How to Migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify

Switching from BigCommerce to Shopify might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right plan, you can make the move smoothly. This guide covers all the essential steps to help you transition effectively from BigCommerce to Shopify.

Why Migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify?

Before diving into the migration process, it’s helpful to understand why you might want to move from BigCommerce to Shopify. Shopify offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of themes, and extensive app integrations that can enhance your online store’s functionality. Additionally, Shopify’s customer support and community resources can provide valuable assistance as you grow your business.

Pre-Migration Checklist

To ensure a successful migration from BigCommerce to Shopify, complete the following tasks before you start:

1. Backup Your Data
   • Products: Export all product details, including descriptions, prices, and images.
   • Customers: Save customer information such as names, emails, and purchase history.
   • Orders: Keep a record of all past orders and transactions.
2. Review Third-Party Apps
   • Make a list of all the apps you currently use on BigCommerce.
   • Research Shopify alternatives that offer similar functionalities.
3. Set Up Your Shopify Account
   • Create a Shopify account if you haven’t already.
   • Configure your basic store settings, including currency, payment gateways, and shipping options.
4. Choose a Shopify Theme
   • Browse Shopify’s theme store to find a design that matches your brand.
   • Install and customize the theme to fit your store’s look and feel.

Data Migration Process

Moving your data from BigCommerce to Shopify involves several steps. Follow this process to ensure all your information is accurately transferred.

Export Data from BigCommerce

• Log in to your BigCommerce admin panel.
• Navigate to Advanced Settings > Export Data.
• Choose the data you want to export, such as products, customers, and orders, and download the files.

Prepare Your Data for Shopify

• Review the exported files to ensure all necessary information is included.
• Make any necessary adjustments to the data format to match Shopify’s requirements.

Import Data into Shopify

• In your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Import Data.
• Use Shopify’s import tool to upload your product, customer, and order data.
• Follow the prompts to complete the import process.

Verify Imported Data

• Check that all products, customer details, and orders appear correctly in Shopify.
• Ensure that images and descriptions are properly displayed.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store

After migrating your data, set up your Shopify store to ensure it’s ready for customers.

1. Customize Your Theme
   • Adjust the layout, colors, and fonts to match your brand.
   • Add your logo and customize the navigation menu for easy browsing.
2. Configure Payment Gateways
   • Set up payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, and other available methods.
   • Test each payment gateway to ensure transactions process smoothly.
3. Set Up Shipping Options
   • Define your shipping zones and rates.
   • Integrate with shipping carriers if necessary.
4. Add Essential Pages
   • Create important pages like About Us, Contact, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.
   • Ensure all pages are informative and reflect your brand’s values.

Shopify App Recommendations for Migration

Using the right apps can simplify the migration process from BigCommerce to Shopify. Here are some recommended apps to help you migrate efficiently:

1. Cart2Cart
   • Description: Cart2Cart is an automated migration tool that helps transfer your store data from BigCommerce to Shopify seamlessly.
   • Features: Transfers products, customers, orders, categories, and more with minimal effort.
   • Benefits: Saves time and reduces the risk of data loss during migration.
2. Matrixify (formerly Excelify)
   • Description: Matrixify allows you to import, export, and manage your Shopify store data using Excel or CSV files.
   • Features: Supports large data sets, custom data fields, and advanced data manipulation.
   • Benefits: Provides flexibility and control over your data migration process.
3. LitExtension
   • Description: LitExtension offers a comprehensive migration service from BigCommerce to Shopify.
   • Features: Migrates products, customers, orders, reviews, and more with ease.
   • Benefits: User-friendly interface and reliable support ensure a smooth migration experience.
4. Store Importer by Shopify
   • Description: Shopify’s native Store Importer app helps you migrate your store data directly from BigCommerce.
   • Features: Simple import process for products, customers, and orders.
   • Benefits: Free to use and integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s platform.
5. Syncio
   • Description: Syncio helps synchronize your inventory and orders between BigCommerce and Shopify during the migration process.
   • Features: Real-time synchronization, multi-store support, and automated updates.
   • Benefits: Ensures data consistency and minimizes downtime during migration.

Testing Your New Shopify Store

After thorough testing, you can make your Shopify store live. Update your domain settings to point to your new Shopify store.

Before making your Shopify store live, it’s crucial to perform thorough testing to catch any issues.

1. Review Product Listings
   • Ensure all product information is accurate and complete.
   • Check that images are high quality and properly linked.
2. Test the Checkout Process
   • Simulate purchases to verify that the checkout process works correctly.
   • Confirm that payment gateways process transactions without errors.
3. Check Customer Accounts
   • Make sure customer accounts are accessible and all information is intact.
   • Verify that customers can view their order history and account details.
4. Validate Order Management
   • Ensure that orders are correctly recorded in Shopify.
   • Test order notifications and fulfillment processes.

Go Live with Your Shopify Store

Once you’ve tested everything and are confident that your Shopify store is ready, it’s time to go live.

1. Update Your Domain Settings
   • Point your domain from BigCommerce to Shopify by updating the DNS settings.
   • Follow Shopify’s guide on connecting your domain for a seamless transition.
2. Launch Your Store
   • Remove any password protection to make your store accessible to customers.
   • Announce your store launch through email, social media, and other marketing channels.
3. Monitor Your Store
   • Keep an eye on your store’s performance and address any issues that arise.
   • Use Shopify’s analytics tools to track sales, traffic, and customer behavior.

Post-Migration Tips

After migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify, consider these tips to optimize your new store:

Optimize SEO Settings

• Ensure all your URLs, meta titles, and descriptions are correctly set up for SEO.
• Redirect old BigCommerce URLs to the new Shopify URLs to maintain search rankings.

Enhance Store Functionality

• Install Shopify apps that add features like email marketing, reviews, and inventory management.
• Continuously explore new apps to keep your store updated with the latest tools.

Engage with Customers

• Use Shopify’s built-in tools to manage customer relationships and support.
• Implement email campaigns and loyalty programs to retain customers.

Regularly Update Content

• Keep your product listings, blog posts, and other content up to date.
• Regular updates help improve SEO and keep customers engaged.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify may present some challenges. Here are common issues and how to address them:

Data Loss

• Always back up your data before starting the migration.
• Double-check imported data to ensure nothing is missing.

Theme Compatibility

• Choose a Shopify theme that closely matches your BigCommerce design.
• Customize the theme as needed to maintain your brand’s appearance.

App Integration Issues

• Research and select Shopify apps that offer the same functionality as your BigCommerce apps.
• Test each app thoroughly to ensure it works seamlessly with your store.

SEO Impact

• Maintain your SEO settings during the migration.
• Use 301 redirects to preserve search engine rankings and avoid broken links.

Conclusion

Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify doesn’t have to be difficult. By following this step-by-step guide, you can move your store smoothly and take advantage of Shopify’s powerful features. Proper planning, thorough testing, and careful execution are key to a successful migration from BigCommerce to Shopify. Start your migration today and enhance your online store’s performance and customer experience.