In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Shopify migration process, from transferring data to maintaining SEO rankings.

What Data Can You Migrate to Shopify?

When migrating to Shopify, it is crucial to keep track of various types of data to ensure a seamless transition. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essential data you should take note of during your migration process.

• Products: Product names, descriptions, SKUs, pricing (including sale prices), images (featured and gallery), product variants and attributes (size, color, style), product categories, tags, and SEO metadata (titles, descriptions, URLs).
• Customers: Customer names, contact details (email, phone), billing and shipping addresses, customer groups, tags, and order history.
• Orders: Order statuses (completed, pending, refunded), detailed order information (items purchased, quantities, pricing), payment details (methods, transaction IDs, dates), billing and shipping information, order notes, and applied discounts.
• Categories and Collections: Category hierarchy (parent and child categories), automated and manual collections, category descriptions, and images.
• Content (Blogs and Pages): Blog posts, articles, static pages (About, Contact, FAQs), content images, and SEO metadata (meta titles, descriptions, URLs).
• Reviews and Testimonials: Customer product reviews, ratings, reviewer information, and timestamps.
• Coupons and Discounts: Discount codes, rules and conditions, usage limitations, and history.
• Gift Cards: Active gift cards, balances, expiry dates.
• SEO Data: URL redirects (301), meta tags (titles, descriptions, alt text), canonical tags, structured data.
• Inventory: Stock levels, stock management details (inventory locations, fulfillment status).
• Digital Products: Digital downloads and files.

What You Usually Can’t Directly Migrate

• Custom Scripts and Apps: Custom-developed apps, integrations, or scripts typically need manual setup or redevelopment.
• Store Themes and Designs: Themes generally require manual setup or customization on Shopify.
• Customer passwords: Due to encryption/security, passwords typically can’t be directly migrated. Customers often need to reset their passwords on the new platform.

Migration from One Platform to Shopify: 4 Methods

1. Manual Migration (CSV Import/Export)

How it works:
You export your product, customer, and order data as CSV files from your current platform, then import these files into Shopify via the built-in CSV import tool.

Pros:

• Free or low cost
• Complete control over data
• Ideal for small to medium-sized stores

Cons:

• Time-consuming, especially with complex data
• Requires data cleanup and formatting
• Limited capability for migrating customer passwords, reviews, and SEO metadata
• Higher risk of errors if not handled carefully

Best for: Small businesses or stores with a limited amount of data.

2. Migration Apps & Tools (Automated Migration)

How it works:
Use dedicated migration tools/apps like Cart2Cart, LitExtension, or Matrixify to automate data transfer from your current platform to Shopify.

Pros:

• Fast and efficient
• Migrates more types of data (SEO, reviews, customer groups, categories, passwords for some platforms)
• User-friendly interface
• Less manual work and errors

Cons:

• Usually incurs fees based on data volume
• May still require some manual adjustments after migration
• Limited flexibility for custom migration needs without additional support

Best for: Medium-to-large stores or businesses looking for efficiency, ease-of-use, and comprehensive data migration.

3. Hire a Shopify Migration Expert (Agency or Freelancer)

How it works:
You hire a professional migration expert or agency specializing in Shopify migrations. They handle everything—from planning, data transfer, customization, and testing.

Pros:

• Least hassle; fully managed solution
• Professional data migration, minimizing risks and downtime
• Access to expertise and custom solutions
• SEO-focused migration with full redirects and metadata

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Reliance on external vendor availability and communication

Best for: Larger, complex stores, or businesses without internal expertise who want a fully managed migration.

4. Shopify’s Store Importer App (Built-in Shopify Tool)

How it works: Shopify offers the Store Importer App, which natively supports migration from specific platforms like BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Wix, Square, and others. It provides a streamlined, guided migration process.

Pros:

• Direct integration within Shopify
• Easy and intuitive to use
• Handles common data like products, orders, customers, and categories
• Completely free

Cons:

• Limited data migration (may not support SEO metadata, passwords, reviews)
• Not available for every platform; limited customizations
• May require manual adjustments post-migration

Best for: Small-to-medium stores migrating from popular platforms where Shopify’s built-in importer is supported.

Shopify Migration Methods: Pros and Cons

Each migration method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise before making a decision. Here are a comprehensive list of pros and cons.

