The Right Move: Upgrading your Salesforce B2B Commerce to LWR

Upgrading from legacy Salesforce B2B Commerce platforms like Aura or CloudCraze to the newer Lightning Web Runtime (LWR) offers compelling business advantages that go beyond just technical upgrades. Moving to LWR can strengthen a company’s competitive edge, boost revenue opportunities, and enhance customer loyalty. Let’s take a look at why investing in this migration is a smart business move, and why it’s gaining traction among forward-thinking B2B companies.

Why Legacy Platforms Fall Short

Before diving into the benefits of LWR, it’s useful to understand where the older platforms fall short. The limitations of the Aura and CloudCraze platforms impact various aspects of business performance, often holding companies back from realizing their full potential.

• Slower Load Times: The older platforms can struggle with load times, especially as companies grow and add more product listings or site features. Slow load times frustrate customers, reduce conversions, and can negatively affect SEO.

• Limited Flexibility: Legacy systems often limit customization. Businesses today need the flexibility to adapt, update, and personalize the experience based on evolving customer needs. Aura and CloudCraze lack the nimble infrastructure that LWR offers.

• Inconsistent User Experience (UX): A site that feels clunky or inconsistent makes customers more likely to click away and go to a competitor. The newer LWR framework is designed to provide a seamless and modern experience that keeps users engaged.

The Advantages of Upgrading to Lightning Web Runtime (LWR)

1. Faster Load Times and Better Site Performance

• Immediate Benefits for SEO: Faster websites rank better on search engines, which means greater visibility and a larger audience reach.

• Increased Conversions: Faster load times lead to smoother customer journeys, increasing the likelihood of conversions. Studies show that even a one-second delay can reduce conversions by 7% or more.

• Reduced Bounce Rates: With LWR, pages load in a flash, keeping customers on your site instead of bouncing to competitors.

2. Modern, Engaging User Experience

• Consistent Look and Feel: LWR is built for consistency, which improves brand perception. Customers appreciate a seamless experience across pages, helping to build trust.

• Interactive and Engaging Features: LWR supports modern UX elements that are both engaging and easy to use, such as quick product views, pop-up information, and dynamic content. This makes it easier for customers to find what they need and encourages larger orders.

• Personalized Experiences: LWR allows for tailored experiences. Businesses can personalize the site based on customer data, from product recommendations to special promotions, making each customer feel valued.

3. Lower Costs and Faster Development

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: LWR requires fewer technical adjustments, meaning lower ongoing maintenance costs and fewer headaches for your IT team.

• Scalability Without Expensive Overhauls: As your business grows, so can your LWR site. You won’t need to invest in a major overhaul or re-platforming; LWR is built to expand with your business.

• Speedier Launches and Updates: LWR makes development faster and more efficient. Whether it’s launching a new product or making updates, changes can be made quickly and with minimal downtime.

4. Enhanced Business Intelligence

• Deeper Insights into Customer Behavior: LWR enables businesses to track user interactions more precisely. You can learn what customers are clicking on, how they’re moving through the site, and where they might be dropping off.

• Actionable Analytics: With richer data insights, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize the customer experience, adjust pricing, or highlight specific products. This data-driven approach improves long-term profitability.

The Bigger Picture: Customer Loyalty and Market Competitiveness

Upgrading to LWR isn’t just about making things faster or saving on costs; it’s also about positioning your business as a market leader in B2B commerce.

1. Strengthened Customer Loyalty

• Better First Impressions: First impressions count, especially in B2B commerce. A fast, professional, and easy-to-use website gives customers confidence in your business and can make them more likely to become repeat buyers.

• Higher Satisfaction Rates: With smoother browsing and checkout experiences, customers will have fewer frustrations, leading to greater satisfaction and a higher likelihood of returning.

• Easier Reordering for Loyal Clients: LWR allows for customized features such as fast reordering for B2B clients who make frequent, high-volume purchases. This saves them time and keeps them coming back.

2. Competitive Advantage

• Set Yourself Apart from Competitors: A cutting-edge site experience can set your business apart. When a B2B buyer has a better experience with your website, they’re less likely to seek out competitors.

• Attract Modern Buyers: As more B2B buyers are comfortable with eCommerce, they’re looking for experiences that mirror those of top-tier consumer brands. LWR’s modern design and speed cater directly to this growing expectation.

• Future-Proofing Your Business: Upgrading to LWR positions your business to adapt to the changing landscape of B2B commerce. This helps ensure that you stay relevant and competitive as digital trends continue to evolve.

Summary: Why Upgrading to LWR is the Right Move

To summarize, moving from the legacy Salesforce B2B Commerce Aura or CloudCraze platforms to LWR offers a wealth of business advantages that include better performance, reduced costs, and increased customer loyalty. Here’s a quick recap:

• Faster Load Times and Better SEO – Boosts conversions and keeps customers engaged.

• Modern User Experience – Delivers a seamless, brand-consistent experience customers will love.

• Cost Savings and Scalability – Lowers long-term expenses and grows with your business.

• Enhanced Analytics – Provides valuable insights into customer behavior.

• Increased Customer Loyalty – Builds trust and keeps customers coming back.

• Competitive Edge – Sets your business apart in an increasingly digital B2B landscape.

In today’s competitive market, where customer expectations are higher than ever, upgrading to LWR isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future. With improved speed, a modern user experience, and advanced analytics, LWR sets the stage for a new level of B2B eCommerce success. The sooner businesses make the shift, the sooner they can reap the rewards of a powerful, future-proof platform that drives growth and customer loyalty.