Shopify Migration Checklist: Proven Process to Protect Rankings & Revenue

Migrating to Shopify isn’t just a platform switch; it’s a full-scale business transition that impacts your store’s data, design, SEO, and day-to-day operations. 

Get it right, and you’ll unlock a faster, more scalable, and conversion-optimized storefront. 

Get it wrong, and you could face lost sales, frustrated customers, and months of recovery work.

That’s why we’ve created a phase-by-phase Shopify migration checklist that ensures every detail, from pre-migration prep and data cleanup to SEO protection, testing, launch, and post-go-live optimization, is handled in the right order, by the right people.

Use this free interactive checklist to assign responsibilities, track progress, and keep your migration running on schedule.

GET YOUR FREE INTERACTIVE CHECKLIST HERE

Here’s how to move your store to Shopify without sacrificing performance, rankings, or customer experience.

Your Ultimate Shopify Migration Checklist for a Smooth, Zero-Downtime Move

This comprehensive checklist breaks down the entire migration process into 9 manageable phases, ensuring you don't miss critical steps that could cost you traffic, sales, or SEO rankings.

1. Pre-Migration Planning (2-3 weeks before migration)

Lay the foundation for migration success with strategic planning and comprehensive data analysis.

Week 1: Initial Planning & Analysis

Success starts with solid planning. Before touching any technical elements, you need crystal-clear objectives and a well-structured team. This foundation determines whether your migration will be smooth sailing or a costly disaster.

Define Migration Goals & Objectives

• Document reasons for migrating to Shopify
• Set clear business objectives for the new store
• Define success metrics for the migration
• Establish project timeline and milestones

Choose Shopify Plan

The right plan saves money and unlocks essential features. Don't guess, analyze your current needs and future growth plans.

• Assess current store size and requirements
• Compare Shopify Basic ($39/month) vs Advanced ($105/month) vs Plus ($2,000+/month)
• Consider transaction fees and payment processing costs
• Sign up for the appropriate Shopify plan

Create Project Team & Assign Responsibilities

• Assign project manager (single point of accountability)
• Identify technical team members
• Assign content migration responsibilities
• Set up regular team check-ins

Current Store Performance Analysis

Know your baseline before you migrate. This data becomes crucial for measuring migration success and identifying issues quickly.

• Export Google Analytics data for baseline metrics
• Document top-performing pages and products
• Analyze conversion funnels and customer behavior
• Identify traffic sources and marketing channels
• Review current customer lifetime value and retention rates

Week 2: SEO Audit & Data Preparation

Protect your search rankings and prepare clean data for a smooth migration process.

Complete SEO Audit

Your SEO audit is your insurance policy against ranking losses. This step often determines whether your migration preserves or destroys years of SEO work.

• Document all current URLs (use tools like Screaming Frog)
• Export current meta titles and descriptions
• List all high-ranking keywords and their associated pages
• Document the current backlink profile
• Identify top organic traffic pages
• Check current site speed and Core Web Vitals scores

Data Inventory & Cleanup

Clean data migrates better. Spend time now removing duplicates and fixing errors to avoid headaches later.

• Export the complete product catalog with all variants
• Export customer database (emails, addresses, purchase history)
• Export order history and transaction data
• Export all content pages (About, FAQ, Policies, etc.)
• Export blog posts and articles
• Download all product images and media files
• Remove duplicate products and outdated inventory
• Standardize product names, descriptions, and SKUs
• Clean up customer data and remove invalid emails

Technical Preparation

• Create a complete backup of the current website
• Document the current domain and hosting setup
• Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds for faster propagation
• List all current integrations and third-party services
• Document current payment gateways and shipping methods

2. Shopify Store Setup (1-2 weeks)

Configure your new Shopify store foundation with proper settings, themes, and payment systems.

Store Configuration

Set up your Shopify store's fundamental settings and establish the core framework.

Basic Store Setup

First impressions matter. Configure these foundational settings correctly to avoid customer confusion and legal compliance issues.

• Complete Shopify account setup and verification
• Configure store details (name, address, contact info)
• Set up store currency and location settings
• Configure tax settings by region
• Set up time zone and units of measurement

Theme Selection & Basic Customization

Your theme choice impacts everything, from conversion rates to mobile performance. Choose wisely and customize strategically.

• Research and select an appropriate theme (free vs paid)
• Purchase and install the chosen theme
• Upload logo and brand assets
• Configure basic color scheme and fonts
• Set up homepage layout structure

Payment Gateway Setup

• Enable Shopify Payments (if available in your region)
• Configure alternative payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
• Set up payment provider accounts
• Test payment processing in sandbox mode
• Configure automatic tax calculations

Shipping Configuration

Get shipping wrong, and you'll lose customers fast. Set up comprehensive shipping options that cover all your markets.

