Magento to Shopify Migration: Complete Developer Checklist

If you've been putting off that Magento to Shopify migration, you're not alone. The process feels overwhelming, and honestly, it should. We're talking about moving an entire business from one platform to another without losing customers, SEO rankings, or your sanity in the process.

But here's what we've learned after helping dozens of stores make this jump: The stores that nail their migration are the ones who followed a detailed checklist and didn't cut corners on the technical details.

Magento migrations are getting more common every year. Magento users must keep their platform updated with security patches, enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication, and often rely on third-party hosting providers to ensure uptime and performance. Meanwhile, Shopify handles all that infrastructure for you.

Whether you're a developer managing this migration for a client or a store owner who wants to understand exactly what's involved, this guide walks you through every step of a complex eCommerce migration. No shortcuts, no "it depends" answers, just the real process that works.

Why Migrate from Magento to Shopify?

Let's start with the obvious question: why make this move at all? Magento isn't going anywhere, and if you've spent years customizing your store, switching platforms feels like starting over.

But we've talked to store owners who spend more on Magento hosting, security patches, and developer time than they would on Shopify Plus subscriptions. That's before factoring in the opportunity cost of not focusing on growth instead of platform management.

Here's what usually drives the decision:

• Hosting and Infrastructure Costs: Magento requires robust hosting to perform well. You're looking at dedicated servers, CDNs, monitoring services, and security tools. Shopify bundles all of this into predictable monthly pricing.
• Security Management: Every Magento update brings security patches that need immediate attention. Miss one, and you're vulnerable. Shopify handles security automatically across their entire infrastructure.
• Developer Dependency: Want to change something basic on Magento? You probably need developer help. Shopify's admin lets business owners handle most day-to-day changes without touching code.
• Mobile Performance: Building truly mobile-optimized Magento stores requires significant custom development. Shopify themes are mobile-first by default.
• App Ecosystem: Instead of custom-coding every feature, Shopify's app store provides tested solutions for most business needs. Install, configure, done.

So the migration is about choosing the right tool for where your business is heading.

Pre-Migration Assessment: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Before you export a single product, you need a complete picture of what you're working with. Start by thoroughly reviewing your existing Magento store. Take inventory of all categories, products, customer data, and order history to ensure no critical data is left behind.

This isn't just about counting products. You're mapping every custom feature, third-party integration, and workflow that keeps your business running.

Inventory Your Current Setup

Store Structure Audit:

• Product catalog size and complexity (simple products vs. configurable products)
• Category hierarchies and how deeply nested they are
• Customer groups and their different pricing tiers
• Order history volume and date ranges
• Content pages, blogs, and SEO-critical landing pages

Custom Functionality Review:

• Payment gateways beyond standard options
• Shipping calculation logic
• Tax rules and multi-jurisdiction requirements
• Custom product options and bundling
• Loyalty programs or membership systems
• Multi-store setups and international configurations

Integration Dependencies:

• ERP connections for inventory management
• CRM systems for customer data sync
• Email marketing platforms
• Analytics and reporting tools
• Third-party apps for reviews, wishlists, or social proof

SEO and Marketing Assets:

• URL structure and redirect requirements
• Meta descriptions and title tags
• Blog content and internal linking
• Google Analytics goals and eCommerce tracking setup

This audit phase usually takes 2-3 weeks for complex stores. Don't rush it. Every missed dependency becomes a problem after launch.

Shopify Plan and Feature Mapping

Not every Magento feature has a direct Shopify equivalent. Some require apps, others need custom development, and a few might need workflow changes.

Shopify vs. Shopify Plus Decision:

Basic Shopify: Up to 3 staff accounts, basic reporting, standard checkout

Shopify Plus: Unlimited staff, advanced reporting, checkout customization, wholesale portal, automation flows

For most Magento migrations, Shopify Plus is the right choice. The additional features justify the cost when you're running a complex business.

Feature Gap Analysis:

• Multiple payment methods per customer segment
• Complex discount rules and promotional logic
• Advanced inventory management across locations
• B2B functionality like quote requests and net terms
• Multi-currency and multi-language requirements
• Custom product configurators

Document every gap and research the Shopify solution. Some require paid apps that add to your monthly costs. Others need custom development that impacts your timeline and budget.

