The Ultimate Shopify Migration Checklist

This comprehensive checklist will ensure that your transition to a Shopify store is smooth and efficient.

Pre-Migration Planning Checklist

1. Evaluate Your Current Online Store
   • Analyze the performance of your existing store.
   • Document the structure, content, and design elements that work well.
   • Identify the limitations and what improvements you seek in the new Shopify store.
2. Define Your Migration Goals
   • Establish clear objectives for migrating to Shopify (e.g., increased scalability, better user experience, enhanced features).
   • Set measurable goals (e.g., reduce page load time, improve conversion rate).
3. Understand the Shopify Platform
   • Familiarize yourself with the Shopify admin interface.
   • Research Shopify’s capabilities, including the Shopify app store, Shopify payments, and Shopify POS.
   • Determine the extent of customization available (via apps and themes) for your new store.
4. Audit Your Data
   • Create an inventory of all the data to migrate, including customer data, product information, and historical orders.
   • Decide what needs to be migrated as is, what needs updating, and what can be left behind.
5. Select the Right Shopify Plan
   • Compare Shopify plans to find the right fit based on your store’s size, traffic, and functionality requirements.
   • Consider factors like Shopify payments, staff accounts, and sales channels.
6. Choose a New Domain or Transfer Your Existing One
   • Decide whether to continue with your existing domain or start fresh with a new one.
   • If keeping your current domain, understand the process to transfer it to Shopify.
7. Backup Your Existing Store
   • Ensure that you have a complete backup of your existing store, including databases and site files.
   • Test the backup to confirm that it’s up to date and functional.
8. Research and Choose Shopify Apps
   • Review the Shopify app store for apps that match the functionality of your existing store or offer new capabilities.
   • Make a list of must-have apps and note any that might require additional configuration during migration.
9. Plan Your Store Structure
   • Outline the structure of your new Shopify store, including how you’ll organize products into collections.
   • Plan your navigation, pages, and any new content you’ll need to create.
10. Review Your SEO and Marketing Strategy
    • Assess your current store’s SEO performance.
    • Plan for SEO preservation, such as 301 redirects to maintain link equity.
    • Prepare to update Google Analytics and Google Search Console settings post-migration.
11. Legal and Compliance Check
    • Ensure you understand Shopify’s terms of service and any legal requirements for your online store, especially for Shopify payments.
    • Verify that you have all the necessary policies in place for your new store (e.g., privacy policy, return policy).
12. Financial Planning
    • Review the cost implications of the move, including Shopify payments, subscription fees, and any additional costs for apps or custom developments.
    • Set a budget for the migration process and post-launch activities.
13. Communicate With Your Team
    • Inform your staff about the migration plan and timeline.
    • Assign roles and responsibilities for each phase of the migration.
14. Create a Migration Timeline
    • Draft a timeline for the migration process, including key milestones and deadlines.
    • Allow for testing phases and a final review before going live with your new Shopify store.
15. Seek Expert Advice
    • If needed, consult with a Shopify migration expert or use Shopify’s customer support to clarify any uncertainties.
    • Consider hiring a Shopify Partner to assist with complex migrations, especially if you have extensive customizations or a large volume of data.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store: The First Steps Checklist