• Create shipping zones for all target markets
• Set up shipping rates (flat rate, calculated, free shipping thresholds)
• Configure carrier-calculated shipping (if needed)
• Set up local delivery and pickup options (if applicable)
• Create shipping policies and estimated delivery times

3. Data Migration (1-2 weeks)

Transfer your products, customers, and content while maintaining data integrity and relationships.

Import Process (CRITICAL ORDER)

⚠️ WARNING: Import order matters! Products must come first, then customers, then orders. Getting this wrong breaks data relationships permanently.

Step 1: Import Products First

• Format product data according to the Shopify CSV template
• Import basic product information (title, description, price, SKU)
• Import product variants and options
• Upload and assign product images
• Set up product collections and categories
• Configure inventory tracking for each product
• Set up product SEO settings (meta titles, descriptions)
• Verify all product data displays correctly

Step 2: Import Customers Second

• Format customer data according to the Shopify CSV template
• Import customer contact information
• Import customer addresses (billing and shipping)
• Import customer tags and notes
• Set up customer groups/segments (if using Shopify Plus)
• Send account activation emails to customers

Step 3: Import Orders Last

• Format order data according to the Shopify CSV template
• Import historical order information
• Link orders to correct customers and products
• Import order fulfillment status
• Verify order data accuracy and completeness

Content Migration

Transfer all website pages, blog posts, and essential content to your new store.

Website Pages

Don't forget your essential pages; they're crucial for customer trust and legal compliance.

• Migrate About Us page
• Migrate Contact page
• Migrate Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
• Migrate FAQ page
• Migrate Shipping and Return policies
• Create any missing essential pages

Blog Content

• Import all blog posts with proper formatting
• Maintain URL structure for blog posts (if possible)
• Update internal links within blog content
• Optimize blog posts for Shopify's structure

4. SEO Migration (Critical for maintaining rankings)

Preserve your search rankings with proper redirects, meta tag transfers, and technical SEO setup.

URL Structure & Redirects

This phase can make or break your SEO. Handle redirects poorly, and you'll watch your rankings disappear overnight.

Plan New URL Structure

• Map old URLs to new Shopify URLs
• Prioritize high-traffic and high-ranking pages
• Create a comprehensive redirect mapping spreadsheet
• Plan collection and product URL structures

Implement 301 Redirects

Every old URL needs a new home. Missing redirects create 404 errors that hurt both user experience and SEO.

• Set up redirects for all product pages
• Set up redirects for all category/collection pages
• Set up redirects for blog posts and content pages
• Set up redirects for the homepage (if URL changes)
• Test all redirects for proper functionality
• Use Shopify's URL Redirects tool or apps for bulk redirects

SEO Elements Migration

Transfer meta tags, structured data, and technical SEO elements to maintain search visibility.

On-Page SEO Setup

• Transfer all meta titles and descriptions
• Set up alt tags for all product images
• Configure H1 tags for all pages
• Set up internal linking structure
• Configure canonical URLs

Technical SEO

• Submit the new sitemap to Google Search Console
• Set up Google Analytics 4 with proper e-commerce tracking
• Configure Google Search Console for the new domain
• Set up structured data/schema markup for products
• Configure robots.txt file

5. Apps & Integrations

Install essential apps and connect third-party services to enhance your store's functionality.

Essential App Installation

Choose apps strategically. Every app affects your site speed and costs, so prioritize must-haves over nice-to-haves.

SEO & Marketing Apps

• Install SEO optimization app (TinyIMG, SearchPie, etc.)
• Set up email marketing integration (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, etc.)
• Install social media integration apps
• Set up review and rating apps

Analytics & Tracking

• Install Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics
• Set up conversion tracking
• Install heat mapping tools (if needed)
• Configure inventory management apps

Customer Service & Support

• Install live chat app
• Set up help desk integration
• Configure the customer account portal
• Install the return/exchange management app

Third-Party Integrations

Connect your existing business tools and external services to your new Shopify store.

Connect External Services

• Integrate the existing CRM system
• Connect accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
• Set up the inventory management system integration
• Connect fulfillment and shipping services
• Integrate loyalty program (if applicable)

6. Testing & Quality Assurance

Thoroughly test all functionality, data accuracy, and performance before going live.

Functionality Testing

Testing prevents disasters. One broken checkout process can cost thousands in lost sales.

