Introduction

Welcome to Otterwp’s detailed guide on how to migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce! As your online business grows, you might start to encounter the limitations of Shopify’s hosted platform.

In contrast, WooCommerce, built on top of open-source WordPress, offers unparalleled flexibility and control over your store without charging for unlocking features or processing fees.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of migrating from Shopify to WooCommerce in eight simple steps. Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Consider Moving From Shopify to WooCommerce

The primary reason to migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce lies in the latter’s open-source nature.

With WooCommerce, you can create a website on any hosting platform, providing you with the freedom to choose a web host that best suits your needs.

Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce doesn’t charge fees for unlocking features, and you won’t have to pay processing fees for selling products.

While you’ll still need to pay for hosting when using WordPress and WooCommerce together, the flexibility and control you gain are well worth it.

Considerations Before Migrating From Shopify to WooCommerce

Anytime you plan to migrate a website from one platform to another, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some key considerations before starting the migration process:

Finding a WordPress-Friendly Web Host

Choosing the right web hosting provider for WordPress and WooCommerce is crucial.

Look for hosting options specifically tailored to support WordPress, such as those offered by Kinsta.

They provide optimized hosting plans with SSD storage, high-traffic website optimization, automatic daily backups, 24/7 support, staging functionality, and free SSL certificates.

Be sure to research hosting providers thoroughly to make an informed decision for your online store. Our recommendation would be Siteground.

Back-Up Your Shopify Store

Before proceeding with the migration, it’s wise to back up all the data from your Shopify store.

While Shopify allows you to export product data in CSV format, it lacks built-in backup functionality for the rest of your store’s details and design.

To ensure a smooth migration, consider using backup apps like Rewind Backups from the Shopify App Store.

Having a backup ensures that you can revert to the original state in case any issues arise during the migration process.

How to Migrate From Shopify to WooCommerce (8 Steps)

Now that you’ve considered the necessary preparations, it’s time to begin the migration process. Follow these eight steps to seamlessly migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce:

Step 1: Set Up WordPress

If you haven’t already, set up WordPress on your chosen web hosting provider.

Managed WordPress hosts usually handle this process automatically.

Alternatively, you can use a software installer like Softaculous to set up WordPress manually in a few minutes.

Download WordPress from WordPress.org, and follow the simple ‘five-minute’ installer that guides you through the setup process.

Step 2: Install WooCommerce

Once you have WordPress in place, it’s time to install WooCommerce. From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, search for “WooCommerce,” and click on “Install Now.”

Wait for the installation to complete, and then click on “Activate” to start using WooCommerce.

Step 3: Export Products From Shopify

Export your entire product catalog from Shopify in CSV format.

Go to your Shopify account, navigate to Product > All Products, and click on the “Export” button. Choose “All products” and select the CSV format option.

Shopify will compile a CSV file with all your product data and send it to you via email.

Step 4: Import Your Shopify Products Into WordPress

Now that you have the CSV file from Shopify, you can import your products into WooCommerce using the built-in product importer.

Access the WordPress dashboard, go to Tools > Import, and choose the WooCommerce products (CSV) option.

Select the CSV file you downloaded from Shopify, and match the product data to the corresponding fields in WooCommerce.

Once imported, your products will appear in the Products > All Products tab.

Alternatively, you can use a migration service like Cart2Cart to automate the process and transfer additional data, such as customer and order information, from Shopify to WooCommerce.

However, keep in mind that such services may involve additional costs.

Step 5: Point Your Domain to WooCommerce

Update your domain records to point toward your new web host, which now hosts your WooCommerce store.

The process for changing domain records may vary depending on your domain registrar or web host.

Ensure that you don’t lose traffic and customers by carefully managing this step.

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Step 6: Configure Your WordPress Permalinks

Change your store’s URL structure to make it more user-friendly and SEO-friendly. Go to Settings > Permalinks > Product permalinks in WordPress, and choose a permalink structure that includes product names or titles for better SEO.

Step 7: Recreate Your Shopify Store’s Design (Or Start Over)

You can either recreate the design of your Shopify store to maintain familiarity with existing customers or start over with a new WooCommerce template to take advantage of WordPress’s superior customization options.

WooCommerce works seamlessly with various page builder plugins and themes, giving you complete control over your store’s appearance.

Step 8: Configure Your WooCommerce Settings

Customize your WooCommerce store by configuring payment and shipping options, security settings, email notification preferences, product settings, and tax options. WooCommerce offers a wide range of settings that enable you to tailor your online store to your specific needs.

Learn how to: Take your Store to the next level with dynamic shopping.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully migrated your ecommerce store from Shopify to WooCommerce in eight comprehensive steps. WooCommerce’s open-source nature, combined with WordPress’s powerful capabilities, gives you unmatched control and flexibility over your online business. Remember to carefully follow each step to ensure a smooth transition, and feel free to explore WooCommerce’s vast array of extensions and themes to enhance your store further. If you have any questions or need assistance during the migration process, feel free to reach out in the comments section below. Happy selling with your new WooCommerce store!