If you're thinking about scaling your eCommerce business, improving flexibility, or tapping into the powerful ecosystem of Shopify, you might need to migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify. I’ve found that Shopify’s user-friendly interface, huge app marketplace, and ability to offer customization options really stand out. It’s no wonder so many online store owners are making the switch.
But here’s the thing—moving from one platform to another isn’t as simple as just flipping a switch. There’s a lot involved in making sure everything transfers over smoothly. You'll need to handle things like moving over your data, maintaining your SEO rankings, setting up integrations, and making sure the transition doesn't mess with your sales. So, if you’re considering this move, it’s important to plan things carefully to make sure your business keeps running smoothly during the process.
What to Expect in This Guide
Here’s what you can expect as we walk through each step of migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify. I’ll help you transfer your data, products, orders, and customer info smoothly while avoiding common pitfalls. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Pre-migration preparation – First, we’ll talk about how to back up your data, choose the right migration method, and set up your Shopify store properly.
Data transfer process – I’ll show you how to migrate your products, customers, orders, and other important details without any hiccups.
SEO & URL redirection – We’ll go over how to maintain your search rankings and ensure proper redirection after the move.
Testing & troubleshooting – I’ll help you identify and solve any common migration issues that may come up during the process.
Cost considerations – We’ll take a look at the costs involved in migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify, including potential hidden expenses you might not expect.
1. Why Migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify?
Moving from BigCommerce to Shopify is a big decision, and it’s important to understand both the benefits and challenges involved. While both platforms are powerful, Shopify stands out for its flexibility, ease of use, and scalability. If you're looking for more customization options, a smoother user experience, and a platform that can grow with your business, Shopify could be the better fit for you.
1.1 The Limitations of BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a solid eCommerce platform, but many businesses find it starts to feel a bit restrictive as they grow. Here are some of the challenges I’ve seen merchants face with BigCommerce:
Higher Costs for Scaling – Once your revenue exceeds a certain threshold, BigCommerce automatically bumps you up to a higher-tier plan, which can get pretty expensive.
Limited Design Customization – BigCommerce does have a drag-and-drop page builder, but if you want more advanced customization, Shopify’s Liquid coding language offers way more flexibility in terms of design.
Fewer App Integrations – Shopify has over 8,000 apps available in its marketplace, which makes adding new features or enhancing your store functionality a breeze. BigCommerce just doesn’t offer as many options.
Complex Backend Interface – A lot of store owners find BigCommerce’s dashboard harder to navigate, especially when compared to Shopify’s more streamlined, user-friendly interface.
Limited Payment Gateway Flexibility – If you don’t use BigCommerce’s preferred payment gateways, they’ll charge you extra fees. On the other hand, Shopify allows more flexibility when it comes to choosing your payment processors.
1.2 Why Shopify is a Better Choice
Shopify has quickly become the go-to platform for eCommerce, powering over 4.5 million businesses worldwide. If you're wondering why so many online stores choose Shopify, here’s what makes it stand out:
User-Friendly Dashboard – Shopify’s interface is clean and intuitive, which makes managing products, orders, and customers super easy—even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Scalability Without Hidden Fees – One of the best things about Shopify is that it doesn’t have revenue-based pricing. You pick your plan based on the features you need, not your sales volume, so there are no surprises down the line.
Faster Site Speed & Performance – Shopify’s hosted platform ensures your site loads quickly, which helps improve conversion rates and keeps your customers happy.
Advanced Customization – Shopify’s Liquid templating system lets you create highly customized store designs, offering the flexibility to make your store truly unique.
SEO & Marketing Features – Shopify has built-in SEO tools, blogging capabilities, and marketing automation features that help drive traffic and boost sales.
Extensive App Store – Shopify offers thousands of apps, so you can easily add custom functionality to your store and extend its capabilities.
1.3 Is Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify Right for You?
If you’re dealing with high costs, limited customization, or slow performance on BigCommerce, migrating to Shopify could be a game-changer for your business. Shopify is especially a great fit if:
You’re looking for a more user-friendly platform.
You need advanced design and customization options.
You want a scalable solution without worrying about revenue-based price hikes.
You’re hoping to integrate more third-party apps and marketing tools.
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify does take some careful planning, but trust me, the long-term benefits make the initial effort worth it.