1. Use a Shopify Migration Tool:

Pros:

• User-friendly: The tool is designed to be easy to use, even for those with little to no technical knowledge.
• Comprehensive: The tool guides you through the entire process, ensuring that no data is left behind.
• Time-saving: The Shopify Migration Tool is efficient and can help you migrate your store quickly.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: The tool may not allow for much customization in terms of how you want your data to be migrated.
• May Require Some Technical Knowledge: While the tool is user-friendly, you may still need some technical knowledge to handle any issues that arise during the migration process.

2. Hire a Shopify Expert:

Pros:

• Hassle-free: The expert will handle the entire migration process, saving you time and effort.
• Professional Assistance: Shopify Experts have the knowledge and experience to ensure that the migration is done correctly.
• Customization: You can work with the expert to tailor the migration process to your specific needs.

Cons:

• Cost: Hiring a Shopify Expert can be expensive, especially if you have a large store with a lot of data to migrate.
• Less Control: You’ll have less control over the migration process since you’re relying on someone else to do it for you.

3. Do It Yourself (DIY):

Pros:

• Full Control: You have complete control over the migration process, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.
• Cost-Effective: Doing it yourself is generally more cost-effective than hiring an expert.
• Learning Experience: Migrating your store yourself can be a valuable learning experience, helping you better understand how Shopify works.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: The DIY approach can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of data to migrate.
• Technical Knowledge Required: You’ll need a good understanding of both your current platform and Shopify to successfully migrate your store.
• Risk of Errors: There’s a risk of making mistakes during the migration process, which could result in data loss or other issues.

How to Migrate to Shopify: A Detailed Guide

Migrating your online store to Shopify can greatly enhance your business operations, customer experience, and online growth. Here’s a practical guide covering everything you need for a seamless transition.

Step 1. Pre-Migration Checklist

Before migrating, complete these crucial tasks:

• Backup your store data: Products, customers, orders, images, blogs, pages, reviews, and SEO metadata.
• Clean your data: Remove duplicates or irrelevant data; Standardize product categories and tags.
• Document current integrations/apps: Document apps, integrations, and functionalities you need on Shopify.
• Choose a Shopify plan & theme: Choose a theme aligned with your branding needs and also select a suitable Shopify subscription plan.
• Prepare redirects” Map existing URLs to Shopify URLs (important for SEO).
  

Step 2. Choose Your Migration Method

Choose the migration method that best suits your needs:

Method	Best for	Complexity
Manual CSV Migration	Small stores with basic data	Medium-High
Automated Migration Apps	Medium–large stores, efficiency	Medium
Shopify’s Built-in Importer App	Stores on popular platforms	Low
Hiring Shopify Experts	Large or complex stores	Low

Step 3. Step-by-Step Migration Process

Set Up Your Shopify Store

• Sign up and choose your Shopify plan.
• Set your store’s basic configurations (currency, tax, payment gateways, shipping rates, etc.).
• Install and configure necessary apps (reviews, SEO, email marketing).

Export Data from Your Current Platform

• Export your data (products, customers, orders, etc.) into CSV files or use migration apps to automate data transfer.
• Store exported data securely in multiple locations.

Import Data into Shopify

Depending on your migration method:

A. Manual CSV Import

• Go to Shopify Admin → Products/Customers → Import.
• Map CSV columns to Shopify fields and upload your files.
• Import products first, followed by customers and orders.

B. Migration Apps (e.g., Cart2Cart, LitExtension)

• Install the app on your Shopify store.
• Connect your current platform and Shopify store.
• Select data to migrate (products, orders, customers, reviews, SEO, etc.).
• Run a demo migration to verify accuracy.
• Proceed with full migration.

C. Shopify’s Built-in Store Importer

• Shopify Admin → Apps → Store Importer.
• Select your previous platform (BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Wix, Square, etc.).
• Follow prompts to import data.

Migrate Your Content (Blogs & Pages)

• Copy blog posts, static pages (About, Contact, Policy pages), and embed images.
  Set up navigation menus.

Set Up Your New Shopify Theme

• Choose a Shopify theme (free or paid) from the Shopify Theme Store.
• Customize your theme (homepage, product pages, checkout pages) to align with your branding.
• Ensure your design is mobile-responsive.

