Smooth Migration, Bigger Impact!
As online businesses grow and customer demands evolve, many entrepreneurs start looking for a more scalable and reliable platform to manage their websites and stay ahead of the competition.
That’s where Shopify comes in. Known for its user-friendliness, customization options, and scalability, it has become the go-to choice for businesses wanting a platform that grows with them.
While WordPress has been a solid platform, it often comes with limitations — from managing endless plugins and dealing with technical issues to struggling with advanced customization as your site expands.
With Shopify, you get modern tools, seamless integrations, and flexible customization to create a website that truly matches your business and audience needs.
Whether you’re frustrated with WordPress’s limitations, struggling to scale, or simply want a simpler and more powerful solution, migrating to Shopify is a smart step toward smoother operations and faster growth.
Let’s start with a quick rundown of WordPress and Shopify to set the stage for your migration journey.
Why Move from WordPress to Shopify?
Migrating from WordPress to Shopify makes sense if you want to simplify your website management and scale faster.
Here are common pain points WordPress users face — and how Shopify addresses them:
- Complex Setup: WordPress relies on plugins, which can cause compatibility headaches and extra upkeep. Shopify offers an all-in-one solution.
- Performance Issues: WordPress sites often slow down under traffic load. Shopify’s hosting is fast and scales smoothly.
- Maintenance Hassles: WordPress demands regular updates to themes, plugins, and core software. If you’re unsure about moving to Shopify now, you can hire experts to maintain your WordPress site. Meanwhile, Shopify handles all updates for you.
- Security Risks: WordPress sites require constant updates to stay secure. Shopify provides built-in security features like SSL and PCI compliance.
- Customization Challenges: Advanced features often require coding or developer help on WordPress. Shopify’s drag-and-drop tools and customizable themes make design easy.
Note: If you run a WordPress store with WooCommerce and need to migrate products specifically, see our WooCommerce to Shopify Migration Guide for a detailed walkthrough.
What Data You Can Migrate from WordPress to Shopify?
When moving from WordPress to Shopify, a large portion of your store data can be migrated smoothly using automated tools or manual import methods. Below is a comprehensive list of the data types you can successfully transfer during the migration process:
- Products
You can migrate all product details including titles, descriptions, SKUs, images, pricing, inventory, and shipping information.
- Product Categories (Collections)
Your WordPress categories can be mapped to Shopify collections (manual or automated).
- Product Manufacturers / Brands
If you use a manufacturer or brand taxonomy, it can be migrated as product tags or custom fields in Shopify.
- Customers
Customer names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and order history can be imported. (Note: Passwords cannot be migrated.)
- Orders
Past orders including customer details, products purchased, payment status, and fulfillment status can be transferred.
- Coupons / Discount Codes
Existing discount codes can be recreated in Shopify with the same rules.
- Product Reviews
Reviews from plugins like WooCommerce Reviews, YITH, or Judge.me can be imported using a review app.
- Blogs
Your blog structure, including categories and tags, can be moved to Shopify’s blog system.
- Blog Posts
Individual posts along with their meta descriptions, content, and images can be migrated.
- CMS Pages
Static pages like About, Contact, FAQs, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service can all be moved.
- Media Library Files
Images, PDFs, and other media files linked to your content can be imported and reconnected.
- Navigation Menus
Primary and secondary menus can be replicated in Shopify using your existing structure.
- Inventory Data
Stock levels, locations, and inventory rules can be transferred accurately.
- Tax Settings (Partial)
Basic tax configurations can be replicated manually to match your current WordPress setup.
- Shipping Settings (Partial)
Shipping zones and shipping rules can be recreated in Shopify based on your existing structure.
- Product Attributes & Variations
Size, color, and other attributes can be mapped to Shopify variants and options.
- SEO Metadata
Titles, meta descriptions, image alt texts, and URL redirects can be preserved using apps or manual settings.
- Multiple Languages (with apps)
If your WordPress site uses multilingual plugins like WPML or Polylang, translations can be migrated using Shopify’s multilingual apps.
What Data You Can’t Migrate from WordPress to Shopify
While Shopify supports most essential store data during migration, there are certain elements that cannot be transferred directly due to platform differences, theme structures, and feature limitations. Here are the key data types you won’t be able to migrate automatically:
- WordPress or WooCommerce Theme Design
Your existing theme, layout, styling, and custom code cannot be migrated because Shopify uses a completely different template language (Liquid). You’ll need to choose or recreate a new Shopify theme.
