WooCommerce to Shopify Migration: Why and How to Make the Move

Deciding to move an online store from WooCommerce to Shopify is an important strategic choice.

There can be many reasons you may want to go from using the WooCommerce plugin to a full Shopify store. For instance, people often look into criteria like pricing, performance, and usability.

Essentially, this signals a change. You move from a platform with many customization options to one that is built for simpler operations. With that in mind, here is what you need to know about carrying out a WooCommerce to Shopify Migration.

Why Migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify? 

WooCommerce gives you a high degree of control through its open-source setup. This freedom, however, comes with large responsibilities. For instance, these include security, hosting, and upkeep. As a result, these duties can slow down a growing business.‍

On the other hand, Shopify is a managed, secure, and high-performance service. Therefore, it lets merchants concentrate on growth. This move is often motivated by a need for better security, greater performance, and a more predictable cost structure.

1. Improved Security and Reliability

One reason to migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify is the security of customer data and the reliability of the storefront for any online business. It’s helpful to know that Shopify and WooCommerce use different systems for managing risk. To illustrate, Shopify has a capable, built-in security system.

In addition, Shopify takes care of many security details for you. It includes a free SSL certificate. It also runs automatic security updates and manages server security. 

2. Superior Performance and Scalability

To begin with, all Shopify plans come with a fast, global Content Delivery Network (CDN). They also have a 99.9% uptime guarantee. 

A WooCommerce store's performance, in contrast, is self-hosted. Its performance depends on outside factors. These can include the web hosting company and the site's own setup.

A frequent problem that comes up is called plugin overload. This happens when having too many plugins causes code conflicts. Consequently, this leads to much slower page load times. This situation means you can end up with constant troubleshooting which is another reason to migrate WooCommerce to Shopify.

3. Predictable and Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The free WooCommerce plugin needs many other purchases to run a professional store.

For instance, these include web hosting and a domain name. You also need to pay for premium themes and plugins for important functions like subscriptions. Furthermore, fees for a developer to help with setting things up, customization, and upkeep can add up. These can become the biggest and most unpredictable cost leading to WooCommerce to Shopify migration.

On the other hand, Shopify's pricing is clearer and more predictable. It includes a fixed monthly subscription fee as well as transaction fees. These transaction fees are waived if you use Shopify Payments. 

Things to Consider Before Migrating from WooCommerce to Shopify

Before you get started with WooCommerce to Shopify migration, a detailed look at your current setup is very important. You also need to think about your future needs.

The choice to change platforms is made in a changing market. Therefore, understanding the positions of both platforms gives you helpful context.

1. Carry Out a Thorough Data and Feature Check

First, the initial step in planning your WooCommerce to Shopify migration is to go over your current WooCommerce store completely. This is also the best time to clean up your data. 

• You can clean your data by getting rid of old products. You should also merge any duplicate customer records. Finally, check that all data is consistent. A clean set of data will help you stay away from problems during the import process. It will also set up your new Shopify store for success.
  
• Next, you need to make a specific list. This list should show all functions that your WooCommerce plugins currently handle. This includes everything from how you manage subscriptions and shipping rules to custom checkout fields and SEO settings.
  
• With this list, you must then look for similar apps in the Shopify App Store. You may also need to plan for custom development to recreate any necessary features. This feature mapping step is important. It helps you avoid a loss of functionality after you have finished the migration.

2. Understand Market Share and User Sentiment

Some data sources say WooCommerce has a larger global market share. This is mainly because it is a free WordPress plugin with a great number of installations. However, a closer look shows a different trend.

• For example, Shopify is the leader in the most important commercial areas. These include high-traffic stores and the U.S. market. For that reason, it is the preferred platform for many growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands.
  
• WooCommerce users value its flexibility. Yet, they often show frustration with the heavy maintenance load. They also point out plugin problems and security issues. Understanding this feedback helps you match your business identity with the platform's philosophy. This is true whether you think of yourself as a seller or a builder.

3. Plan for Design and Theme Reconstruction

Shopify has its own templating language, called Liquid. It also has a unique theme structure. Before moving, you should look through the Shopify Theme Store. There, you need to pick out a theme that matches your brand identity and functional needs.

Many businesses use the migration as a chance to update their user experience. They also use it to modernize their design. You can choose an existing theme and then customize it.

Alternatively, you can hire a developer to build a completely custom theme to match your vision. It is important to set aside time and money for this rebuilding as part of your WooCommerce to Shopify migration plan.

