Many growing ecommerce brands start on BigCommerce but later realize the platform may not fully support their long-term goals. Whether it is limited flexibility, increasing complexity, or challenges with scaling, businesses often look for a more streamlined and growth-focused solution. This is where BigCommerce to Shopify migration becomes a strategic move.
Shopify is designed to simplify ecommerce operations while supporting rapid growth, advanced integrations, and better conversion optimization. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify, even if you are not technical.
What Is BigCommerce to Shopify Migration?
Understanding Ecommerce Platform Migration
BigCommerce to Shopify migration is the process of transferring your online store’s data, content, and functionality from BigCommerce to Shopify. This includes products, customers, orders, URLs, SEO data, and design elements.
Why This Migration Is Common
Many businesses outgrow BigCommerce as they scale. Shopify offers a more intuitive interface, stronger app ecosystem, and better checkout performance.
What Migration Does Not Mean
Migration does not mean losing data, customers, or rankings when done properly. With the right planning, your store continues operating smoothly.
Why Businesses Move from BigCommerce to Shopify
Simpler Store Management
Shopify reduces technical complexity. Store owners can manage products, orders, and marketing from one dashboard without developer dependency.
Better Checkout and Conversion Rates
Shopify’s checkout is optimized for speed and usability, helping businesses reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions.
Larger App Ecosystem
Shopify offers thousands of apps for marketing, automation, fulfillment, subscriptions, and analytics.
Scalability for Growth
Shopify supports businesses from startups to enterprise-level brands with Shopify Plus.
When Is the Right Time to Migrate from BigCommerce?
Signs BigCommerce Is Limiting Growth
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Complex backend workflows
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Higher operational costs
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Limited customization flexibility
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Slower development cycles
Business Growth Milestones
Migration often makes sense when:
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Monthly revenue increases consistently
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Product catalog expands
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International selling becomes a goal
Timing Considerations
Avoid migrating during peak sales seasons. Choose a low-traffic period to reduce risk.
What Data Can Be Migrated from BigCommerce to Shopify
Products and Variants
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Product names and descriptions
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Prices and SKUs
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Images and variants
Customer Accounts
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Customer profiles
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Contact details
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Order history
Passwords are reset for security reasons.
Orders and Transaction History
Past orders can be transferred for records and reporting.
Content Pages
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Static pages
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Blog posts
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Policy pages
SEO Elements
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URLs
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Meta titles and descriptions
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Redirect rules
BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Step-by-Step
Step 1: Migration Planning
Define goals, timeline, and scope. Decide what must be migrated and what can be cleaned up.
Step 2: Shopify Store Setup
Create your Shopify account, configure basic settings, and select a theme.
Step 3: Data Export from BigCommerce
Export products, customers, and orders using BigCommerce’s export tools.
Step 4: Data Import into Shopify
Use Shopify import tools or migration apps to upload data accurately.
Step 5: Design Recreation
Rebuild your store design using Shopify themes and visual editors.
Step 6: SEO Setup
Implement URL redirects, metadata, and internal linking.
SEO Strategy for BigCommerce to Shopify Migration
How Migration Impacts SEO
SEO impact depends on redirect accuracy, content preservation, and crawl control.
URL Mapping and Redirects
Ensure every old BigCommerce URL redirects to the correct Shopify URL.
Preserving Rankings
Maintain:
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Page titles
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Meta descriptions
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Header structure
Avoiding Common SEO Errors
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Missing redirects
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Duplicate content
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Broken internal links
Design and UX Improvements During Migration
Navigation Optimization
Shopify allows clear menu structures that improve user experience.
Mobile Responsiveness
Shopify themes are mobile-optimized by default.
Product Page Enhancements
Add trust badges, reviews, and clear CTAs.
Checkout Customization
Simplify checkout flow to reduce friction.
BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Tools
Automated Migration Tools
These tools help move large data sets without manual effort.
Manual Migration Options
CSV files allow precise control for smaller stores.
Data Validation Tools
Always verify product counts, prices, and customer records.
Common Migration Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring SEO Strategy
This leads to ranking drops and traffic loss.
Migrating Without Cleanup
Old or unused data slows down the new store.
Insufficient Testing
Every feature must be tested before launch.
Launching Without Backup
Always back up your BigCommerce store before migration.
Testing and Quality Assurance Before Launch
Functional Testing
Test cart, checkout, payments, and shipping rules.
Content Validation
Check images, descriptions, and page layouts.
SEO Testing
Confirm redirects, indexability, and sitemap accuracy.
Mobile and Browser Testing
Ensure consistent performance across devices.
Post-Migration Monitoring and Optimization
Traffic and Ranking Monitoring
Track organic traffic and keyword positions.
Fixing Errors Quickly
Resolve broken links and missing pages immediately.
Conversion Tracking
Measure checkout performance and user behavior.
Continuous Optimization
Refine UX, speed, and product presentation.
BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Costs
Shopify Subscription Costs
Based on plan selection.
Migration Tool Costs
Depends on data volume and automation level.
Design and App Costs
Themes and apps may add to the budget.
Long-Term ROI
Shopify often lowers maintenance costs and improves revenue scalability.
DIY vs Expert-Led Migration
DIY Migration Pros
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Lower upfront cost
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Full control
DIY Migration Cons
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Higher risk of SEO errors
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Time intensive
When to Hire Experts
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Large catalogs
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SEO-driven businesses
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International stores
BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Case Scenarios
Small Business Example
Migrated products and content in under a week with minimal downtime.
Growing Brand Scaling Fast
Moved to Shopify to support multi-channel selling and automation.
High-Traffic Store
Executed staged migration to avoid SEO loss.
Final Thoughts: BigCommerce to Shopify Migration
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify is not just a platform change; it is a growth decision. Shopify provides better flexibility, stronger conversion tools, and a future-ready ecosystem that supports long-term ecommerce success.
When migration is planned carefully, tested thoroughly, and optimized for SEO, businesses experience smoother operations and improved customer experience. The key lies in execution, not speed.
If you want a secure, SEO-safe, and growth-focused migration, The Fold Tech helps businesses move from BigCommerce to Shopify with confidence. As a Shopify-focused agency, The Fold Tech ensures your migration supports performance, scalability, and long-term success.