- Custom Plugins & Their Functionalities
Any features powered by WordPress plugins—such as custom forms, booking tools, membership systems, or LMS modules—won’t migrate. These need to be replaced with Shopify apps or custom development.
- Plugin-Specific Data
Data stored exclusively inside certain plugins (e.g., wishlist data, abandoned cart plugins, subscriptions plugins, schema plugins) usually cannot be transferred unless supported by a Shopify app.
- Customer Passwords
Due to security and encryption, customer login passwords cannot be carried over. Customers must reset their passwords on Shopify.
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) or Custom Post Types
Dynamic fields, special layouts, or content created using ACF or CPTs won’t automatically match Shopify’s structure.
- Shortcodes
WordPress shortcodes (e.g., gallery, form, plugin-generated shortcodes) do not work in Shopify and must be removed or manually replaced.
- Custom Checkout Modifications
Any checkout customizations or plugins used in WooCommerce won’t transfer. Shopify has its own standardized checkout system.
- Server-Side Scripts
PHP scripts and backend code used in WordPress cannot be used on Shopify because the platform doesn’t support custom server-side code.
- Roles, Permissions & User Accounts (Non-Customer)
WordPress admin roles, editors, contributors, and internal users cannot be migrated to Shopify.
- Widget Areas & Sidebar Layouts
WordPress widget sections won’t carry over and must be rebuilt using Shopify sections or apps.
- Email Templates
WooCommerce or WordPress email templates cannot be migrated to Shopify’s native email system.
- Some Multilingual Structures
If your translations rely heavily on plugin-specific structures (like Polylang strings or ACF translation fields), they may not migrate perfectly.
- Server Settings & Hosting Configuration
File structure, cPanel settings, redirects on the server level, and cron jobs won’t transfer to Shopify’s hosted environment.
What You Need Before Starting the Migration (Pre-Migration Checklist)
Before you begin moving your store from WordPress to Shopify, it’s important to prepare all the essential assets and access credentials. This ensures a smooth migration process, minimizes downtime, and prevents data loss. Here’s a simple checklist to help you get ready:
- Domain Access
Make sure you have access to your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.). You’ll need this to update DNS records when pointing your domain to Shopify.
- WordPress Admin Login
You must have full admin access to your WordPress website and WooCommerce store. This allows you to export data, deactivate plugins, and make required changes throughout the migration.
- Plugin List
Prepare a complete list of all installed plugins—especially those related to eCommerce, SEO, forms, reviews, multilingual support, and custom fields. This helps you identify which features need a Shopify app or alternative solution.
- SEO Export
Export important SEO data such as:
- Meta titles
- Meta descriptions
- Image alt texts
- Slugs
- URL structure
- Redirection rules (from plugins like Rank Math or Yoast)
This ensures you maintain your rankings after migration.
- Backup of Image & Media Folders
Download and store a backup of your WordPress /wp-content/uploads/ folder. Shopify won’t automatically migrate all media files, so having everything backed up helps maintain image integrity across products, blogs, and CMS pages.
- Database Backup (Optional but Recommended)
Take a full database backup (via cPanel, phpMyAdmin, or a backup plugin). This gives you peace of mind in case you need to recover lost content.
- Access to Shopify Admin
Create or log into your Shopify store and ensure you have full admin rights to import data, install apps, and customize themes.
- List of Redirects Required
Prepare a list of your current URLs so you can create 301 redirects inside Shopify after migration to preserve SEO.
- Inventory & Order Sync Timeline
Plan how you’ll handle orders and inventory during migration—especially if your store remains live. Temporary freeze or sync tools may be needed.
How to Migrate Your Website from WordPress to Shopify?
Shopify apps can replicate WordPress plugins and extend your site’s functionality:
- SEO managers
- Email marketing tools
- Reviews
- Analytics
Ensure apps integrate smoothly with your operations.
Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Website
Before doing anything drastic or migrating, create a full backup of your WordPress website—this includes your data, content, images, and other files. This backup protects your data from loss during migration and gives you peace of mind.
- Why Backup?
- Data Integrity: Prevents damage or loss during migration.
- Roll Back Option: Allows reverting to your previous site state if needed.
- Peace of Mind: Reduces stress during the transition.
