Checklist for migrating your online store to Shopify
If you want to migrate your existing ecommerce business to Shopify, then use this checklist to help guide you through the process. You might find it helpful to print this checklist or to download it as a PDF so that you can refer to it throughout the setup process.
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Before you start
Before you migrate your business, make sure that you consider the following choices.
Migrate your business to Shopify
Migrate your store to Shopify before you start configuring your store settings.
Check for common migration errors
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| The import was successful, but something changed. | If any of the imported product information has changed, then a message appears in the Product review section of your import summary. Select View items to make any necessary changes. |
| Products were imported successfully, but not published. | If the products that you import are marked as hidden, then they aren't published until you make them available to your sales channels. |
| Details are missing from imported products. | Review the product description on the product page, and then fill in the missing information. |
| Product variants failed to import. | If a product is missing a variant option, then it won't be imported successfully. You can instead add the product to your Shopify store manually. |
| Some clients or orders could not be imported. | If you import multiple customers with the same email address or phone number, then only the most recent customer entry that contains duplicate data is imported. You can add any older customer profiles manually. |
Set up your online store
Before you stock your Shopify store with products, you need to enter some information about yourself and your store. You need to decide on some basic standards for your product listings and customer transactions. Also, you need to set up your domain to make sure that your customers can find your store online.
Organize your online store
Your store's appearance and the kinds of products that you sell are two of the most important parts of your online store. Try a few different themes to see which one looks best, and then add some products to sell. Depending on how many products you plan to offer, adding and organizing your product listings can be the most time-consuming step of setting up a Shopify store. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to add your products, to organize them into groups, and to set the necessary tax and shipping information.
Test your online store
Before you launch your online store, place some test orders to see how the checkout process works.
Open your online store
After you've picked a plan and tested your online store, you're ready for people to see it. You can remove your online store password, and add a chat widget to make it easy for online store visitors to ask questions.
Add other online sales channels
After you launch your online store, your business might benefit from adding some other online channels to your Shopify store. There are several online channels that you can add to your Shopify admin when selling online.
Promote your online store
After you launch your online store, you need to promote it. You can improve your store's visibility by adding the information that will be used by search engines and by promoting your store in all of the appropriate spaces.