Technical Migration Process: Step-by-Step Implementation

Now we get into the actual migration work. This is where careful planning pays off, because every shortcut you take here becomes a problem later.

Step 1: Environment Setup and Theme Selection

Start by setting up your Shopify development environment. If you're migrating a live store, work in a password-protected development store until everything is tested and ready.

Development Store Configuration:

• Create development store with same plan level as production
• Install Shopify CLI for theme development workflow
• Set up staging environment for client review and testing
• Configure development payment gateway for checkout testing

Theme Foundation:

• Choose a theme that matches your brand aesthetic and functional requirements
• Avoid heavy customization during migration; focus on core functionality first
• Set up theme version control with Git for change tracking
• Document any theme modifications for future updates

The theme choice impacts everything downstream. Pick something with good performance scores and active developer support rather than the flashiest design.

Step 2: Data Export from Magento

Go to Magento admin, and navigate to System > Data Transfer > Export. In the Export Settings, choose the entities you want to export, like Products, Customers, etc. Keep the export file format .csv.

But exporting is just the beginning. You need to clean and format this data for Shopify's requirements.

Product Data Export:

• Export product catalog with all attributes and custom fields
• Include product images with full file paths
• Export category assignments and hierarchies
• Gather product variants and their relationships
• Extract review data if migrating customer reviews

Customer Data Preparation:

• Export customer accounts with encrypted password hashes
• Include customer groups and pricing tier assignments
• Export address book information
• Gather order history with full transaction details
• Extract wishlist and saved cart data

Content and SEO Data:

• Export CMS pages and blog posts
• Capture URL structures for redirect mapping
• Extract meta titles, descriptions, and alt text
• Document internal linking structures
• Export any custom landing pages or category descriptions

Step 3: Data Transformation and Import

Raw Magento exports don't map directly to Shopify's data structure. You need transformation scripts to convert the data properly.

Product Import Process:

Shopify expects specific CSV formats for product imports. Here's what needs transformation:

• SKU Management: Ensure SKUs are unique and follow Shopify's format requirements
• Variant Structure: Convert Magento's configurable products to Shopify's variant system
• Category Mapping: Transform Magento categories to Shopify collections
• Image Organization: Reformat image URLs and ensure proper file naming
• Pricing Rules: Convert complex Magento pricing to Shopify's simpler structure

Customer Migration Strategy:

Customer migration is tricky because you can't transfer passwords directly. Verify that the URLs are set up properly to maintain SEO rankings. On the Magento to Shopify migration checklist, your customers are the lifeblood.

Your options:

• Force password resets for all customers on first login
• Use email activation flow to set new passwords
• Implement single sign-on if you have that capability
• Maintain customer groups and lifetime value data

Order History Import:

Shopify doesn't import historical orders through their standard tools. For order history, you have several approaches:

• Use third-party apps like Excelify for bulk order import
• Build custom import scripts using Shopify's Admin API
• Keep historical data in Magento for reference while starting fresh in Shopify
• Export order data to CSV for offline reference

Step 4: URL Structure and Redirect Planning

SEO preservation is critical for any migration. Use a URL mapping sheet to match old Magento URLs with their new Shopify equivalents. Then set up 301 redirects inside Shopify to point search engines and users to the correct pages.

URL Mapping Process:

Create a comprehensive spreadsheet mapping every important Magento URL to its Shopify equivalent:

• Product pages (including variant-specific URLs)
• Category pages and their new collection URLs
• CMS pages and blog posts
• Custom landing pages
• Search results pages if they generated organic traffic

Redirect Implementation:

Shopify handles redirects through their admin panel for basic needs, but complex migrations usually require:

• Bulk redirect imports using CSV files
• Pattern-based redirects for similar URL structures
• Dynamic redirect rules for product variants
• Custom Liquid code for complex redirect logic

SEO Verification:

Before going live, verify your redirect strategy:

• Test redirects on staging environment
• Use tools like Screaming Frog to crawl and verify redirect chains
• Check for redirect loops or broken chains
• Validate that high-traffic pages redirect to appropriate equivalents

Advanced Configuration: Apps and Integrations

Once your core data is migrated, you need to rebuild the ecosystem of tools and integrations that powered your Magento store.