- How to Backup:
- Use trusted WordPress backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator. These plugins offer easy, automated backup options.
- For more control, use your hosting control panel (cPanel) or FTP to download site files and export databases via phpMyAdmin.
- Store backups securely on cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or other reliable services.
Before you transfer your WordPress site to Shopify, a complete backup ensures your store data is safe during migration.
Step 2: Set Up Your Shopify Store
Create your Shopify account and complete the initial setup to prepare your store for migration.
- Sign Up and Registration:
- Visit Shopify’s website and start a free trial.
- Enter your store name, email, and password to create your account.
- Complete registration by following Shopify’s on-screen instructions to finalize your store.
- Choose Your Shopify Plan:
- Review Shopify’s pricing tiers and select the one that matches your business needs.
- Enter payment details to activate your chosen plan.
Step 3: Choose and Customize Your Shopify Theme
Shopify themes cannot be transferred from WordPress. You’ll find a large selection of free and premium Shopify themes designed for eCommerce.
- Choose a Theme:
- Go to Shopify Admin > Online Store > Themes.
- Browse free themes or visit the Shopify Theme Store for premium options. Preview themes to see how they will look.
- After selecting, click Add to install the theme.
- Customize Your Theme:
- Use the Shopify theme editor by clicking Customize.
- Modify key sections—homepage layout, headers, footers, product pages, fonts, colors—to align with your brand.
- Preview all changes before publishing.
- Advanced Customization:
- Shopify themes are user-friendly but if you need unique features, hire a Shopify developer for custom code or design tweaks.
Step 4: Configure Settings of Your Shopify Store
Before adding products, configure your store’s essential settings to ensure smooth operations.
- General Store Details:
- Enter your store name, address, phone number, and email in Settings > General.
- Set your store currency and preferred language to serve your target market.
- Adjust the time zone for order scheduling and reporting.
- Payment Settings:
- Navigate to Settings > Payments.
- Activate Shopify Payments or add third-party providers like PayPal, Stripe, etc.
- Enter required banking info to receive payouts.
- Shipping Setup:
- In Settings > Shipping and Delivery, define shipping zones (local, domestic, international).
- Set shipping rates (flat fee, free shipping, calculated rates) per zone.
- Add package dimensions and weights if required by your carriers for accurate rates.
- Optionally, enable local pickup or fulfillment services.
- Tax Configuration:
- Go to Settings > Taxes.
- Enable auto-calculation for taxes based on customer location and product type.
- Set exemptions or tax override for products like digital goods or specific exemptions.
- Ensure compliance with your state and country tax regulations.
Step 5: Migrate Your WordPress Content
Focus on pages, blog posts, images, and media:
Methods:
- Manual Copy-Paste: Good for smaller sites with limited content.
- Migration Apps/Tools: Tools like LitExtension or Shopify API apps automatically transfer posts, pages, and media with fewer errors.
Tip: Always migrate content in an organized order and verify formatting after migration.
Step 6: Install and Configure Apps
Shopify apps can replicate WordPress plugins and extend your site’s functionality:
- SEO managers
- Email marketing tools
- Reviews
- Analytics
Ensure apps integrate smoothly with your operations.
Step 7: Preserve SEO and Redirect URLs
Protect your search rankings:
- Map all old WordPress URLs to Shopify pages.
- Set up 301 redirects.
- Update Shopify meta titles, descriptions, and alt texts.
Monitor SEO performance regularly.
Step 8: Test Your Shopify Store
Before launching, perform comprehensive testing:
- Check for broken links, missing images, and page navigation.
- Test contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, and checkout flows.
- Run payment gateway tests using Shopify’s Bogus Gateway method:
- Enable test mode.
- Make test transactions using special test credit card numbers to simulate success and failure.
- Disable test mode before going live.
Step 9: Voila! Launch Your Shopify Store
Once you are done with the testing process, it is time to launch your Shopify store. To drive traffic to your new Shopify store, announce the launch to your customers on different channels, such as social media, news, and press releases.
Step 10: Monitor and Optimize
- The process doesn’t end with the launching process. You have to keep an eye on your store and monitor various operations to measure the store’s performance.
- Regularly check your analytics to track your store’s success and find creative ideas for improvement.
- Collect customer feedback to enhance the shopping experience.
- Based on the data and review, make ongoing modifications to evaluate your store’s functionality and improve sales.