1. Create Your Shopify Account
   • Visit the Shopify website and sign up for an account.
   • Enter your desired email address, password, and store name.
2. Select Your Shopify Plan
   • Review the features and benefits of each Shopify plan.
   • Choose a plan that aligns with your business needs and budget.
   • Consider factors like staff accounts, inventory locations, and reporting features.
3. Set Up Your Store’s Domain
   • If you have an existing domain, follow Shopify’s instructions to transfer or connect it to your store.
   • Alternatively, purchase a new domain directly through Shopify or a third-party provider.
4. Choose a Theme for Your Store
   • Browse the Shopify Theme Store for free and paid theme options.
   • Select a theme that matches your brand and offers the functionality you need.
   • Install your chosen theme and customize it using the theme editor.
5. Add Your Products
   • Navigate to the ‘Products’ section in your Shopify admin.
   • Add products manually, import them using a CSV file, or use a product migration app from the Shopify App Store.
   • Organize your products into collections for easier browsing.
6. Set Up Your Payment Provider
   • Choose Shopify Payments or a third-party payment gateway available in your region.
   • Enter your financial information to set up payment processing.
   • Configure your tax settings to handle sales tax appropriately.
7. Configure Your Shipping Settings
   • Go to the ‘Settings’ and then ‘Shipping and Delivery’ in your Shopify admin.
   • Set up shipping zones, rates, and methods based on your delivery preferences.
   • Consider integrating with third-party shipping apps for more complex shipping needs.
8. Customize Your Checkout Process
   • Customize your checkout settings, including form fields, order processing, and abandoned cart recovery.
   • Ensure that your policies (return policy, privacy policy, terms of service) are updated and displayed at checkout.
9. Prepare Your Store’s Pages
   • Create essential pages like ‘About Us’, ‘Contact’, ‘FAQ’, and any other informational pages.
   • Use Shopify’s rich text editor to add content and images to your pages.
10. Set Up Tax Rates
    • Determine the tax rates you need to collect based on your location and where you sell.
    • Input tax rates manually or use automated tax services offered by Shopify.
11. Install Necessary Shopify Apps
    • Install apps for additional functionality such as email marketing, SEO, customer reviews, or loyalty programs.
    • Explore the Shopify App Store for apps that can enhance your store’s features.
12. Configure Your Site’s Navigation
    • Set up your main menu and footer menu in the ‘Navigation’ section of your Shopify admin.
    • Ensure your navigation is user-friendly and helps customers find products quickly.
13. Optimize Your Store for SEO
    • Edit your store’s title and meta description for better search engine visibility.
    • Optimize product pages with relevant keywords, high-quality images, and unique descriptions.
14. Set Up Analytics
    • Integrate Google Analytics to track your store’s performance.
    • Add your Shopify store to Google Search Console to monitor search traffic and optimize visibility.
15. Test Your Store
    • Place test orders to ensure the checkout process is smooth and error-free.
    • Verify that all links, buttons, and pages load correctly and are responsive across different devices.
16. Launch Your Store
    • Announce your launch through email, social media, and other marketing channels.