Essential App Selection

Most Magento stores rely on custom modules for specific functionality. In Shopify, you'll replace these with apps from their ecosystem.

Core Business Apps:

• Inventory Management: Apps like Cin7 or TradeGecko for multi-location inventory
• Customer Service: Zendesk or Gorgias for ticket management
• Reviews & Social Proof: Yotpo, Judge.me, or Loox for product reviews
• Email Marketing: Klaviyo, Omnisend, or Mailchimp for automated campaigns
• Analytics: Better Reports or Lifetimely for advanced reporting

B2B and Wholesale Apps:

If your Magento store serves B2B customers, you'll need specialized apps:

• Wholesale pricing apps like Bold or SparkLayer
• Quote request systems
• Net payment terms management
• Customer-specific catalogs and pricing

Integration Planning:

Every third-party integration needs reconfiguration:

• ERP systems require new API connections
• Email platforms need data sync and template migration
• Analytics tracking requires new goal setup and eCommerce configuration
• Payment processors may need account reconfiguration

Budget time for each integration. Even "simple" connections often require custom mapping and testing.

Custom Development Requirements

Some Magento functionality won't have direct Shopify app equivalents. You'll need custom development for:

Unique Business Logic:

• Complex pricing calculations
• Custom product configurators
• Specialized checkout flows
• Integration with proprietary systems

Theme Customization:

• Brand-specific design elements
• Custom product page layouts
• Specialized mobile experiences
• Advanced merchandising features

API Development:

• Custom integrations with existing business systems
• Automated data sync processes
• Custom reporting and analytics needs
• Specialized webhook handlers for business process automation

Plan for 4-8 weeks of custom development for complex stores. Simple migrations might need only minor customizations, while enterprise stores often require significant custom work.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Before launching your migrated store, comprehensive testing ensures everything works as expected.

Functional Testing Checklist

Core Storefront Functions:

• Browse product catalog and search functionality
• Add products to cart with all variant combinations
• Complete checkout process with multiple payment methods
• Test customer account creation and login processes
• Verify email notifications are sending correctly

Administrative Functions:

• Test order processing workflows
• Verify inventory management and stock updates
• Check customer service tools and ticket routing
• Test promotional codes and discount functionality
• Validate reporting and analytics data

Mobile and Performance Testing

Test the navigation and ensure the menu links and categories are working properly. Verify the checkout process using different payment methods and shipping options.

• Responsive design across device types
• Touch navigation and mobile checkout flow
• Page load speeds on mobile networks
• Image loading and compression
• Core Web Vitals scores

Integration Testing

Every third-party service needs verification:

• Payment processing with real test transactions
• Shipping calculations for different zones and methods
• Tax calculations for relevant jurisdictions
• Email marketing automation triggers
• Analytics and conversion tracking
• ERP or inventory management sync

User Acceptance Testing

Involve key stakeholders in testing before launch:

• Business owners should test core business processes
• Customer service team should verify their tools and workflows
• Marketing team should test campaign tools and analytics
• IT team should verify all integrations and security measures

Document every issue and resolution. This becomes valuable reference material for post-launch support.

Go-Live Process and Post-Migration Support

The actual launch is just the beginning. How you handle go-live and the immediate post-launch period determines the success of your migration.

Pre-Launch Preparation

Final Data Sync:

• Export and import any new orders, customers, or products added since initial migration
• Verify inventory levels match between systems
• Update any time-sensitive content like promotions or featured products
• Confirm all staff have access to new admin accounts

DNS and SSL Configuration:

• Plan DNS changes to minimize downtime
• Verify SSL certificates are properly configured
• Test domain routing and subdomain redirects
• Prepare rollback plan if issues arise

Team Preparation:

• Train staff on new admin interface and workflows
• Prepare customer service team for migration-related inquiries
• Create documentation for common post-launch issues
• Establish escalation procedures for urgent problems

Launch Day Execution

Go-Live Sequence:

• Enable maintenance mode on old Magento store
• Complete final data sync
• Switch DNS to point to Shopify store
• Verify all redirects are working correctly
• Test checkout process with real transactions
• Monitor error logs and user feedback
• Communicate launch to team and stakeholders