Following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure smooth WordPress to Shopify migration, with all the data security, and your store is optimised for growth.
However, the migration journey isn’t always straightforward. It’s important to understand the challenges you might face during WordPress to Shopify migration.
How to Migrate Blog Posts and Pages from WordPress to Shopify
Migrating blog posts and CMS pages from WordPress to Shopify is an important part of keeping your SEO value, traffic, and content marketing efforts intact. Since Shopify doesn’t support a one-click import for WordPress blogs, you need to follow a structured approach. Here’s how to do it:
- Export Your Content from WordPress
Start by exporting your blog posts and pages:
- Log in to your WordPress admin panel
- Go to Tools → Export
- Choose Posts, Pages, or All Content
- Download the XML export file
This file contains all your article content, titles, categories, tags, and publishing dates.
- Convert the WordPress XML to Shopify-Friendly Format
Shopify doesn’t accept WordPress XML files directly.
You need to convert the content using one of the following options:
Option A: Use a third-party migration tool
- LitExtension
- Cart2Cart
- Matrixify
These tools automatically convert posts and pages into Shopify Blog Articles and Shopify Pages.
Option B: Manual conversion
Export your content from WordPress and manually copy/paste into Shopify’s editor (best for small blogs).
- Import Blog Posts into Shopify
Once your data is converted:
- Go to Shopify Admin → Content → Blog Posts
- Create or choose a blog (e.g., “News,” “Blog,” “Articles”)
- Import posts using a migration app or manually add each post
- Upload featured images, assign tags, and update authors
Make sure each post is published with the correct URL structure.
- Import CMS Pages
For pages like About, Contact, FAQ, Services, or Policy pages:
- Go to Shopify Admin → Online Store → Pages
- Create a new page for each imported page
- Paste the content, adjust formatting, and add images
- Add metadata and SEO titles in the page settings
- Fix Formatting & Media
WordPress often adds formatting, shortcodes, and styled elements that Shopify doesn’t support.
Make sure to:
- Remove unused shortcodes
- Reformat headings (H1, H2, H3)
- Re-upload images if links are broken
- Clean text styling to match Shopify’s theme
- Set Up 301 Redirects for SEO
Maintaining SEO is crucial.
Go to:
Shopify Admin → Online Store → Navigation → URL Redirects
Create redirects for:
yourstore.com/old-wordpress-blog-url → yourstore.com/new-shopify-blog-url
This ensures your rankings, backlinks, and traffic remain intact.
- Recreate Blog Categories as Shopify Tags
WordPress blog categories and tags can be replicated in Shopify as:
- Blog categories → Shopify “Blogs” or article tags
- Tags → Article tags
This helps maintain structure and user flow.
- Optimize Imported Content
After import, update each blog post:
- Add optimized meta titles and descriptions
- Improve images and alt texts
- Internal link updates
- Check readability and mobile layout
This ensures your content performs well on Shopify.
Custom Post Types — Can They Move to Shopify?
Custom Post Types (CPTs) in WordPress allow you to create unique content structures such as portfolios, testimonials, events, recipes, case studies, property listings, or any other custom content built using plugins or custom code. However, when migrating to Shopify, these custom structures cannot be moved directly, because Shopify doesn’t support CPTs.
Can Custom Post Types Be Migrated Automatically?
Not directly. Shopify doesn’t have an equivalent feature for CPTs, and its content system is limited to:
- Products
- Collections
- Blog posts
- Pages
So, any CPT you used in WordPress will not match Shopify’s core structure.
How Can You Bring CPT Content into Shopify?
Although you can’t migrate CPTs as they are, you can still move the content, but you must reorganize it into Shopify’s supported formats. Here are common approaches:
- Convert CPTs into Shopify Pages
For custom content like portfolios, team members, services, or FAQs, the easiest method is to import them as standard pages.
- Convert CPTs into Blog Articles
If the CPT is more like an article format—such as case studies, tutorials, or news items—you can migrate them as blog posts.
- Convert CPTs into Product Data
If your CPT represents product-like items (e.g., downloadable assets, rental items, service packages), you can map them to Products in Shopify.
- Use Shopify Metafields for Structured Data
If your CPT contains additional custom fields (from ACF or plugins), you can store that data using Shopify Metafields.
