Migration of Shopify to BigCommerce involves the seamless transfer of essential data, including products, customer information, orders, and more, from your existing Shopify store to the new BigCommerce platform.
While Shopify is widely recognized, there’s room for SEO enhancement, and some merchants find its transaction fees inconvenient. Considering a switch to BigCommerce is a promising solution. It offers a reliable online platform, ensuring effective and efficient business growth.
Step-By-Step Guide to Migrate Shopify to BigCommerce
Migrating from Shopify to BigCommerce is a strategic decision that requires careful planning and execution. Follow the step-by-step process to ensure a smooth transition:
Step 1: Back up and Evaluate your Current Shopify Store
Step 2: Create a BigCommerce Account
Step 3: Plan Your Data Migration
Step 4: Import Products to BigCommerce
Step 5: Adapt Customizations and Themes
Step 6: Set up SEO Redirects
Step 7: Review Your Storefront and Listings for Accuracy
Step 8: Personalize Your Store and Go Live
Step 9: Post-Migration Optimization
Step 1: Back up and Evaluate your Current Shopify Store
Before initiating the migration, conduct a comprehensive audit of your existing Shopify store. Identify critical data such as product details, customer information, order history, and any customizations or third-party apps that require consideration.
Backup Options:
- Manually export Shopify data using CSV files (limited to products, customers, orders, gift cards, discount codes, and themes).
- Build a backup solution using Shopify’s public APIs (challenges include keeping up with changing APIs).
- Consider using an automated backup solution like Rewind, recommended by Shopify and Shopify Plus, for continuous and reliable data recovery.
Step 2: Create a BigCommerce Account
Create a new account. Sign up, personalize your shop, and choose a theme that aligns with your brand. Ensure the storefront allows easy navigation. Customize the theme to reflect your brand for a seamless transition and engaging interface.
In BigCommerce’s settings, configure payment gateways, shipping options, and tax settings for operational efficiency and a smooth shopping experience. A well-configured store facilitates seamless data integration.
Also Read: BigCommerce Store Development
Step 3: Plan Your Data Migration
Determine the migration method that suits your needs. BigCommerce offers various migration tools and services, and you can also explore third-party solutions. Decide whether you’ll perform a manual migration or use automated tools based on your store’s complexity and data volume.
- Prepare your product data for migration by exporting main information like titles, descriptions, SKUs, prices, and images from the “Products” page in your Shopify admin.
- Click “Export,” select the products, customize your CSV file, and click “Export products.”
- Note that the CSV includes image links, not the images themselves.
- Keep your Shopify product listings viewable until the migration is complete.
Check Shopify’s guide for more details on exporting your data.
Step 4: Import Products to BigCommerce
- Initiate the data import process to add your products to BigCommerce. If comfortable, directly import your CSV by clicking “Products,” then “Import”.
- Fill out the import options, upload your CSV in the “Import Products via CSV” section, and click “Next” followed by “Start Import.” Review the summary of imported products.
Explore import product tutorial here.
Alternatively, use BigCommerce’s Shopify Data Migration App (free for the first 1,000 entries). Note that this app may not consistently transfer categories.
After importing, thoroughly verify the data to ensure accurate transfer. Double-check product details, customer data, and order histories in your store.
Step 5: Adapt Customizations and Themes
If your Shopify store heavily relies on custom code or themes, adaptation is necessary for BigCommerce. Utilize the Stencil framework for theming, ensuring visual elements and functionalities align with your brand identity.
Unfortunately, your old Shopify theme is not compatible with the new website. You have two options:
- customize your new theme to resemble the old one (or)
- Give your site a completely fresh look.
The platform offers 15 free themes and approximately 130 paid themes, ranging from $145 to $300. Additionally, you can explore themes on platforms like Themeforest or Templatemonster.
Step 6: Set up SEO Redirects
Establish 301 redirects from old Shopify URLs to corresponding BigCommerce URLs to maintain SEO rankings and ensure store accessibility. This is crucial for preserving search engine rankings and preventing broken links, which could impact the customer shopping experience. A paid plan is required for implementing 301 redirects.
- Access the “Settings” tab, select “301 Redirect,” and add redirects by entering old URLs and selecting the new linked page.
