Switching platforms can feel like a big step, especially when it involves your entire eCommerce store. Many store owners running WooCommerce...
This guide is tailored for store owners who want a step-by-step WooCommerce to Shopify migration without downtime or data loss. Whether you're managing a small catalog or a growing product base, this post will help you plan and move your WooCommerce store to Shopify.
Things to Consider Before Starting the Migration
Before starting your WooCommerce to Shopify migration, take a moment to plan. A few key areas need your attention to avoid issues later.
1. Store Size
Review how many products, customers, and orders you'll move. Larger stores may need advanced tools or services to handle the WooCommerce to Shopify data migration.
2. Plugins and Custom Features
WooCommerce stores often rely on plugins. List your current tools and check if Shopify has built-in alternatives or matching apps.
3. Design and Themes
Themes can’t be transferred. You’ll need to rebuild your store using a Shopify theme. Take screenshots of your current layout for reference.
4. SEO and URLs
WooCommerce and Shopify use different URL structures. Plan 301 redirects to avoid losing traffic and preserve your rankings. Export metadata (titles, descriptions) for your product and content pages.
5. Product Variants
Shopify supports up to 100 variants and 3 options per product. Restructure listings if your WooCommerce products exceed these limits.
6. Shipping and Taxes
Review your shipping rules and tax settings. Shopify handles them differently, so you’ll need to reconfigure these manually.
7. Customer Accounts
Passwords can't be moved. Customers will need to reset them after the migration. Profiles and order history can still be imported.
8. Budget and Timeline
Factor in costs for Shopify plans, apps, themes, and any help you may need. Schedule your migration during a slower business period if possible.
Build a list of what you need to replicate or replace. Think through your SEO, customer accounts, and shipping settings. With proper preparation, you can switch from WooCommerce to Shopify without losing momentum—or search rankings.
Also read: How to Import Customer Data from WooCommerce to Shopify?
Pre-Migration Checklist for Migrate From WooCommerce to Shopify
Before you start your WooCommerce to Shopify data migration, take care of these tasks:
● Back up your entire WooCommerce store, including database and files.
● Export a full copy of your product catalog, customer list, and past orders.
● Document your current URL structure for redirection planning.
● Decide which Shopify plan fits your store requirements.
● Choose a Shopify theme that supports your layout and features.
How You Can Move Your WooCommerce Store to Shopify
You can move your store using one of three methods. Each option depends on your budget, time, and technical comfort.
1. Manual Migration
If you prefer full control, a manual transfer might be the route:
● Export product, customer, and order data from WooCommerce in CSV format.
● Import that data into Shopify using the built-in import features.
Rebuild your navigation, menus, and product collections.
● Redesign your pages using a Shopify theme.
Manual migration works well for smaller stores or those with straightforward catalogs.
2. Using Shopify’s Store Importer Tool
Shopify’s native Store Importer simplifies the WooCommerce to Shopify migration for many stores. It allows you to:
● Import products, orders, and customer data automatically.
● Skip manual formatting for CSVs.
● Review import summaries before finalizing the transfer.
This method saves time and reduces the chance of error in basic migrations.
3. Using Third-Party Migration Services
For larger stores or those with custom features, tools like Cart2Cart or LitExtension offer advanced WooCommerce to Shopify migration support.
These services often handle:
● Products, categories, orders, and customer accounts
● SEO-friendly URL redirection
● Password migration (with limitations)
● Multi-language and multi-currency settings (if applicable)
Make sure to compare pricing, support, and the specific data each service can handle.
Each option has its pros and trade-offs. If you're looking for more control, a manual approach might work best. For speed and simplicity, Shopify’s built-in tool or a third-party service can streamline the transition. If you also need to migrate custom logic from Neto to Shopify, consider working with a developer who can preserve core functionality while adapting it to Shopify’s ecosystem.
Step-by-Step Guide For WooCommerce to Shopify Migration
Once you’ve decided to switch platforms, it’s time to walk through the actual process. This section outlines each stage of a WooCommerce to Shopify migration, from setting up your new store to launching it live. Whether you're doing it manually or with a tool, the steps below give you a clear roadmap.
1. Create Your Shopify Store
Sign up for a Shopify account and pick a theme. Choose one that matches your current layout or supports the features you need.
2. Export Data from WooCommerce
Go to your WooCommerce dashboard and export data for:
● Products
● Customers
● Orders
Use the built-in export tool or a plugin if needed.
3. Import Data into Shopify
Use Shopify’s Store Importer or manually upload CSV files. Double-check that:
● Product images load correctly
● Variants and categories map as expected
● Order history aligns properly
4. Organize Your Products and Categories
Shopify uses “collections” instead of categories. Group your products accordingly and update product details for consistency.
Also read: Migrate your WooCommerce products to Shopify Store
5. Rebuild Pages and Menus
Use Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor to recreate your homepage, about page, and other static pages. Set up menus to match your original structure.
6. Set Up Payment, Shipping, and Taxes
Configure your payment gateway (e.g., Stripe, Shopify Payments), shipping zones, and tax rules. These settings vary by region, so check the legal requirements for your location.
7. Set Up 301 Redirects
To maintain search rankings and existing traffic, redirect your old WooCommerce URLs to the new Shopify URLs. This helps avoid broken links and keeps SEO value intact.
8. Test Your Store
Run a full test before going live:
● Make a test purchase
● Check mobile responsiveness
● Review page speed
● Verify form submissions and contact flows
9. Launch Your Shopify Store
Once everything checks out, update your domain to point to Shopify. Announce the launch through email and social media.
Following this step-by-step WooCommerce to Shopify migration process helps reduce errors and avoids downtime. Testing thoroughly before launch keeps things smooth for your customers.
WooCommerce to Shopify Post-Migration Steps
After your WooCommerce to Shopify migration is complete, focus on these follow-ups:
● Fix Broken Links: Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to spot issues.
● Inform Customers: Send a clear update about the new store, especially if account passwords or login flows change.
● Submit New Sitemap: Send your updated sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
● Monitor Store Activity: Keep an eye on conversion rates, bounce rates, and product views.
● Review Mobile Performance: Shopify themes are responsive, but test your most important pages on mobile.
Also read: Why Should I Switch From WooCommerce To Shopify Migration?
Tools and Resources Used For WooCommerce to Shopify Migration
Here are some tools that can support your move:
● Migration Services: Cart2Cart, LitExtension
● Backup Plugins: UpdraftPlus (for WooCommerce backups)
● Shopify Apps: Store Importer, SEO Manager
● Testing Tools: Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix
● Redirect Management: Easy Redirects (Shopify app), or custom CSV uploads in Shopify admin
Final Thoughts
The WooCommerce to Shopify migration process requires preparation, but with the right steps in place, it can lead to a more stable and efficient setup. Whether you're doing it yourself or relying on tools, the most important part is to test each stage carefully and keep your customers informed throughout the process.
If you’re looking for expert help with your WooCommerce to Shopify migration, CartCoders offers tailored migration services that cover everything from product transfers to custom theme setups. Our team handles the technical side while keeping your store’s structure, SEO, and customer experience intact. Whether you have a small catalog or a complex store with advanced features, CartCoders can help you make the move with confidence and minimal disruption. Get in touch with us now!
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