Review and Configure Settings

• Payment gateway integration (Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe).
• Shipping and delivery settings.
• Taxes, currency, and checkout process.
• Privacy policy, terms of service, return policy pages.

Step 4. Post-Migration Checklist & SEO Best Practices

Data Quality Check

• Review products, prices, variants, images, inventory.
• Verify orders, customers, and collections/categories.

SEO & URL Redirects

• Implement 301 redirects to prevent broken links (Shopify Admin → Online Store → Navigation → URL Redirects).
• Configure SEO metadata (product/page titles, descriptions, alt tags).
• Submit updated sitemap to Google Search Console for indexing.

 Set Up Analytics & Tracking

• Integrate Google Analytics 4, Google Tag Manager, Facebook Pixel, etc.
• Verify tracking codes & ecommerce tracking.

Test the New Store

• Complete test purchases on desktop and mobile.
• Check order confirmation emails.
• Test integrations and apps thoroughly.

Step 5. Launch and Go-Live Checklist

Inform Customers

• Send email updates about the new store.
• Clearly explain password resets (if required).

Domain Migration

• Connect your existing domain to Shopify.
• Shopify Admin → Settings → Domains → Connect existing domain.
• Update DNS settings through your domain provider.

Final Quality Assurance

• Double-check all redirects, SEO settings, and page loading speed.
• Confirm mobile responsiveness across different devices.

Monitor Performance

• Track analytics, traffic, and conversions closely post-launch.
  Address customer feedback immediately.

Top 4 Shopify Migration Apps

Migration Pro ‑ Store Importer

Migration Pro is known for its straightforward, user-friendly interface that simplifies the migration process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users. It supports a variety of data types, including products, customers, orders, and more, guaranteeing that all your crucial information is accurately and securely transferred to your new Shopify store.

Key Strengths

• Official Shopify app (built-in reliability)
• Free to use
• Simple interface for basic migrations
• Direct integration with Shopify systems
• No third-party access to sensitive data
• Good for smaller stores with standard data structures

LitExtension

LitExtension is a leading choice for those looking to migrate from different platforms to Shopify, with support for over 120 different carts. It offers a fully automated migration process, complete with 24/7 customer support, to guide you through each step of the migration. Additionally, the service provides a free demo to help you understand the process before committing.

Key Strengths

• Supports migration from 100+ ecommerce platforms
• Comprehensive data migration (products, customers, orders, reviews)
• Preserves SEO elements and product IDs
• Offers delta migration for incremental updates
• User-friendly interface with minimal technical knowledge required
• Post-migration support and lifetime free updates

Cart2Cart Store Migration App

Cart2Cart stands out with its automated, hassle-free migration process, which supports data transfers from over 85 different platforms to Shopify. The dedicated support team is available to assist you at every step, ensuring a smooth and successful migration. Additionally, the service offers a free demo migration, giving you a glimpse of the process before you decide.

Key Strengths

• Fast migration process with minimal downtime
• Live demo migration available before purchase
• Automated and manual migration options
• Detailed mapping features for custom fields
• 24/7 support and migration insurance options
• Regular updates to maintain compatibility

Matrixify – Bulk Import Export Update Migrate:

Matrixify is known for its powerful data management capabilities, which allow you to easily import, export, and update your data in bulk, saving you time and effort. The app supports a variety of data types, including products, customers, orders, and more, ensuring that all your important information is handled with care. Additionally, the app offers a range of customization options to meet your specific needs.

Key Strengths

• Excel/CSV-based migration offering maximum flexibility
• Greater control over data transformation and manipulation
• Excellent for technical users who need customization
• Can handle complex product relationships
• Supports bulk editing and data cleansing during migration
• Useful for ongoing store management post-migration

How To Find Good Shopify Migration Services

Here are the steps to find the best Shopify migration service for your business.

1. Do Your Research:

Start by searching online for Shopify migration services. Look at customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality of their work. You can also check out their portfolios to see examples of previous migrations they’ve done. Pay attention to any case studies they may have, as these can give you insight into their process and the results they’ve achieved for other clients.

2. Check Their Expertise:

Make sure the service you’re considering has experience with both your current platform and Shopify. They should be familiar with the intricacies of both systems to ensure a smooth migration. Ask them about any challenges they’ve faced in past migrations and how they’ve overcome them.