Transferring Business Operations Checklist

1. Set Up Shopify Payments and Other Payment Providers
   • Register for Shopify Payments to accept credit card payments directly.
   • If Shopify Payments isn’t available in your country or if you prefer another provider, set up third-party payment providers within the Shopify admin.
   • Determine what types of payment you will accept (e.g., PayPal, Apple Pay, cryptocurrency).
   • Ensure your payment gateway settings align with your previous store’s to avoid disrupting customer experience.
2. Configure Taxes
   • Configure tax settings within Shopify to be consistent with your previous platform.
   • Verify that tax calculations are correct for all regions you serve, particularly if there are specific tax rules for certain countries or states.
3. Transfer Gift Cards and Store Credits
   • If you offer gift cards or store credits, plan how you’ll migrate these to Shopify.
   • Decide whether to transfer balances manually or use an app from the Shopify App Store to automate the process.
4. Migrate Existing Customer Data
   • Use Shopify’s customer import feature to transfer your customer list and their data.
   • Consider the privacy and security implications and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
5. Review and Implement Your Shipping Strategy
   • Set up your shipping rates and zones in Shopify to match your existing store’s policies.
   • Decide on the shipping methods and carriers you will offer and ensure they are integrated with Shopify.
   • Establish free shipping thresholds if applicable.
6. Migrate Discount Codes
   • Recreate any active discount codes from your old store in Shopify.
   • Test the codes to ensure they function as expected before going live.
7. Recreate Essential Pages and Content
   • Migrate content from your ‘About Us’, ‘FAQ’, and policy pages.
   • Update any necessary information to reflect new operations or policies.
8. Set Up Inventory Management
   • Import your product inventory to Shopify, either manually or via CSV files.
   • Ensure inventory levels are accurate and align with your current stock.
9. Prepare Your Shopify POS (If Applicable)
   • If you have a brick-and-mortar presence, set up Shopify POS for in-store sales.
   • Train staff on using Shopify POS to ensure a smooth in-person customer experience.
10. Integrate Third-party Apps and Services
    • Identify which apps and services you were using previously that need integration into Shopify (e.g., ERP, CRM).
    • Install and configure these apps through the Shopify App Store or use custom integrations if necessary.
11. Set Up Staff Accounts
    • Create staff accounts within the Shopify admin to allow your team to manage operations.
    • Assign permissions based on roles and responsibilities.
12. Configure Order Management
    • Plan the migration of your order management process.
    • Set up Shopify’s order processing settings to match your previous workflow, including notifications, order tags, and fulfillment processes.
13. Implement a Returns Management System
    • Decide how you’ll handle returns and exchanges in Shopify.
    • Set up a system for processing returns, whether through a Shopify app or a manual process.
14. Test Payment and Shipping Operations
    • Conduct test transactions to ensure that payments are processed correctly.
    • Verify that shipping rates are calculated accurately and that labels can be printed as expected.
15. Review and Update Your Omni-channel Strategy
    • If you sell on multiple channels, ensure that your Shopify store is integrated with all of them, like Amazon, eBay, or social media platforms.
    • Confirm that inventory syncing is working correctly across all sales channels.
16. Final Review and Quality Assurance
    • Do a final review of all business operations to ensure they’re functioning as intended.
    • Perform quality assurance checks on payment, shipping, and order fulfillment processes.
17. Communicate Changes to Customers
    • Inform your customers about the transition to the new Shopify store.
    • Update them on any changes to payment methods, shipping policies, or how to access their accounts.

Data Migration Checklist

1. Prepare Your Data for Migration
   • Clean up your databases by removing outdated or unnecessary information.
   • Organize your product information, ensuring that all details (like descriptions, images, and prices) are up-to-date and accurate.
   • Compile customer data, including contact information and purchase history, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
2. Export Data from Your Existing Store
   • Use the export functions of your current platform to generate CSV files for products, customers, and orders.
   • If your platform does not support CSV exports, consider using a third-party tool or service to assist in data extraction.
3. Understand Shopify’s Import Mechanism
   • Familiarize yourself with Shopify’s CSV templates for products, customers, and orders to ensure compatibility.
   • Review the limitations of Shopify’s import tool to understand what can and cannot be imported directly.
4. Prepare Shopify-Formatted CSV Files
   • Adjust your CSV files to match Shopify’s required format.
   • Validate the data within the CSV files to prevent errors during the import process.
5. Migrate Products
   • Import your product CSV file into Shopify.
   • Manually review product details in the Shopify admin to ensure everything has been imported correctly, including images and variants.
6. Migrate Customer Data
   • Import your customer CSV file, paying close attention to data privacy regulations.
   • Confirm that customer groups and tags are transferred correctly.
7. Migrate Order History
   • Import your historical orders CSV file.
   • Verify that order statuses, payment histories, and fulfillment details are accurate.
8. Test the Data Migration
   • Perform spot checks on imported data to ensure accuracy.
   • Test the customer account access to ensure that login credentials and order history are intact.
9. Migrate Additional Information
   • Consider other data that may need to be transferred, such as blog posts, reviews, and informational pages.
   • Use the Shopify app store to find apps that can help with importing additional types of data.
10. Handle Non-Importable Data
    • Identify any data that cannot be imported directly into Shopify, such as certain custom fields or specialized content.
    • Develop a plan to manually input this data or find a workaround using Shopify apps.
11. Set Up Redirects for SEO Preservation
    • Plan and implement 301 redirects for your product and page URLs to maintain search rankings and user experience.
    • Use Shopify’s URL redirect tool to ensure customers and search engines are directed to the correct pages on your new store.
12. Integrate with Shopify Apps
    • If you have used specific apps in your previous store, find equivalents in the Shopify app store or integrate existing services using Shopify’s API.
13. Review and Confirm Product Collections
    • Organize your products into collections in the Shopify admin to reflect the structure of your previous store or to enhance the customer experience.
14. Check Tax and Shipping Settings
    • Review and configure tax settings to match the requirements of the regions you serve.
    • Set up your shipping rates and zones in Shopify to ensure a seamless checkout process.
15. Perform a Final Review
    • Conduct a thorough final review of all imported data.
    • Consider conducting a soft launch or using a preview mode to validate data integrity and functionality.
16. Prepare for Post-Migration Cleanup
    • Anticipate the need for minor adjustments after the migration.
    • Schedule time to address any issues that arise once your store is live.

