How to Migrate BigCommerce to WooCommerce Without Hassle
If you’re running an online store on BigCommerce but feel restricted by pricing, customization limits, or lack of control, you’re not alone. Many business owners are switching to WooCommerce for greater flexibility and lower costs.
WooCommerce, built on WordPress, lets you own your store completely, customize it endlessly, and avoid the high monthly fees that come with BigCommerce. But how do you migrate BigCommerce to WooCommerce without losing important data or breaking your store?
Let’s break it down into a simple, actionable process.
What You Need Before Migration
Before jumping into migration, a little preparation will make the process smooth:
1. Backup Your BigCommerce Store
Even with automated tools, things can go wrong. Always download a backup of your products, orders, and customer data.
2. Get WooCommerce Ready
Since WooCommerce runs on WordPress, you’ll need:
- A WordPress installation on a good hosting provider (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost, or WP Engine).
- The WooCommerce plugin installed and activated.
- A WooCommerce-compatible theme to maintain a professional look.
3. Pick Your Migration Method
There are two ways to migrate your store:
- Automated Migration Tools – Fast, easy, and requires little technical knowledge.
- Manual Migration – More control but time-intensive.
Method 1: Using an Automated Migration Tool
If you want a stress-free way to migrate BigCommerce to WooCommerce, automated migration services are the way to go.
Top Migration Tools
- Migrate bigcommerce to woocommerce Plugin– Transfers products, customers, orders, and SEO settings automatically.
- Litinxtension – Ensures smooth migration with minimal downtime.
Steps to Migrate with a Tool
- Sign up for a migration service like Cart2Cart or LitExtension.
- Connect your BigCommerce and WooCommerce stores using API credentials.
- Choose what to migrate (products, customers, orders, etc.).
- Run a demo migration to test a small data batch.
- Perform the full migration and verify everything is correctly transferred.
This method saves time and ensures accuracy, making it the best choice for most store owners.
Method 2: Manual Migration for More Control
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, manual migration is an option. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Export Data from BigCommerce
- In BigCommerce Admin, navigate to Export and download CSV files for products, orders, and customers.
Step 2: Format CSV Files for WooCommerce
- Adjust column names to match WooCommerce’s format.
- Make sure image URLs are correct so they don’t break after migration.
Step 3: Import Data into WooCommerce
- Go to WooCommerce > Products > Import and upload your product CSV file.
- Repeat for customers and orders using appropriate plugins.
Step 4: Set Up Payment & Shipping
- Configure payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
- Adjust shipping methods and tax settings.
Step 5: Check & Fix Issues
- Verify that all product images, categories, and customer details are correctly imported.
- Test checkout to ensure orders are processed properly.
What to Do After Migration?
Migration is just the first step. Now, you need to fine-tune your WooCommerce store:
1. Set Up 301 Redirects
Avoid broken links and SEO drops by redirecting old BigCommerce URLs to new WooCommerce URLs.
2. Update Design & Functionality
- Choose a WooCommerce theme that suits your brand.
- Customize product pages, checkout flow, and navigation.
3. Test Your Store
- Place test orders.
- Check for missing images or incorrect pricing.
- Ensure payment and shipping work correctly.
4. Inform Your Customers
Send an email letting customers know about the move. Provide instructions for logging into their new accounts if passwords didn’t transfer.
Conclusion
Migrating BigCommerce to WooCommerce doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you choose an automated tool or a manual approach, careful planning ensures a smooth transition with no data loss.
With WooCommerce, you’ll enjoy full control, endless customization, and cost savings, making it a smart choice for long-term eCommerce success. So, why wait? Start your migration today and take your online store to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I migrate my BigCommerce store without losing data?
Yes! Using migration tools like Cart2Cart ensures all products, customers, and orders are transferred safely.
2. How long does the migration process take?
An automated migration can take a few hours, while a manual migration might take a couple of days, depending on store size.
3. Will my SEO rankings drop after migration?
If you set up 301 redirects and maintain SEO settings, your rankings should remain stable.
4. Do customer passwords transfer to WooCommerce?
Due to encryption differences, passwords won’t migrate. Customers will need to reset their passwords.
5. Can I migrate my BigCommerce store myself, or do I need a developer?
If you use an automated tool, you can do it yourself. If you prefer manual migration, hiring a developer might be helpful.
Read also: WooCommerce Address Autocomplete: The Must-Have Feature for Smoother Checkouts
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