Wix to Shopify Migration: Step-by-Step Guide + Checklist

Starting your online store on Wix was a breeze, but now you want to grow. Limited customization options and a need for advanced sales features cramp your business. Sound familiar? If you're feeling stuck and ready to take your business to the next level, migrating from Wix to Shopify is the solution you should consider.

This article is your comprehensive guide, walking you through the entire process—from deciding if Shopify is the right fit to migrating your store step-by-step. We will start right away, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition for your business.

Should I Switch From Wix To Shopify?

You may be a bit indecisive about switching to Shopify. Is it worth it, right? That's almost everyone's question. To help you navigate this choice, consider the following questions:

Wix is ideal for small businesses due to its simplicity. However, it lacks advanced features like inventory management and marketing tools. For businesses needing these capabilities, Shopify is a better fit. It supports scaling with comprehensive inventory tools and marketing tools, making it suitable for those outgrowing Wix.

Alright, you have your answer. If the answer is yes, keep reading. This is a detailed migrating process from Wix to Shopify with a step-by-step guide from backup to importing data and setting up your new store on Shopify.

Read More: Top ECommerce Website Builder: A Comprehensive Review in 2024

Planning Your Migration From Wix to Shopify

To save time and money, you should find an appropriate migration method. There are three main methods: manual migration, using CSV files, and utilizing third-party apps and services. Let us help you find your best fit.

The best migration method depends on your store's size, complexity, and budget. In this guide, WizzCommerce will guide the two methods: using CSV files and using third-party apps and services. Alright, let's get started!

The Migration Process from Wix to Shopify in 4 Steps

Step 1: Data Export from Wix

Make sure all of your essential data, such as products, customers, and order history, is backed up before the migrating process is implemented.

#1 Using CSV Files

Create a Manual Backup by Duplicating Your Site:

• Log in to your Wix dashboard and select the Wix site you want to back up.
• Click "Site Actions" followed by "Duplicate Site."
• Give the duplicate a unique name to differentiate it from the original.

Important Note: While this creates a copy, it doesn't automatically update with changes you make to the main site. It's a static snapshot at the time of duplication.

Export Products

1. Go to your Wix admin dashboardand access the "Catalog" section.
2. Select "Store products" and then click on "Products."
3. Utilize the search filters or search box to narrow down the products you want to export (optional).
4. Click "More actions" and choose "Export" from the dropdown menu.
5. Select whether you want to export all filtered or selected products.
6. Name the file "WixProductDownload.csv" and choose a suitable location on your computer to save it.
7. Click "Export" to finalize the process.

Shopify's Product CSV File Template

Export Customers Data

1. Navigate to the "Customers & Leads" section in your Wix admin dashboard.
2. Within "Customers & Leads," select "Contacts."
3. Filter contacts using search filters or the search box (optional).
4. Click on the "…" button in the contacts table's top right corner.
5. Select "Export contacts" from the dropdown menu.
6. Choose whether to export selected contacts or contacts by the label.
7. Select "CSV" as the file type for the download option.
8. Name the file "WixCustomerDownload.csv" and choose a suitable location on your computer to save it.
9. Click "Export" to finalize the process.

Shopify's Customer Data Template

Export Orders

1. From your Wix account, go to Orders.
2. Select the individual orders you want to export or select the checkbox at the top of the list. Click Export.
3. In the dialogue box, complete the following steps:
   • Select how you want the orders displayed by selecting Items Purchased or Orders.
   • Select the columns that you want to export.
4. Click Export. Name the file WixOrdersDownload.csv, and then save the file to your computer.

#2 Using Third-party Apps and Services

Using third-party apps and services to migrate from Wix to Shopify can simplify the process, especially for complex data like order history and reviews.

We could recommend some reputable migration services, such as Cart2Cart, LitExtension, or Excelify, that support Wix to Shopify migrations. They can help you make a smooth switch from A to Z.

Step 2: Setup Your Shopify Store

Alright! Now, let's start your very first steps on the Shopify e-commerce journey. We will guide you to set up main features of a store.

Sign Up for Shopify

• Sign Up: Click here to sign up (We are a Shopify partner and may earn a commission. Check the sign-up page for Shopify’s current free-trial or first-month offer, as it changes from time to time.)
• Choose a Subscription: After signing up, you can choose a subscription plan. Shopify offers various plans tailored to different business needs. Select the one that best suits your current situation. Remember, you can always upgrade or downgrade later.