Technical Considerations Checklist

1. Domain Management
   • Determine whether you will use your existing domain or purchase a new one through Shopify.
   • If retaining your current domain, follow the steps to transfer or connect it to your Shopify store.
2. SSL Certificates
   • Ensure that SSL certificates are enabled for your domain on Shopify to secure your website and build trust with customers.
3. Set Up Email Forwarding
   • Configure email forwarding for your store’s domain to maintain communication channels with customers and vendors.
4. 301 Redirects for Existing URLs
   • Create a list of all existing URLs from your old site to set up 301 redirects in Shopify, preserving SEO rankings and providing a seamless customer experience.
5. Implementing Shopify’s Analytics
   • Integrate Google Analytics with your Shopify store to track visitor data and e-commerce metrics.
   • Set up conversion tracking to monitor the success of your sales funnel.
6. Google Search Console Integration
   • Add your Shopify store to Google Search Console to monitor and maintain your site’s presence in Google Search results.
   • Submit your new sitemap to Google to ensure your new URLs are indexed.
7. Optimize Your Site for Page Speed
   • Analyze your Shopify store’s page load times and optimize images and themes for speed.
   • Consider using Shopify’s built-in tools or third-party apps to further enhance site speed.
8. SEO Optimization
   • Review and optimize new product pages, collections, and blog posts with relevant keywords and meta descriptions.
   • Make sure your site structure is intuitive and accessible for both users and search engine crawlers.
9. Configure Payment Gateways
   • Set up Shopify Payments or integrate a third-party payment provider to handle transactions.
   • Ensure that your payment gateway settings are configured for the countries where you’ll sell products.
10. Set Up Tax Rates
    • Configure your tax settings within Shopify to ensure that the correct rates are being applied to your products and shipping fees.
11. Shipping and Fulfillment Integration
    • Integrate with Shopify’s built-in shipping system or connect with third-party fulfillment services.
    • Test to ensure that shipping rates and methods are displaying correctly at checkout.
12. Inventory Management
    • If migrating from a system with live inventory tracking, ensure that inventory levels are correctly reflected in your Shopify store post-migration.
13. Multichannel Integration
    • Connect any additional sales channels (like Facebook Shop or Amazon) with your Shopify store to create a unified selling experience.
14. Backup Your Shopify Store
    • Although Shopify hosts your store, it’s still a good practice to regularly back up your theme and important data.
15. Test Checkout Process
    • Conduct test transactions to ensure the checkout process is smooth and error-free.
    • Verify that order confirmations and notifications are being sent out correctly.
16. Custom Functionality and API Integrations
    • If you require custom functionality, explore Shopify’s API documentation for custom development or find suitable apps in the Shopify App Store.
    • Test all integrations thoroughly to ensure they work as expected.
17. Prepare for Launch
    • Plan a soft launch if possible to gather real user feedback on the technical aspects of the store.
    • Ensure you have a support plan in place for any technical issues that may arise post-launch.