Example:
- A “Projects” CPT with fields like “Client Name,” “Industry,” “Timeline” → can become a Page with custom metafields.
- Use a Custom App or Developer Solution
For highly complex CPTs (directories, listing platforms, membership systems), you may need custom development or a Shopify app that supports more dynamic content structures.
What Cannot Be Migrated?
- The CPT structure itself
- Custom fields created using ACF
- Custom taxonomies and relationships
- Plugin-generated CPT features
These must be rebuilt in Shopify using metafields, apps, or templates.
Media Migration — Will Images Transfer Automatically?
When migrating from WordPress to Shopify, one of the biggest questions store owners have is about media files — especially product images, blog images, and files stored in the WordPress media library. Unfortunately, images do not always transfer automatically, and this is where many store owners face issues.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Media Files Don’t Fully Migrate on Their Own
WordPress stores all images inside the /wp-content/uploads/ folder, while Shopify hosts images on its own CDN. Because of this structural difference, Shopify cannot directly pull every image from WordPress during migration.
Most migration tools can import image URLs, but not the actual files.
- Product Images Usually Transfer — But Not Always
If your WordPress product images are stored in standard locations and linked correctly, tools like Cart2Cart, LitExtension, or Matrixify can:
- Detect image URLs
- Upload them to Shopify’s CDN
- Attach them to the correct product
However, images from custom plugins, galleries, or non-standard file structures may not migrate.
- Blog & Page Images Often Need Manual Fixing
While the main content of your blog posts and pages can be migrated, image URLs inside the content may break. This is because:
- Shopify uses different file paths
- WordPress embeds images with absolute URLs
- Some images may not auto-upload to Shopify’s file manager
You may need to manually re-upload images and update URLs inside your content.
- Third-Party Plugins Can Create Problems
If your site uses slider plugins, gallery plugins, ACF fields, or page builders (Elementor, WPBakery, Divi), those images may not migrate because they’re stored in plugin-specific folders.
These usually require manual migration.
- Best Practice: Always Take a Media Backup
Before starting migration:
- Download your entire uploads folder
- Store it locally or on cloud storage
- Use it later to manually upload missing images
This ensures no visual content is lost during the process.
- Shopify File Storage Works Differently
Shopify hosts all media on its global CDN, and images need to be:
- Re-uploaded automatically via migration tools
- Or uploaded manually via Content → Files
Once uploaded, Shopify generates new, optimized URLs.
- Expect Some Manual Touch-Ups
Even with the best tools, you may need to fix:
- Broken image links inside blogs
- Missing featured images
- Gallery images
- Thumbnails from page builders
- Banner or hero images
WordPress to Shopify Migration Challenges You Need to Know
Migrating from WordPress to Shopify can boost your business performance, but it also comes with some challenges. If the process isn’t handled carefully, you could face issues like data loss, drops in search rankings, or broken site features.
In this section, we’ll look at the most common challenges store owners face during transferring a website from WordPress to Shopify — and how you can overcome them smoothly.
1. Content Transfer Complexity
Challenge: Moving large volumes of WordPress content — including blog posts, pages, images, and media files — can be tricky. Formatting issues, missing media, or broken links often occur if the migration isn’t planned properly.
Solution: Use reliable migration tools or apps like LitExtension to automate content transfer. Always backup your WordPress site before migration, then audit all pages and posts after migration to ensure formatting, links, and media are intact. For smaller sites, manual copy-paste may work, but always verify consistency across the new Shopify site.
2. Design & Theme Differences
Challenge: WordPress themes often have custom layouts, widgets, and styling that don’t directly translate to Shopify’s theme system. This can result in loss of visual consistency, broken sections, or missing features.
Solution: Choose a Shopify theme that closely matches your existing design. Customize it using Shopify’s theme editor to replicate your branding, layout, and colors. For advanced customization, consider hiring a Shopify developer to rebuild complex sections or add custom code.
3. SEO & URL Structure Challenges
Challenge: Shopify has a fixed URL structure for pages and collections, which may differ from WordPress slugs. Without proper redirects, broken links can appear, and search rankings may drop.
Solution: Map all existing WordPress URLs to their Shopify equivalents. Implement 301 redirects to preserve SEO value, and update internal linking wherever necessary. Also, check meta titles, descriptions, and alt texts to ensure search engines index your new site properly.