Start Setting Up Your Store

• Choose a Theme: The Shopify theme store offers a wide range of themes. Some are free, while others are paid. Each theme has a unique design and features. You can preview themes to see how they look and feel before deciding.
• Navigate to the "Online Store" section, then click on "Themes."
• Browse through the theme store, and when you find one you like, click "Add to theme library."

Payment Settings

• Go to "Settings" (in the left bottom corner), then "Payments."
• Shopify Payments is a convenient option if it's available in your country, as it seamlessly integrates with your store. Alternatively, you can choose from various third-party payment providers.

Set Up Shipping

• Navigate to "Settings," then "Shipping and Delivery."
• You can offer local pickup, set up rates based on price or weight, or use carrier-calculated rates.

Configure Taxes

• Go to "Settings," then "Taxes."
• Review the tax settings and adjust as needed to comply with local laws.

Create Essential Pages

• Go to "Online Store," then "Pages."
• Click "Add page" to create new pages. Shopify also offers templates for privacy policies and terms of service.

Set Up Navigation

• Navigate to "Online Store," then "Navigation."
• You can edit the main and footer menus and create new ones.

For More Details: How To Set Up Your Shopify Store In ONLY 4 Parts

Step 3: Import Data From Wix to Shopify

You now have all of your data in CSV files. Before importing them into your Shopify store, ensure all your files meet Shopify's requirements.

Import Products to Shopify

• In Shopify admin, go to Products and click Import.
• Upload the WixProductDownload.csv file and follow the prompts to import your products.
• Check for common importing errors and ensure all product information is imported correctly.

Import Customers to Shopify

• Navigate to the "Customers" section in your Shopify admin.
• Click "Import" and then "Add file" to upload your prepared CSV file.
• Click "Import customers" to start the import process and review the import summary.
• Finally, all customers will be viewed to ensure the data has been correctly imported.

Directly exporting and importing reviewsfrom Wix to Shopify isn't supported. However, you can manually import reviews using third-party apps available in the Shopify App Store, such as Judge.me, Loox.

Step 4: Launch Your New Store on Shopify

Now, you've almost finished your migrating process. Take this checklist and go live with your new store.

Data Verification

• Confirm that all product details have been accurately transferred. This includes checking product descriptions, images, prices, and variants.
• Verify that inventory counts match your previous platform's records to ensure availability is correctly represented.
• Ensure customer information, including contact details and order history, is correctly imported.

Website Testing

• Test all website functionalities, including search features, filters, and checkout processes, to ensure they operate smoothly.
• Navigate your website as a customer would. Pay attention to layout, loading times, and mobile responsiveness.
• Conduct test transactions to verify that payment gateways and shipping options are correctly set up and functioning.

SEO Redirects and Domain Connection

Domain Connection: Connect your existing domain to your Shopify store to maintain brand continuity. This ensures that customers are directed to your Shopify site when they visit your domain. Follow these steps:

• Go to your Shopify admin dashboard, click on "Online Store," then "Domains."
• Click on "Connect existing domain" and enter your domain name.

URL Redirects: Implement 301 redirects from your old Wix URLs to the corresponding Shopify URLs. This step is crucial to preserve your SEO ranking and ensure that any external links continue to work without leading to dead pages.

• Navigate to your Shopify admin dashboard, go to "Online Store" > "Navigation" > "View URL Redirects." (In newer versions of the Shopify admin this may sit under Content > Menus; you can also search “URL redirects” in the admin search bar.)
• Enter the old URL you want to Redirect from, and the new URL you want to Redirect to. For each single page, use the "/". Then "Save".

Customer Communication

• Consider whether you want to inform your customers about the migration. This can be done through email newsletters, social media, or a banner on your website.
• Encourage customers to provide feedback on the new site. This can help you quickly identify and resolve any issues they encounter.

Alright! Publish your new store and explore the Shopify App Store, find some apps that can help you run potential marketing campaigns in the future.

Wix to Shopify migration checklist

Use this checklist to track your migration from start to finish. Each item links back to the steps above.

Once you’re live, focus on conversion: see our guides to why new Shopify stores fail, editing your Shopify product page and strategies to increase AOV on Shopify.

Get Ready For A Smooth Shift!

Migrating your eCommerce store from Wix to Shopify can be a transformative step towards scaling your business and enhancing your online presence. Embrace the change, leverage Shopify's powerful features, and watch your online store thrive in its new home.