2. Pre-Migration Checklist: What to Do Before You Start
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth migration as you transfer your store. This section covers all the essential steps to get your store set up and ready for Shopify.
2.1 Evaluate Your Current BigCommerce Store
The first thing you’ll want to do is take a close look at your current BigCommerce store to figure out what exactly needs to be migrated. Here are the key areas to focus on:
Products & Inventory – How many products do you have? Do you have product variations, SKUs, or custom attributes that need to be transferred?
Orders & Customer Data – Do you need to move over past orders and customer records to keep everything intact?
SEO & URL Structure – Pay attention to your current URLs, metadata, and search rankings so you can ensure they’re properly redirected after the move.
Apps & Integrations – Identify any third-party tools you’re currently using and start looking for Shopify alternatives to keep everything running smoothly.
2.2 Backup Your BigCommerce Store
Backups are essential to avoid any potential data loss during the migration. Here’s what you should back up from your BigCommerce store:
Export Products & Customers – Use BigCommerce’s export feature to download CSV files of your products and customers. This ensures all your important data is ready for migration.
Save Order History – If you need to keep a record of past orders, make sure to export this data properly so it’s not lost.
Backup Your Theme & Custom Code – If you have a custom BigCommerce theme or custom code, save those design files. You’ll want them as a reference if needed.
2.3 Set Up a Shopify Account
Before you start migrating, you’ll need to set up your Shopify store and pick the plan that fits your business. Here’s what you’ll want to do:
Select the Right Plan – Shopify has different pricing tiers depending on the features you need, so take a moment to choose the one that makes the most sense for your business.
Explore Shopify’s Dashboard – It’s a good idea to get comfortable with Shopify’s backend. Familiarize yourself with things like product management, checkout settings, and theme customization so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
3. Data Migration: Moving Your Store from BigCommerce to Shopify
Now that your store is all setup, it’s time to dive into transferring your data. This part of the process is all about moving over the important elements like your products, customers, orders, and anything else that’s crucial for your store to run smoothly on Shopify.
3.1 Choosing the Best Migration Method
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify can be done in three main ways, depending on your store’s size and complexity:
Manual Migration – This approach involves exporting your data from BigCommerce and manually importing it into Shopify. It’s best for smaller stores with less data to move.
Using a BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Tool – Third-party tools automate the process, saving you time and reducing the chance of errors.
Hiring a Shopify Migration Service – For larger stores or if you prefer to have experts handle the migration, hiring a migration service ensures a smooth and seamless transition.
Here are some of the best migration tools for BigCommerce to Shopify:
Migration Tool | Features | Pricing |
Cart2Cart | Automated product, order, and customer migration | Starts at $69 |
LitExtension | Supports SEO migration and order history transfer | Custom pricing |
Matrixify | Advanced CSV import/export for Shopify | Free & Paid Plans |
3.2 Migrating Products & Categories
Migrating your products and categories is an essential part of the process. Here’s how to do it:
Exporting from BigCommerce – First, export a CSV file of all your product data, including product names, descriptions, SKUs, prices, and any other important details. This will be the foundation for the transfer.
Importing to Shopify – You can use Shopify’s built-in CSV Import Tool or a migration app to upload your products to Shopify. It’s a pretty straightforward process, but make sure you’ve got everything organized beforehand.
Fixing Issues – After importing, go through your products and check for any issues like missing images, incorrect pricing, or duplicates. It’s normal to find a few things that need fixing, but taking the time to double-check will ensure everything looks perfect in your new store.
3.3 Transferring Customer Data
Customer data is an essential part of the migration process. Here’s what to do:
Export Customer Lists – Start by exporting your customer lists from BigCommerce, including their names, emails, and other important contact details. Then, import this data into Shopify.
Password Security Issue – Shopify doesn’t allow customer passwords to be transferred, so you’ll need to ask your customers to reset their passwords once they log in to your new store.
3.4 Migrating Order History
Migrating your order history can be a bit tricky since BigCommerce doesn’t offer a direct way to transfer past orders. Here’s how to do it:
Use Cart2Cart or LitExtension – These tools will help you migrate your order history from BigCommerce to Shopify. They make the process much easier and ensure your past orders are accurately transferred.
Notify Customers of Any Changes – It’s a good idea to let your customers know about any changes to their accounts, especially if they might notice anything different with their order history or account details.