4. App & Plugin Compatibility
Challenge: Many WordPress plugins don’t have direct equivalents in Shopify. This can result in lost functionality for features like SEO tools, forms, or galleries.
Solution: Audit your WordPress plugins before migration and identify Shopify app alternatives. Use dedicated migration tools for transferring content, and consider custom development if no app meets your needs. This ensures your site retains its functionality and user experience.
5. Performance & Hosting Considerations
Challenge: Shopify handles hosting, speed optimization, and security differently than WordPress. Sites moving from flexible WordPress hosting might notice differences in page load times or CDN handling.
Solution: Test site performance after migration using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights. Optimize images and apps for faster loading. Prepare a cost forecast to account for Shopify plans, apps, and any development support to avoid surprises.
6. Training & Workflow Adaptation
Challenge: Teams accustomed to WordPress may face a learning curve with Shopify’s admin interface, content editor, and workflows.
Solution: Provide training sessions for your staff. Shopify tutorials, official documentation, and support channels can help your team adapt quickly. Plan for a transition period to ensure your team can confidently manage content and operations post-migration.
How to Maintain SEO When Migrating from WordPress to Shopify
Migrating your website from WordPress to Shopify can be risky for SEO if not handled properly. Your rankings, traffic, and backlinks depend on how well you preserve your site structure and content during the transition. The good news? With the right steps, you can maintain (and sometimes even improve) your SEO after migration.
Here’s a complete guide to keeping your SEO intact:
- Audit Your Current URLs Before Migration
Start by exporting all existing WordPress URLs, including:
- Product pages
- Categories
- Blog posts
- CMS pages
Tools you can use:
- Screaming Frog
- RankMath/Y oast SEO export
- Google Search Console
This creates a blueprint for your redirect strategy.
- Match or Recreate URL Structure in Shopify
Shopify has a different URL format. For example:
- /product-category/ becomes /collections/
- /product/ becomes /products/
Adjust your Shopify URL slugs so they are as close as possible to your original structure.
- Set Up 301 Redirects for Every Old URL
This is the most crucial step.
Go to:
Shopify Admin → Online Store → Navigation → URL Redirects
Add redirects for:
yourwebsite.com/old-url → yourwebsite.com/new-url
This ensures:
- Google transfers SEO value
- Backlinks keep working
- Users never see “404 Not Found”
- Transfer All SEO Metadata
Make sure your SEO titles, meta descriptions, and alt texts move to Shopify.
You can export these from WordPress via:
- Yoast
- RankMath
- SEOPress
Then add them in Shopify under:
Search Engine Listing Preview → Edit
- Update Internal Links
Blogs, menus, and pages often use internal links pointing to old URLs. After migration:
- Fix broken links
- Update URLs to Shopify versions
- Remove WordPress shortcodes
This helps both user experience and crawlability.
- Optimize Your Shopify Theme for Speed
Shopify SEO largely depends on site speed.
Ensure your theme is:
- Lightweight
- Optimized for mobile
- Free of unnecessary apps
Compress your images and use Shopify’s built-in CDN.
- Submit Your New Sitemap to Google
Shopify auto-generates a sitemap.
Submit it in Google Search Console:
yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml
This helps Google index your new URLs faster.
- Set Up Google Analytics & Search Console Again
Reconnect tracking tools to ensure you don’t lose search performance data.
- Install Google Analytics 4
- Connect Google Search Console
- Verify domain ownership
- Monitor 404 Errors & Fix Them Quickly
After migration, check for broken URLs in Search Console.
Fix errors by:
- Adding missing redirects
- Updating internal links
- Re-uploading missing images
This prevents SEO drops.
- Keep Content Structure the Same
Do not change:
- H1 tags
- URL slugs
- Page hierarchy
- Important keywords
Consistency helps Google maintain your rankings.
- Retain and Rebuild Structured Data
If your WordPress site used schema markup:
- Product schema
- Review schema
- Breadcrumbs
- Article schema
Re-add schema using a Shopify SEO app or custom code.
- Recheck Performance After 2–4 Weeks
Once migration is done:
- Track keyword rankings
- Monitor organic traffic
- Watch for indexing issues
If everything is stable, your SEO is safe.
How to Transfer Your Domain from WordPress to Shopify
Moving your domain from WordPress to Shopify is a straightforward process, but you’ll need access to your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Bluehost, etc.). WordPress itself is not the domain registrar unless you purchased your domain through WordPress.com.