How to Migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify (Step-by-Step)

There are three main ways to carry out the WooCommerce to Shopify migration. First, you can use a manual do-it-yourself method. Second, you can use automated migration tools. Third, you can hire a full-service expert agency.

Each path comes with a different balance of cost, time, and risk. This step-by-step guide brings together the important stages. It is designed to help you have a smooth and effective migration from WooCommerce to Shopify.

Phase 1: Pre-Migration Planning and Shopify Setup

This first stage is the foundation for the whole project. The main goal is to get your new Shopify environment ready. You also need to clean up your existing data to prepare for a smooth WooCommerce to Shopify migration.

1. Set Up Your Shopify Store: First, get started by creating your Shopify account. Then, select a subscription plan that fits your business needs. This will give you access to the Shopify admin dashboard. This is where you will set up your new store.
   
2. Carry Out a Data Check: Next, carefully go over your WooCommerce store. This is the time to perform data cleaning. You should remove outdated products. You should also combine duplicate customer entries and fix any inconsistencies.
   
3. Perform Feature Mapping: Then, make a complete list of all functions supplied by your WooCommerce plugins. You will need to research and pick out corresponding apps from the Shopify App Store. This is to recreate these important features. This makes certain that no needed functionality is lost after the move.
   
4. Select and Customize Your Theme: Finally, pick a Shopify theme that fits your brand. Your site's design must be rebuilt on Shopify's platform. This is done with its Liquid templating language.
   

Phase 2: Data Migration and Store Configuration

After the planning is done, the next stage involves the technical transfer of data. It also includes setting up your new store's basic functions.

1. Choose Your Migration Path: First, decide if you will use a manual CSV import. Or you could use an automated tool like Cart2Cart or Matrixify. The other option is an expert agency. Automated tools are often the most balanced choice. They give you speed and accuracy at a reasonable cost.
   
2. Carry Out the Data Transfer: Next, move your primary data sets. These are Products, Customers, and Historical Orders. You should be aware of platform-specific limits. For example, Shopify has a native limit of three options per product. Some tools like Matrixify can move custom fields into Shopify Metafields. This helps to keep detailed product information.
   
3. Configure Basic Settings: After that, go into the Shopify admin to arrange all fundamental settings. This includes payment gateways. It also includes shipping zones and rates, as well as tax settings.
   
4. Install and Configure Apps: Finally, install the Shopify apps you picked out during the feature mapping stage. This will add the needed functionality to your store.
   

Phase 3: SEO Preservation, Testing, and Go-Live

This last stage in WooCommerce to Shopify migration is very important for keeping your search engine rankings. In addition, it helps to create a good customer experience right from the first day.

1. Set up 301 Redirects: This is arguably the most important technical step. You must create a full map of 301 redirects. This map should go from every old WooCommerce URL to its new Shopify URL. The URL structures are different between platforms. For this reason, this step is required. It helps you avoid losing SEO value. It also prevents sending customers to 404 Not Found pages.
   
2. Carry Out Thorough Testing: Next, completely test every part of your new Shopify store. You should place test orders to check out the entire checkout process. You also need to check functionality on different mobile devices and browsers. Above all, confirm all apps are working as expected.
   
3. Connect Your Domain and Go-Live: After all the testing is done, you can connect your existing domain to Shopify. You do this by changing your DNS records (A Record and CNAME Record). Then, you can officially launch your new store to the public.

What to Do After You Migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify

Your WooCommerce to shopify migration project is not over when you go live. In fact, the post-launch period is very important. It is for making a good transition for your customers.

By proactively taking care of these post-migration tasks, you can build a solid base for your new Shopify store. Then, you can start to make use of the platform's powerful features.

1. Invite Customers and Monitor Site Performance

One of the most important post-launch actions is managing customer accounts. Your customer data, including names and email addresses, will be moved over. However, their passwords will not be transferred. This is due to security rules. 

• Because of this, you must use Shopify's built-in tool. You need to send out account activation invites to all migrated customers. This will ask them to create a new password for their account on your new store. Consequently, this helps them get to their order history and saved information without problems.
  
• You should also pay attention to your analytics tools, such as Google Analytics. You should have already set this up before launch. Specifically, look for any strange traffic patterns. Also, watch out for drops in conversion rates or higher bounce rates.
  