4. SEO & URL Redirection: Preserving Your Rankings
One of the biggest concerns during migration is making sure your SEO rankings stay intact. You don’t want to lose all the hard work you've put into optimizing your site. Here’s how to protect your search engine visibility:
Set Up 301 Redirects – This is crucial! Make sure all your old BigCommerce URLs redirect to the right pages on Shopify. This ensures that visitors (and search engines) are sent to the correct content.
Migrate Metadata – Don’t forget to transfer all your meta titles, descriptions, and alt tags over to Shopify. This keeps your SEO efforts in place and ensures your site stays optimized.
Submit Sitemap to Google – Once the migration is complete, submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console. This helps Google crawl and index your new Shopify site faster.
5. Rebuilding Your Store on Shopify
After your data is transferred, it’s time to rebuild and optimize your Shopify store. This is where you get to make your store truly yours. Here's what you need to do:
5.1 Choosing the Right Shopify Theme
The right Shopify theme is key to shaping the look and feel of your store. Shopify offers a range of themes to suit different needs, and here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
Free Themes – These are perfect for small businesses with simple design needs. Themes like Dawn, Sense, or Craft are clean, functional, and easy to set up.
Premium Themes – If you’re after more advanced features and customization options, premium themes like Impulse, Prestige, or Empire are great choices. They offer more flexibility and a polished, professional look.
Custom Themes – For something unique, you can hire a developer or use Shopify’s Liquid coding language to create a fully custom theme that aligns with your brand.
5.2 Customizing Your Shopify Store Design
Once you’ve picked your theme, it’s time to customize it so it truly represents your brand. Here’s what you should focus on:
Add a Logo & Brand Colors – Make sure your logo and brand colors are front and center to keep your identity consistent across your site.
Edit Navigation Menus – Set up clear, easy-to-follow navigation menus. A well-organized site makes it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for, which improves their overall experience.
Optimize Product Pages – Upload high-quality images, write detailed descriptions, and display pricing. The better your product pages look, the more likely customers are to make a purchase.
Create Key Pages – Don’t forget essential pages like About Us, Contact, FAQ, and Return Policy. These pages build trust and help customers feel more comfortable shopping with you.
5.3 Setting Up Payment & Shipping Options
Now that your store design is coming together, it's time to set up your payment and shipping options for a seamless checkout experience. Here's what to do:
Payment Gateway Options on Shopify
Setting up the right payment processor for your Shopify store can make a big impact. Here’s a breakdown of some options:
Shopify Payments
Transaction Fees: 0% Shopify fee
Best For: Lower costs and easy setup. Shopify Payments integrates smoothly with your store and keeps everything simple.
PayPal
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Best For: International sales. PayPal is a trusted option globally, making it great for customers from different countries.
Stripe
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Best For: Flexible payment options. Stripe supports various payment methods and offers customization for your needs.
Enable Multiple Payment Methods – Give your customers more flexibility by offering credit card payments, PayPal, and even Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options. This can help increase conversions and give your customers the payment flexibility they prefer.
Configure Shipping Rates – Decide on your shipping strategy. You can offer flat rates, free shipping, or even calculated rates based on the order value. The key is to make the shipping process clear and easy for your customers.
Connect Fulfillment Services – If you’re looking to simplify your order fulfillment, integrate Shopify Fulfillment, Amazon FBA, or third-party logistics services. This can help streamline your operations and ensure fast shipping for your customers.
5.4 Installing Essential Shopify Apps
Shopify’s App Store is full of great tools to take your store to the next level. Here are a few essential apps you might want to consider:
Oberlo or DSers – If you’re doing dropshipping, these apps automate the process and make managing your products a breeze.
Klaviyo – Perfect for email marketing and abandoned cart recovery. With Klaviyo, you can set up automated emails to help bring customers back to complete their purchases.
Judge.me – Collect customer reviews easily and add social proof to your store. Positive reviews can build trust and encourage more sales.
ShipStation – Streamline order fulfillment and tracking with ShipStation. This app helps keep things organized and ensures your customers know exactly when to expect their orders.
Google & Facebook Ads – Integrate these apps for a seamless way to run your marketing campaigns and drive more traffic to your store.