Marketing and Customer Retention Checklist

1. Develop a Communication Plan
   • Inform your existing customers about the migration well in advance through emails, social media, and announcements on your current site.
   • Explain the benefits they’ll experience with the new Shopify store, such as improved functionality or user experience.
2. Update Your Marketing Materials
   • Ensure that all your marketing materials, including email templates, banners, and ads, reflect your new Shopify branding and URL.
   • Prepare launch promotions to create excitement about your new Shopify store.
3. Migrate Loyalty and Reward Programs
   • If you have a loyalty program, ensure all points, rewards, or tiers are migrated to Shopify.
   • Look for Shopify apps that can help manage loyalty programs if your previous platform’s system is not compatible.
4. Retain SEO Rankings
   • Implement 301 redirects for all your old URLs to maintain SEO equity.
   • Update your Google Search Console with the new Shopify site’s sitemap.
   • Monitor your SEO rankings closely after migration and adjust your strategy as necessary.
5. Engage Customers with Email Marketing
   • Use email marketing to keep your customers informed about the migration status and provide them with exclusive offers to encourage visits to the new store.
   • Segment your customer list to target specific groups with personalized messages about the benefits of the new Shopify store.
6. Utilize Social Media
   • Announce the migration on all social media platforms and use hashtags, countdowns, or live events to engage your audience.
   • Consider paid social media ads to reach a wider audience and draw attention to your new Shopify store.
7. Offer Special Promotions
   • Create special offers or exclusive deals for your existing customers to encourage them to shop at your new Shopify store.
   • Use discount codes and store credits that can be redeemed on the new site.
8. Optimize New Sales Channels
   • Set up and optimize new sales channels available through Shopify, such as Facebook Shop or Instagram Shopping.
   • Ensure your products are displayed correctly across all channels and that the buying process is smooth.
9. Ensure a Seamless Customer Experience
   • Test the customer journey from start to finish in your new Shopify store to ensure it’s intuitive and hassle-free.
   • Pay attention to the checkout process, making sure it’s streamlined and secure.
10. Leverage Customer Reviews and Testimonials
    • Migrate existing customer reviews to your new Shopify store or use an app from the Shopify App Store to manage reviews.
    • Showcase positive testimonials prominently on your site to build trust with new and returning customers.
11. Monitor Customer Feedback
    • Keep an eye on customer feedback during and after the migration.
    • Be proactive in addressing any concerns or issues that arise to maintain a positive relationship with your customer base.
12. Adjust Your Customer Service Strategy
    • Ensure your customer service team is well-informed about the new Shopify store and is ready to handle inquiries and provide support.
    • Update any automated helpdesk responses or FAQ sections to reflect the new store details.
13. Plan for Ongoing Engagement
    • Develop a content calendar for ongoing engagement with your customers through blog posts, newsletters, and social media updates.
    • Regularly introduce new products, features, or promotions to keep your Shopify store top of mind for customers.
14. Track and Analyze Customer Behavior
    • Set up analytics tools within Shopify to monitor customer behavior, traffic, and sales.
    • Use this data to refine your marketing strategies and improve the customer experience continually.