Complete Customer Journey Testing

• Test product browsing and search functionality
• Test shopping cart addition and removal
• Test discount codes and promotions
• Complete the full checkout process test
• Test customer account creation and login
• Test password reset functionality

Payment & Shipping Testing

• Test all payment methods with small transactions
• Verify shipping calculations are accurate
• Test tax calculations for different regions
• Verify email notifications are sent correctly
• Test refund and return processes

Technical Testing

Verify site performance, compatibility, and SEO functionality across all devices and browsers.

Performance & Compatibility Testing

• Test site speed on desktop and mobile
• Check mobile responsiveness on various devices
• Test across different browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
• Verify all forms work correctly
• Test search functionality

SEO & Analytics Testing

• Verify all redirects work properly
• Check that meta tags are displaying correctly
• Test structured data with Google's Rich Results Test
• Verify Google Analytics tracking is working
• Check that the XML sitemap is accessible

Data Verification

Double-check all migrated data for accuracy, completeness, and proper display functionality.

Product Data Accuracy

• Verify all products display correct information
• Check that product images load properly
• Confirm pricing is accurate across all products
• Verify inventory levels are correct
• Test product variants and options

Customer & Order Data

• Spot-check customer information accuracy
• Verify customer order history displays correctly
• Check that customer groups/tags migrated properly

7. Pre-Launch Preparation

Complete final preparations, train your team, and secure your store before launch.

Final Pre-Launch Checklist

The calm before the storm. Use this time to triple-check everything and prepare your team for launch day.

Store Settings Review

• Review all store policies (shipping, returns, privacy)
• Verify contact information and business details
• Check that all legal pages are complete and compliant
• Review and update checkout settings
• Set up abandoned cart recovery emails

Staff Training & Access

• Train staff on the Shopify admin interface
• Set up staff accounts with appropriate permissions
• Create order fulfillment and inventory management procedures
• Set up customer service protocols for the new platform

Backup & Security

• Create a final backup of the old website
• Set up a regular backup schedule for the Shopify store
• Configure security settings and two-factor authentication
• Review app permissions and access levels

8. Launch Day

Execute the go-live process and monitor your new store closely during launch.

Go-Live Process

Launch day is showtime. Stay calm, follow your checklist, and monitor everything closely.

Domain Migration

• Remove password protection from the Shopify store
• Update DNS records to point to Shopify
• Verify the SSL certificate is active and working
• Test that email services continue working
• Monitor for any immediate technical issues

Post-Launch Monitoring (First 24 hours)

The first 24 hours are critical. Issues that aren't caught quickly can snowball into major problems.

• Monitor website traffic and user behavior
• Check for 404 errors and redirect issues
• Monitor order processing and payment functionality
• Track email delivery and notifications
• Respond to any customer inquiries or issues

Communication

Notify customers and update all external listings about your new website launch.

Customer Notification

• Send an email announcement about the new website
• Update social media profiles with the new website
• Notify key customers about any changes
• Update business listings and directories

9. Post-Launch Optimization (Week 1-4 after launch)

Monitor performance, resolve issues, and optimize your store for maximum results.

Performance Monitoring

Your migration isn't over when you go live. The next 30 days are crucial for identifying and fixing issues before they impact your business long-term.

SEO & Traffic Monitoring

• Monitor search engine rankings for key keywords
• Track organic traffic changes in Google Analytics
• Check for indexing issues in Google Search Console
• Monitor Core Web Vitals and site speed metrics
• Track conversion rates and ecommerce metrics

Issue Resolution

• Fix any broken links or redirect chains
• Address any customer complaints or issues
• Optimize any slow-loading pages
• Fix any checkout or payment issues

Ongoing Optimization

Continuously improve conversion rates, SEO performance, and overall store functionality.

Conversion Rate Optimization

• A/B test key pages (homepage, product pages, checkout)
• Optimize product descriptions and images
• Improve site navigation based on user behavior
• Optimize for mobile conversions

SEO Improvements

• Create a content marketing strategy
• Optimize for additional keywords
• Build an internal linking structure
• Monitor and improve page speed scores

Your Shopify migration success depends on following each phase systematically. Take your time, test thoroughly, and prioritize SEO preservation throughout the process.

Lock In Rankings And Revenue With A Zero Downtime Launch

A successful migration demands precision, planning, and relentless testing. By following this checklist, you ensure every phase, from SEO audits and data cleanup to launch monitoring, works together to protect performance and revenue. 

In the middle of a complex Magento to Shopify migration, every missed detail can cost traffic, customers, and sales. Velt2 helps you streamline the process with expert guidance, proven workflows, and the right tools to safeguard your rankings and customer trust.