3. Ask About Their Process:

A good Shopify migration service will have a clear and defined process for migrating your store. Ask them to walk you through their process, from initial consultation to launch. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect and help you gauge their professionalism and expertise.

4. Consider Their Customer Support:

Customer support is crucial when it comes to migration services. You want a service that is responsive and available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Ask them about their availability and the support channels they offer, such as email, phone, or chat.

5. Ask For References:

Don’t be afraid to ask for references from past clients. This can give you firsthand insights into their experience with the service and whether they would recommend them. You can also ask for case studies or examples of successful migrations they’ve done in the past.

6. Get a Quote:

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, ask for a quote from each service. This will give you a better understanding of the costs involved and help you make an informed decision based on your budget.

Shopify Migration Checklist

• Sign up and get started with Shopify: The first step in migrating to Shopify is to sign up and create an account. This will give you access to the platform and its features.
• Create the store you want to migrate to: Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to create your new Shopify store. Choose a store name and configure the basic settings.
• Identify the data and services to be migrated: Before starting the migration process, identify the data and services you want to migrate from your current platform. This could include product information, customer data, order history, and more.
• Decide on the method of migration: Decide on the method you’ll use to migrate your data. You can use the Shopify Migration Tool, hire a Shopify Expert, or do it yourself.
• Prepare your data and services for migration: Prepare your data and services for migration by organizing and cleaning up any outdated or irrelevant information.
• Export data from your current platform: Export your data from your current platform. This could include product information, customer data, order history, and more.
• Import data into Shopify: Import your data into Shopify. If you’re using the Shopify Migration Tool, it will guide you through this process.
• Review and update data: Once your data has been imported into Shopify, review and update it to ensure everything is accurate and up-to-date.
• Set up redirects: Set up redirects from your old store to your new Shopify store to ensure that customers can find your new store.
• Set Up Google Search Console And Resubmit A Site Map: Set up Google Search Console for your new Shopify store and resubmit your site map. This will help improve your store’s visibility on Google and drive more traffic to your site.

Common Errors To Avoid When Moving To Shopify

To help ensure a smooth transition, here’s a checklist of common errors to avoid when moving to Shopify:

Not Backing Up Your Data:

Before you start the migration process, it’s crucial to back up all your data from your current platform. This includes product information, customer data, and order history. Failing to back up your data can result in the loss of valuable information.

Ignoring SEO:

SEO is a critical aspect of your online store’s success. When migrating to Shopify, make sure to maintain your SEO rankings by setting up 301 redirects for your old URLs. This will ensure that any existing backlinks continue to drive traffic to your new store.

Overlooking Product and Customer Data:

During the migration process, it’s important to ensure that all your product and customer data is transferred correctly. Double-check that product descriptions, images, prices, and customer information are all accurate and complete.

Not Testing Your Store Before Launch:

Before launching your Shopify store, make sure to thoroughly test it to ensure everything is working as it should. This includes testing the checkout process, payment gateways, and any other functionality you’ve added to your store.

Neglecting Mobile Optimization:

With more and more customers shopping on mobile devices, it’s essential to ensure that your Shopify store is mobile-optimized. Check that your store looks and functions correctly on various mobile devices and screen sizes.

Forgetting About Apps and Integrations:

Shopify offers a vast ecosystem of apps that can add functionality and features to your store. Make sure to set up any necessary apps or integrations, such as social media, email marketing, and analytics, to enhance your store’s capabilities.

Not Setting Up Payment and Shipping Options:

Before launching your store, make sure to set up your payment and shipping options. This includes configuring your preferred payment methods and setting up your shipping rates and options.

Failing to Configure Tax Settings:

Don’t forget to configure your tax settings based on your location and the locations of your customers. This will ensure that you’re charging the correct amount of tax on your products.

FAQs: Shopify Migration

Conclusion: The Complete Shopify Migration

We hope this guide has provided you with the information and confidence you need to migrate to Shopify successfully. Remember, while the process may seem overwhelming at first, taking it step by step and seeking professional help when needed will ensure a smooth transition. So, go ahead and take the leap – your future Shopify store awaits!

Read more:

• Webflow To Shopify Migration: A Step-by-step Guide
• OpenCart to Shopify Migration: A Detailed Guide 
• Magento to Shopify Migration: The Ultimate Guide
• BigCommerce to Shopify Migration