Post-Migration Actions Checklist

1. Review Data Integrity
   • Conduct thorough checks to confirm that all data has been transferred correctly.
   • Check for any missing information or discrepancies in product details, customer information, and order history.
2. Test All Store Functions
   • Place test orders to ensure the checkout process works smoothly.
   • Verify that all payment methods are functioning correctly and Shopify Payments is set up properly.
   • Test the customer account creation and login process.
   • Confirm that all shipping options and rates are displaying correctly.
3. Customize Your Store Design
   • Adjust your chosen theme to match your brand’s aesthetics.
   • Utilize Shopify’s customization options to tweak the layout, fonts, and colors.
   • Make sure all your web pages (home, about, contact, FAQ, etc.) are designed and populated with content.
4. Optimize Product Pages
   • Ensure all product pages have high-quality images, accurate descriptions, and correct pricing.
   • Add any necessary product variants and check that inventory levels are accurate.
5. Configure Your Domain
   • If you haven’t done so during migration, configure your custom domain with Shopify.
   • Ensure that all old URLs are properly redirected to the new ones to maintain SEO value.
6. Set Up Analytics and Webmaster Tools
   • Integrate Google Analytics to track visitor behavior and traffic.
   • Verify your site with Google Search Console and submit your new sitemap.
7. Check SEO Settings
   • Review page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs for SEO best practices.
   • Ensure that alt text is added to all images for improved search visibility.
8. Review Shopify App Integrations
   • Confirm that all the Shopify apps are properly installed and configured.
   • Test each app to make sure it’s functioning as expected and enhancing your store’s capabilities.
9. Implement Necessary Redirects
   • Set up 301 redirects for all old pages to the new Shopify URLs to preserve search ranking.
10. Conduct a Security Review
    • Ensure that SSL certificates are active for secure transactions.
    • Review user permissions and access control in the Shopify admin.
11. Prepare for Launch
    • Remove any storefront passwords to go live.
    • Announce your new Shopify store launch to your existing customers via email or social media.
12. Monitor the Store Post-Launch
    • Watch for any customer feedback regarding usability issues.
    • Monitor for 404 errors and fix any broken links that may have been missed.
13. Gather Customer Feedback
    • Request feedback from customers regarding their experience with the new store.
    • Use this feedback to make any necessary adjustments to improve usability.
14. Review and Optimize Checkout Process
    • Ensure the checkout experience is intuitive and conversion-friendly.
    • Test different shipping and payment options to ensure they are working as expected.
15. Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
    • Schedule regular reviews of your store’s performance.
    • Keep an eye on Shopify updates and new app releases to continually enhance your store.

Launching Your New Shopify Store Checklist

1. Final Pre-Launch Check
   • Ensure all data has been migrated correctly, including product information, customer data, and historical orders.
   • Review the functionality of Shopify apps, Shopify Payments, and Shopify POS to confirm they are set up correctly.
   • Perform a final run-through of the entire site to check for any broken links, missing images, and other potential issues.
2. SEO Setup and Review
   • Implement 301 redirects for all old URLs to maintain search rankings.
   • Update your Google Analytics and Google Search Console with your new Shopify domain.
   • Ensure all new pages are optimized for search engines, with proper meta titles and descriptions.
3. Quality Assurance Testing
   • Conduct thorough testing of the website, including the checkout process, payment provider integration, and shipping settings.
   • Check the site’s performance on various devices and browsers.
   • Test the loading speed of your new site and optimize images and other elements if necessary.
4. Marketing and Promotion Plan
   • Create a marketing plan to promote the launch of your new store.
   • Schedule email campaigns to alert existing customers about the new Shopify experience.
   • Plan social media announcements and paid advertising to reach a broader audience.
5. Staff Training
   • Train your team on the new Shopify admin panel and any new processes or Shopify apps.
   • Ensure all staff members are comfortable with the new system before the launch.
6. Customer Communication Strategy
   • Prepare to address customer inquiries and communicate effectively about the new site features and benefits.
   • Update all customer service scripts and FAQs to reflect changes due to the migration.
7. Inventory and Fulfillment
   • Double-check your inventory levels to ensure they match what is displayed on your new Shopify store.
   • Confirm that your fulfillment process is aligned with your new Shopify settings and ready to handle orders.
8. Launch Timing
   • Choose a launch date that minimizes the impact on sales, typically during a slower period if possible.
   • Plan for a soft launch or a phased rollout to manage the transition smoothly.
9. Monitoring and Support
   • Have a support plan in place to quickly address any issues that arise post-launch.
   • Monitor the new site closely for technical issues or bugs that need immediate attention.
10. Gather Feedback
    • Encourage customers to provide feedback on the new site experience.
    • Use surveys, social media, or direct communication to gather insights.
11. Post-Launch Marketing
    • Follow up the launch with ongoing marketing efforts to keep the momentum going.
    • Utilize discount codes and special promotions to encourage purchases on the new Shopify store.
12. Performance Review
    • Set up a schedule to review the performance of the new store regularly.
    • Compare against pre-launch metrics to gauge the success of the migration.
13. Continuous Improvement
    • Use customer feedback, sales data, and performance metrics to continually optimize the store.
    • Plan for regular updates to your Shopify store, including theme changes, app integrations, and product expansions.
14. Celebrate Your Launch
    • Recognize the hard work of your team and celebrate the launch of your new Shopify store.
    • Share your success with your customers and engage them in the celebration with special offers or a behind-the-scenes look at the migration process.