- Click “Insert Link” to complete the setup. Refer to this guide for implementing 301 redirects in BigCommerce.
- Thoroughly review all redirects to ensure correct setup and functionality.
- Well-configured redirects enhance the customer shopping experience by preventing broken links and error pages, allowing for seamless and enjoyable navigation.
Step 7: Review Your Storefront and Listings for Accuracy
The final migration step involves a comprehensive review of your BigCommerce storefront. Double-check the accuracy of all product listings, including titles, descriptions, images, and prices. If applicable, transfer customer accounts and order histories by exporting data from Shopify and importing it into your BigCommerce account for a smooth transition for returning customers.
Personalize your store with unique branding elements such as logos and design themes to establish a cohesive store aesthetic, reinforcing brand recognition and enhancing the customer shopping experience.
Thoroughly test all functions of your new store, including payment gateways and checkout processes, to ensure an optimal shopping experience. Creating a test order can help identify and resolve any issues, ensuring a seamless transition and preventing potential sales losses during the migration.
Step 8: Personalize Your Store and Go Live
Choose a domain name either using the default .mybigcommerce.com domain or connecting a custom domain. You can purchase a domain through the platform directly or point an existing one to your storefront. Check the guidelines here.
Have customer support ready for potential issues. Launch your store and begin selling!
Step 9: Post-Migration Optimization
After the migration, closely monitor your store’s performance using analytics tools. Optimize your online strategies based on insights gathered post-migration. Seek feedback from customers to identify any areas that may require attention.
Recommended Read: BigCommerce to Shopify Migration
What are the Pre-Migration Considerations
It’s essential to address several pre-migration considerations before being involved in the migration process from Shopify to BigCommerce to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Differences between Shopify and BigCommerce
Understanding the key differences between these two platforms is essential to determine if migrating is the right decision for your business. Consider the following aspects:
- Features: Evaluate the built-in features and integrations offered by both platforms to identify which platform best meets your business requirements.
- Pricing structure: Compare the pricing plans, transaction fees, and costs of additional apps for both platforms to determine which is more cost-effective for your business.
- Customization options: Analyze the templates, themes, and design flexibility offered by Shopify and BigCommerce to ensure you can create the desired user experience for your online BigCommerce store.
| Note: According to a recent study by ecommerce Platforms, BigCommerce ranks higher in features and functionality when compared to Shopify. |
A survey by FinancesOnline revealed that 75% of businesses experienced unexpected costs during a platform migration.
The Cost Implication of Migration
Migrating from Shopify to BigCommerce involves several costs, which should factor into your decision-making process. These include:
- Data migration: Transferring your target store data, including products, customers, and order history, may require hiring a professional or using a migration tool.
- Redesigning the website: You may need to invest in a new template, hire a designer, or spend time customizing your store’s appearance on BigCommerce.
- App and integration setup: Some apps and integrations may need to be reconfigured or replaced with BigCommerce-compatible alternatives.
According to research by Practical Ecommerce, the optimal time for migration is during your slowest sales periods to minimize business disruptions.
Identify the Best Time for Migration
Choosing the right time for migration is crucial to minimize disruptions to your business. Consider the following factors when planning the move:
- Sales cycle: Schedule the migration during a slow sales period to avoid potential losses and minimize the impact on your customers.
- Seasonality: Refrain from migrating during peak seasons, such as holidays or major sales events, to prevent unnecessary stress and complications.
- Resource availability: Ensure you have the necessary resources, such as staff and budget, to complete the migration process.
As per a report by TechRepublic, 58% of small businesses are not prepared for data loss.
Backing up Your Shopify Store Data
Therefore, before initiating the migration process, it’s crucial to back up all your Shopify store data to prevent potential data loss.
- Product information: Download a CSV file containing the product data from your Shopify admin.
- Customer information: Export your customer data to a CSV file from the Shopify admin panel.
- Order history: Save a record of your order history by exporting it to a CSV file.
- Theme and design assets: Make a copy of your current theme and any custom design assets for later use.
- Blog content: Export your blog posts and related media files for easy transfer to BigCommerce.
As of August 2021, BuiltWith reports that Shopify powers 3,832,730 websites, while BigCommerce supports 60,313 websites.