Here’s the step-by-step process for both cases.
If Your Domain Is Registered on WordPress.com
Step 1: Unlock Your Domain
- Log in to WordPress.com
- Go to My Sites → Upgrades → Domains
- Select the domain you want to transfer
- Disable Domain Lock
Step 2: Get the Authorization (EPP) Code
- In the same domain settings
- Click Transfer Domain → Transfer to Another Registrar
- WordPress will provide an EPP code
Copy this code—you’ll need it in Shopify.
Step 3: Start Transfer in Shopify
- Go to Shopify Admin → Settings → Domains
- Click Transfer Domain
- Enter your domain name
- Enter the EPP code when asked
- Pay the transfer fee (usually 1 year renewal)
Step 4: Verify Your Transfer
Shopify sends a verification email to your domain’s admin email.
Approve the transfer.
It usually takes 5–7 days to complete.
If Your Domain Is Registered Elsewhere (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, etc.)
You are not transferring from WordPress, but from your registrar. Follow this method:
Step 1: Log In to Your Domain Registrar
Go to your registrar where the domain was purchased.
Step 2: Unlock Your Domain
Every registrar has a “Domain Lock” setting.
Unlock the domain so it can be transferred.
Step 3: Get the EPP Authorization Code
This is under:
Domain Settings → Transfer Domain → Get Authorization Code
Step 4: Start Transfer in Shopify
- Go to Shopify Admin
- Settings → Domains → Transfer Domain
- Enter your domain name and EPP code
- Pay the renewal fee
- Approve verification email
Alternative Option: Connect the Domain Instead of Transferring
If you don’t want to transfer your domain to Shopify, you can simply connect it.
How to Connect:
Update DNS records in your registrar:
A Record:
@ → 23.227.38.65
CNAME:
www → shops.myshopify.com
This keeps your domain on your existing registrar but points it to Shopify.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Transfer Domain
✔ Easier long-term management
✔ Shopify handles renewal and DNS
✔ Better for non-technical users
Connect Domain
✔ No downtime
✔ You keep the domain with your registrar
✔ Good if you use email services tied to the domain (like G Suite)
What Happens to WordPress Plugin Features After Migration?
One of the biggest challenges when moving from WordPress to Shopify is handling the features provided by WordPress plugins. WordPress plugins power a wide range of functionalities, such as SEO, contact forms, sliders, memberships, bookings, and custom content types. Since Shopify operates differently, these features cannot be transferred directly.
Here’s what you need to know:
- WordPress Plugins Cannot Be Migrated
- Shopify doesn’t use PHP-based plugins like WordPress.
- Any functionality provided by a WordPress plugin will not work automatically in Shopify.
This means features like:
- Advanced SEO plugins (Yoast, RankMath)
- Page builders (Elementor, WPBakery)
- Membership or subscription systems
- Booking or event plugins
- Custom sliders or galleries
will need alternative solutions in Shopify.
- Shopify Apps Replace Most Plugin Features
Shopify has a vast App Store with apps designed to provide similar functionalities to WordPress plugins. For example:
- SEO apps → Smart SEO, SEO Manager
- Contact forms → Form Builder, Hulk Form Builder
- Sliders → POWr, Slider Revolution
- Reviews → Loox, Judge.me
- Memberships → Locksmith, Bold Memberships
You’ll often find apps that are more streamlined for Shopify than their WordPress counterparts.
- Custom Functionality Requires Development
If your WordPress site uses custom-coded plugins or advanced features, you may need:
- Custom Shopify development
- Use of Liquid templates
- Shopify Metafields to store extra data
This ensures your store retains the same functionality your WordPress site had.
- Data Connected to Plugins May Not Migrate
Even if you can recreate plugin functionality via Shopify apps, plugin-specific data might not transfer automatically. For example:
- Booking schedules
- Membership records
- Form submissions
- Slider images stored in plugin folders
You’ll need to export this data and manually import it into the new system.
- Planning Ahead is Crucial
Before migration, list all your active plugins and their functionalities. Then:
- Identify Shopify apps or features that can replace them.
- Export any necessary data from WordPress.
- Work with a Shopify expert for complex features.
This ensures that your store runs smoothly post-migration without losing key functionality.
Performance Improvements After Migration (Expectations vs Reality)
Expectations
- Faster Page Speed: Shopify’s CDN + optimized hosting = quicker load times.