Common errors to avoid: A Checklist

1. Incomplete Data Backup

Before you start, ensure you have a comprehensive backup of your existing store. Skipping this can lead to data loss.

• Checklist:
  • Full backup of product data, customer information, and order history.
  • Backup of all site content, including images, blogs, and page information.

2. Ignoring SEO Preservation

Migrating to a new platform can disrupt your hard-earned search engine rankings if not handled correctly.

• Checklist:
  • Implement 301 redirects for all old URLs.
  • Update meta tags and descriptions to match the content on your new Shopify store.
  • Re-submit your sitemap to search engines post-migration.

3. Not Testing the Import Function

Shopify’s import function is robust, but not testing it before going live is a risk.

• Checklist:
  • Conduct a trial import with a few products and customers.
  • Verify product details, variants, and customer data accuracy.

4. Overlooking Custom Functionality

Your previous store might have custom features that aren’t available on Shopify by default.

• Checklist:
  • List all custom features and functionalities of your existing store.
  • Search for equivalent Shopify apps or consider custom development.

5. Failing to Update Internal Links

Broken links within your site can lead to a poor user experience and affect SEO.

• Checklist:
  • Audit all pages for internal links.
  • Update links to point to the new Shopify URLs.

6. Neglecting Mobile Optimization

With the increasing number of mobile shoppers, not optimizing for mobile is a critical oversight.

• Checklist:
  • Choose a responsive Shopify theme.
  • Test the mobile user experience thoroughly.

7. Disregarding Payment and Shipping Configurations

Ensure your payment gateways and shipping settings are correctly configured to avoid checkout issues.

• Checklist:
  • Confirm that Shopify Payments or your preferred payment gateways are set up correctly.
  • Verify shipping zones and rates are accurate.

8. Forgetting to Train Your Team

A new platform means new processes. Not training your team can lead to operational inefficiencies.

• Checklist:
  • Schedule training sessions on the Shopify admin interface.
  • Provide resources for self-help and troubleshooting.

9. Underestimating the Importance of Post-Migration Testing

Post-migration issues can go unnoticed without thorough testing.

• Checklist:
  • Perform comprehensive testing across all browsers and devices.
  • Check all functionalities, including checkout and payment processing.

10. Not Communicating with Your Customers

Your customers should be informed about the migration to manage their expectations.

• Checklist:
  • Announce the migration ahead of time.
  • Offer support and guidance for any questions or issues they may encounter.

11. Poorly Timing the Migration

Migrating during peak business hours or the holiday season can lead to lost sales and frustrated customers.

• Checklist:
  • Plan the migration during off-peak hours.
  • Have a contingency plan in case of unexpected downtime.

12. Not Monitoring the Store Post-Migration

Stay vigilant for any post-migration issues that could affect your store’s performance.

• Checklist:
  • Monitor the store closely for the first few weeks.
  • Be prepared to address any technical issues promptly.

Conclusion: The Complete Shopify Migration Checklist

In conclusion, migrating to a Shopify store is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous planning, careful execution, and ongoing management. By following the our Shopify migration checklist provided for each stage of the migration and launch process, you can ensure a smooth transition that minimizes downtime and sets your online store up for continued growth and success.