• In addition, check your Google Search Console. You need to confirm your 301 redirects are working right. You also need to check that there are no new crawl errors. You should be ready to quickly fix any unexpected bugs. You should also be prepared to answer customer questions about the new site.
  

2. Address Common Post-Migration Challenges

Merchants often run into a consistent set of problems after WooCommerce to shopify migration. This happens when they go from the open setup of WooCommerce to Shopify's managed system. Knowing about these can help you deal with them well.

• Loss of Customization: First, the biggest adjustment is getting used to Shopify's more structured system. This is especially true for the inability to freely change the checkout process, unless you are on Shopify Plus. The solution is to make use of the Shopify App Store. It has tested and reliable options for most needs.
  
• App Creep and Costs: Secondly, Shopify's subscription cost is predictable. However, the cost of third-party apps can go up. You should periodically go over your installed apps. Get rid of any that are not giving significant value. This helps to avoid app creep and control your monthly operating costs.
  
• Data Mapping Inaccuracies: Furthermore, small data transfer mistakes can happen. This can occur even with automated tools. You should plan to manually check and clean up data after the migration. For example, you might need to re-link product variants or fix customer tags to maintain data quality.
  
• Changing Workflows: Finally, the Shopify admin interface is different from the WordPress dashboard. Many find it easier to use, but it does take time to get used to. You should spend time training your team on the new ways to manage products, fulfill orders, and edit content. This will help you maintain operational efficiency.
  

3. Concentrate on Growth and Optimization

With the technical parts of the migration finished, the work of growing your business can begin. Indeed, a well-done migration can produce major results.

These results come from more than just migrating from WooCommerce to Shopify Instead, they are the product of rethinking and improving the entire digital strategy during the migration.

Why choose Entrans for your WooCommerce to Shopify Migration

Picking out the right partner for your WooCommerce to Shopify migration is as important as the choice to change platforms. While automated tools can be a good value and a manual method gives you control, there is another option.

Hiring an expert agency is the lowest-risk and highest-quality choice. This path saves you valuable time. It also makes certain that complex needs are taken care of, from keeping SEO rankings to moving over custom functionality during your WooCommerce to Shopify migration.

Entrans is a certified Shopify Partner agency.

We specialize in looking after the full migration project. As a result, we make the process straightforward and set up your business for scalable growth.

Do you want to find out just how we can help you? Book a free consultation call.

FAQs on WooCommerce to Shopify Migration

Can I convert WooCommerce to Shopify?

Yes, you can convert your WooCommerce store to Shopify. This is done in a process known as migration. This involves moving over essential data like your products, customers, and order history to the new platform. You will also need to rebuild your website's design with a Shopify theme and set up settings like payments and shipping.

Is it worth moving from WooCommerce to Shopify?

For most growing businesses, the move is indeed worthwhile. This is because it lets you put your efforts into growth instead of technology management. Shopify gives you a fully managed platform with better security and reliability. As a result, this saves you from the hidden costs of self-hosting. This shift often leads to a higher return on investment through increased revenue and predictable pricing.

What are the WooCommerce to Shopify migration paths available?

There are three main migration paths you can take. Each one comes with a different balance of cost, risk, and effort:

• Manual Migration: This involves exporting data from WooCommerce into CSV files by hand. Then, you import products from WooCommerce into Shopify. It has no direct tool cost but it takes a very long time. It also has a high risk of human error.
  
• Automated Migration Tools: This path makes use of third-party apps like Cart2Cart, LitExtension, or Matrixify. These tools automate the data transfer. This method is much faster and has fewer errors. It is also relatively low-cost. For these reasons, it is a popular choice for many merchants.
  
• Hiring Expert Agencies: This means you team up with a certified Shopify Partner like Entrans to manage the whole project. This is the lowest-risk, highest-quality option. It makes certain that complex needs and SEO preservation are handled professionally. However, it does have the highest direct financial cost.

Will my customer passwords be moved during a WooCommerce to Shopify migration?

No, customer passwords are never moved during migration. This is for very important security reasons. After your customer list is transferred over, you must send an email invitation to each person. This email will ask them to create a new password for their account on your new Shopify store.

Can I keep reviews when I convert WooCommerce to Shopify?

Yes, you can keep your product reviews. However, it does require a separate process. First, you must export the reviews from your WooCommerce site into a CSV file. Afterward, you will use a product reviews app on Shopify. You will use this app to import that file and link the reviews to the correct products.