers. That means more time (and money!) spent fiddling with old problems instead of building brilliant new things to keep customers coming back.

Why Legacy Stores Need Extra Attention

Sites that have been around the block a few times are prime suspects for sneaky code clutter. Over the years, you've likely given loads of apps a whirl. Some were a quick test, others got replaced, but bits and bobs might still be hanging about, it might take some time but trust us, it’s worth it.

Next examine your theme history, every time you've switched themes or added a little customisation, bits of the old code might linger. Even if you love your current look, those remnants could be slowing things down.

The Benefits of a Code Cleanse

Here's the good stuff – what you stand to gain by having a good sort out of your apps and code:

• Zip and Zoom: Get that delightful feeling of a faster, snappier store. Happy customers are more likely to stick around, and that makes for a healthy bottom line.
• Security Shield: Ditching outdated code reduces those easy targets for hackers. A bit of prevention goes a long way.
• Happy Devs: A streamlined codebase means your developers spend less time scratching their heads over odd conflicts and more time making your store even better.
• Cost Savings: Faster sites and easier maintenance mean you won't need to fork out as much for tech support in the long run.

The "How To" – A Careful Approach

• The Master List: Get the lay of the land! Jot down EVERY app, script, and any extra bits of code you've added to your store. Note what it's for, when you installed it, and if you're still actively using it.
• Test-Driven Removal: Steady as she goes! Uninstall or remove ONE thing at a time, then give your store a thorough test drive. This makes it easier to catch if something breaks.
• When in Doubt, Consult: If your codebase is a bit of a beast, a skilled developer can help spot what's safe to remove and even suggest ways to make things run smoother.

Maintenance is an Ongoing Mission

Don't think of this as a one-and-done job! Regularly keeping tabs on your code health is key:

• Before Major Updates: Always do a little cleanup before any big changes to your shop's platform or theme – keeps things running smoothly.
• New is Not Always Needed: Give every new app or script the stink eye. Is it truly worth adding, or will it just create more clutter down the road?

A Leaner Site is a Winning Site

By taking charge of your code, you're giving your e-commerce store a performance boost, a security upgrade, and making life easier for everyone involved. That's a win for you, your developers, and most importantly, your customers!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed at tackling these tasks.....give us a call.....the team here at Squashed Pixel can help take the stress out of getting your site cleaned up.....& whilst we in there we can recommend further improvements to really help you get your site really working for you - Give us a bell