- Better Mobile Experience: Themes are automatically mobile-responsive.
- Fewer Errors: No plugin conflicts or server issues like WordPress.
- Built-in Security: Shopify handles hosting, updates, and patches.
Reality
- Theme Quality Matters: Heavy themes can slow down performance.
- Apps Add Load: Too many apps = extra scripts → slower pages.
- Content Needs Optimization: Large images and complex pages may require cleanup.
- Redirect Issues Can Impact UX: Missing links or images can affect speed perception.
What You’ll Still Need
- Image compression
- Lazy loading
- Script/CSS optimization
- App performance checks
Outcome: Shopify is faster for most stores, but real results depend on your theme, apps, and optimization. To get the best performance, it’s a smart idea to work with a Shopify development company that can fine-tune your store for speed and scalability.
Post-Migration To-Do List (After Launch)
- Test All Pages
Check pages, links, and 301 redirects. - Verify Product & Customer Data
Ensure product info, orders, images, and customer data are accurate. - Test Checkout & Payments
Place a test order, check taxes, shipping, and emails. - Optimize Performance
Compress images, remove unused apps, check PageSpeed. - Check SEO Settings
Confirm meta tags, alt text, redirects; submit sitemap. - Test Forms & Apps
Contact forms, pop-ups, newsletters, analytics, review apps. - Check Mobile Responsiveness
Test buttons, menus, and layouts across devices. - Backup Shopify Store
Export data regularly. - Monitor Analytics
Set up GA + Shopify Analytics and track user behavior. - Announce the Relaunch
Inform customers, update social media, promote new features.
How Can WebyKing Streamline Your WordPress to Shopify Migration Process?
Migrating your website from WordPress to Shopify can be complex, but WebyKing’s expert website migration service makes the process smooth and stress-free. Our team handles everything — backing up your existing content, transferring blog posts, service pages, categories, and setting up your Shopify site with all the necessary configurations.
We prioritize minimal downtime, preserve your SEO rankings, and provide ongoing support so your store keeps performing at its best. With WebyKing by your side, you can focus on keeping your website buzzing and your customers happy while we handle the technical heavy lifting, making your migration not just hassle-free, but a step forward for your online success.
FAQs About Switching from WordPress to Shopify
How long does WordPress to Shopify migration take?
There is no better approach for WordPress to Shopify migration. Both manual and automatic migration have their pros and cons. Choose the best method that matches your business goal and fulfill your requirements.
What support do I get after migration?
WebyKing provides post-migration support, including troubleshooting, testing, and guidance so your Shopify store runs smoothly and efficiently after the migration is complete.
How much does it cost to migrate a WordPress website to Shopify?
The cost depends on the size and complexity of your site — number of pages, blog posts, categories, and additional features. WebyKing offers customized migration solutions to fit different needs and budgets.
Will my page URLs change after migration?
Some URLs may need updating to match Shopify’s structure. Professional migration ensures proper 301 redirects to avoid broken links and maintain SEO.
Can all my WordPress content be migrated to Shopify?
Yes. Blog posts, service pages, categories, images, and other content can be fully transferred, ensuring your website remains complete and functional.
What happens to user accounts and passwords during migration?
User data can be securely migrated. Some platforms require users to reset passwords after migration, but WebyKing ensures the process is safe and smooth for your visitors.
Will my WordPress SEO plugins data transfer automatically?
No, SEO plugin data like Yoast or RankMath won’t transfer automatically; you need to manually migrate meta titles, descriptions, and URL redirects to Shopify.
Does Shopify support WordPress-style blogging?
Yes, Shopify has a built-in blog feature, but it’s simpler than WordPress. You may need to adjust categories and tags during migration.
Will my email accounts be affected when I transfer the domain?
Not if you use an external email provider (like Gmail or Outlook). Update DNS records carefully to avoid email disruption.
Can I run WordPress and Shopify together during transition?
Yes, you can run them simultaneously using a temporary domain or subdomain until your Shopify store is fully ready.
What happens to my WordPress hosting after migration?
Your WordPress hosting will remain active, but it’s no longer needed for your live store; you can cancel it or repurpose it for blogging or backups.
Do I need coding knowledge to migrate?
Not necessarily. Many migration tools and apps make it easy, though some advanced customization may require a developer.