6. Testing Your Store Before Launch
Before you launch your Shopify store, it’s crucial to run a few tests to ensure everything is working perfectly. Here’s a checklist to help you cover all your bases:
Check Product Pages – Double-check that all your product descriptions, images, and prices are correct. You want everything to look professional and accurate.
Test Checkout Process – Go through the entire checkout process yourself. Place some test orders to confirm that payments, shipping rates, and taxes are all calculated correctly.
Verify Mobile Responsiveness – Open your site on mobile, tablet, and desktop to make sure it looks good and functions well on all devices. A smooth mobile experience is essential for keeping customers happy!
Review SEO & Redirects – Test your 301 redirects to ensure that all your old BigCommerce URLs are correctly pointing to the new Shopify pages. This will help preserve your SEO rankings.
Confirm Email Notifications – Test your order confirmation and shipping emails to ensure they’re set up correctly. You don’t want customers to miss out on any important updates.
7. Launching Your Shopify Store
Once you've tested everything, it’s time to go live!
7.1 Pointing Your Domain to Shopify
To get your new Shopify store live under your domain, follow these simple steps:
🔹 Go to Your Domain Provider – Whether you're using GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another provider, log in to your account.
🔹 Update DNS Settings – In your domain settings, update the DNS records to point to Shopify’s servers. This is what connects your domain to your Shopify store.
🔹 Verify Domain Connection – Head to your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Domains, and check that your domain is correctly connected.
7.2 Announcing Your Migration
Once your migration is complete, it’s time to get the word out and excite your customers about the new store! Here’s how to spread the news and drive traffic:
Email Your Customers – Send out an email announcing the new store, offer a special discount to encourage visits, and ask for reviews to build social proof.
Social Media Announcement – Post about your migration on social media to share the news, and highlight any cool new features your customers will love.
Run Ads & Promotions – Use Google and Facebook Ads to attract new traffic and give your store a boost right from the start.
8. Cost to Migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify can come with some costs, and it’s important to know what to expect. Here's a breakdown of potential expenses:
Shopify Subscription
Estimated Cost: $39 – $399/monthThis depends on the plan you choose, based on the features you need for your store.
Migration Tools (Cart2Cart, LitExtension, etc.)
Estimated Cost: $69 – $500+ (one-time)These tools help automate the migration process, but costs can vary depending on the size of your store.
Custom Theme Development
Estimated Cost: $500 – $5,000+If you want a fully custom design, hiring a designer or developer can add to your costs.
Apps & Plugins
Estimated Cost: $0 – $200/month Depending on the apps you choose to enhance your store’s functionality, these costs can add up over time.
Hiring a Developer
Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $10,000+ (optional)If you’re not comfortable handling the migration or customization yourself, you may want to hire a developer to ensure everything runs smoothly.
10. Conclusion
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify can seem like a big task at first, but with the right planning and execution, it can make a huge difference for your business. Shopify is known for being user-friendly and highly flexible, so it’s a great option for businesses that are growing.
One of the key benefits of Shopify is its simplicity. The interface is intuitive, making it easier to manage your store, even if you're not super tech-savvy. As your business grows, Shopify can scale with you, offering a range of plans and customization options to suit your needs. With over 8,000 apps available in its App Store, you can easily extend the functionality of your store by integrating third-party tools.
The migration process involves several important steps. First, it’s essential to back up all your BigCommerce data and evaluate your current store to determine what needs to be moved. Once you’ve got a plan, you’ll transfer your products, customer data, orders, and SEO settings (like URLs) to ensure you don’t lose your search engine rankings.
After your data is migrated, you'll need to set up your Shopify store. This means creating an account, selecting a plan, picking a theme, and configuring essential features like payment gateways and shipping methods. Once your store is set up, thorough testing is crucial to make sure everything works—product pages, checkout processes, mobile responsiveness, and email notifications should all be checked.
11. FAQ
Q: How long does it take to migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify?
A: It usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on your store's size and complexity.
Q: Will I lose my SEO rankings after migrating?
A: No, as long as you set up 301 redirects and properly migrate your metadata, your SEO rankings should stay intact.
Q: Do I need a developer to migrate to Shopify?
A: Not necessarily. If you have a small store, migration tools can handle most of it. But if your store is larger or more complex, you might want to bring in an expert to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Q: Can I migrate my customer passwords?
A: Unfortunately, no. Due to encryption, your customers will need to reset their passwords after the migration.
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