Why Migrate from Shopify to BigCommerce
Businesses might contemplate migrating from Shopify to BigCommerce for various reasons, as each platform presents distinct features and advantages. Some of the key reasons include:
Better Built-in Features
It provides more built-in features than Shopify, such as advanced product options, flexible promotions, and real-time shipping quotes. It can help businesses save on additional app costs and streamline store management.
No transaction Fees
Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees. It can lead to significant and extra cost savings, especially for businesses with high sales volumes.
More Customizable Storefront
Offers a range of templates and customization options compared to Shopify, giving businesses greater control over their website’s design and user experience.
Flexible pricing plans
BigCommerce’s pricing plans cater to various business sizes and needs, offering a more tailored solution than Shopify.
Advantages of Migration
Improved Performance
BigCommerce’s infrastructure handles high volumes of traffic and transactions, ensuring customers experience a smooth and responsive shopping journey.
Integrated Multi-Channel Selling
Simplifies multi-channel selling by integrating seamlessly with popular marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms. This enables businesses to expand their reach and manage orders from a centralized dashboard.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security is a top priority for ecommerce businesses. This platform provides robust security features, including regular updates and patches, to protect against potential threats. Migrating to BigCommerce can enhance the overall security posture of your online store.
Challenges and Risks of Migration
Data Migration Complexity
Transferring product information, customer data, and order history from Shopify to BigCommerce can pose a complex task. Merchants must carefully plan the migration process to ensure accurate and complete data transfer.
SEO Implications
Improper execution of a migration can impact SEO rankings. Changes in URLs and adjustments to metadata may be necessary. Merchants should implement a thorough SEO strategy alongside the migration to minimize negative effects on search engine visibility.
Customization Adaptation:
If your current Shopify store heavily relies on customizations or apps, challenges may arise in adapting these to BigCommerce. Merchants must evaluate their current setup and identify potential areas that may require redevelopment.
Downtime and Customer Impact
Migrating to an online store typically involves a period of downtime. Merchants must communicate this effectively to customers, minimizing any inconvenience. A well-executed migration plan can help reduce the impact on sales and customer satisfaction.
Final Words
A well planned and executed migration from Shopify to BigCommerce can significantly enhance your ecommerce business by enabling you to capitalize on the extensive features and capabilities of BigCommerce.
The time and effort invested in ensuring a seamless transition will undoubtedly yield benefits in terms of improved scalability, flexibility, and substantial growth potential for your ecommerce store.
Contact Klizer today to make your migration to BigCommerce a resounding success. Your future in ecommerce awaits – make it extraordinary with Klizer and BigCommerce.
FAQ
Is multiple language transfer to BigCommerce possible?
Yes, it supports multiple languages, and during the migration process, language data can be transferred seamlessly to ensure a consistent multilingual experience.
Is it possible to export customer data to BigCommerce?
Absolutely. Customer data, including profiles and order history, can be exported from your current platform to BigCommerce, facilitating a smooth transition for your clientele.
Can I retry the Demo migration?
Yes, most migration tools and services offer the flexibility to retry demo migrations, allowing you to refine the process and ensure accurate data transfer before the actual migration.
Will my Shopify store data be affected by the migration?
When executed correctly, a migration should not negatively impact your Shopify store data. It’s crucial to follow best practices and thoroughly test the process to avoid any data discrepancies.
How to export Shopify products to BigCommerce?
Utilize the export/import features provided by migration tools or services to seamlessly transfer product data, including details and images, from your Shopify store to BigCommerce.
How do I export orders from the Shopify platform to BigCommerce?
Migration tools often include functionalities to export orders from Shopify and import them into BigCommerce, ensuring a smooth transition of your sales history.
Can I export the Shopify database to BigCommerce?
Yes, migration tools typically allow for the export of essential data, including the database, from Shopify to BigCommerce, ensuring a comprehensive transfer of your store information.
How much time does it take to migrate data from Shopify Plus using CSV files?
The time required for data import using CSV files varies based on the amount of data and complexity. Expert migration services can streamline the process for a more efficient transfer.
What is the best option for online store owners considering BigCommerce migration services?
The best option for online store owners is to choose a migration service that not only ensures data security but also provides a comprehensive solution, including product reviews, product categories, and necessary information for an optimal migration experience.