Immediate Monitoring:

• Watch for 404 errors and redirect issues
• Monitor conversion rates and checkout completion
• Track page load times and performance metrics
• Review customer service inquiries for patterns
• Check email delivery and automation triggers

Post-Launch Optimization

The first 30 days after launch are critical for identifying and resolving issues:

Week 1 Priorities:

• Fix any critical functionality issues
• Address SEO ranking impacts
• Optimize page load speeds
• Resolve customer service issues
• Monitor payment processing and order fulfillment

Week 2-4 Focus:

• Analyze conversion rate changes and optimize checkout
• Review and improve search functionality
• Fine-tune email marketing automation
• Optimize mobile experience based on user behavior
• Plan feature enhancements and additional app integrations

Common Migration Challenges and Solutions

Every migration brings unique challenges, but some issues appear consistently across projects.

Data Migration Issues

Product Variant Complexity:

Magento's configurable products often don't map cleanly to Shopify variants. Solutions:

• Simplify product structures where possible
• Use apps like EZ Importer for complex variant imports
• Consider restructuring products to fit Shopify's simpler model
• Document any compromises for future reference

Customer Password Migration:

You can't transfer encrypted passwords between platforms. Best practices:

• Send pre-launch emails explaining the password reset process
• Create clear, branded password reset flows
• Use account activation emails for better security
• Consider temporary customer incentives to encourage account recreation

Order History Gaps:

Standard Shopify imports don't include historical orders. Options:

• Keep Magento installation running for reference
• Export order data to PDF or CSV for offline storage
• Use specialized migration services for order history import
• Build custom integration to display historical data in customer accounts

SEO and Traffic Preservation

URL Structure Changes:

Even with careful redirect planning, some SEO impact is inevitable:

• Monitor organic traffic closely for the first 60 days
• Use Google Search Console to identify crawl errors
• Update internal links to use new URL structure
• Submit updated sitemaps to search engines promptly

Site Speed Optimization:

Shopify stores can be faster than Magento, but optimization is still required:

• Choose lightweight themes with good performance scores
• Optimize images for web delivery
• Minimize app usage and choose performance-focused apps
• Use Shopify's built-in CDN effectively

Integration and App Challenges

Third-Party Service Disruption:

Every integration needs reconfiguration, which can cause temporary disruptions:

• Plan integration testing well in advance
• Have rollback procedures for critical services
• Communicate potential service interruptions to customers
• Test backup procedures for essential business processes

App Selection Overload:

Shopify's app ecosystem can be overwhelming. Focus on:

• Installing only essential apps initially
• Testing app performance impact before committing
• Reading reviews and checking support quality
• Planning for app cost increases as your store grows

Migration Timeline and Resource Planning

Realistic timeline planning prevents rushed decisions and quality compromises.

Typical Migration Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Planning and Assessment

• Complete technical audit of current Magento setup
• Map features to Shopify capabilities and apps
• Select theme and plan customization requirements
• Identify integration requirements and custom development needs

Weeks 3-6: Data Migration and Development

• Export and transform data for Shopify import
• Set up development environment and import initial data
• Begin theme customization and custom development
• Configure essential apps and integrations

Weeks 7-10: Testing and Refinement

• Complete functional testing across all business processes
• User acceptance testing with key stakeholders
• Performance optimization and mobile testing
• Final data sync and pre-launch preparation

Weeks 11-12: Launch and Initial Support

• Execute go-live process
• Monitor for issues and quick fixes
• Gather feedback and plan optimizations
• Document lessons learned and update procedures

Resource Requirements

Technical Team:

• Shopify developer familiar with Liquid and theme customization
• Data migration specialist for complex transformations
• Integration specialist for third-party service connections
• QA tester familiar with eCommerce functionality

Business Team:

• Project manager to coordinate timeline and deliverables
• Business analyst to document requirements and test functionality
• Content specialist for SEO and marketing content migration
• Customer service representative for user acceptance testing

Budget Considerations

• Shopify Plus subscription costs
• Third-party app subscription fees
• Custom development and design costs
• Integration and data migration services
• Testing and quality assurance time
• Post-launch support and optimization

Why Professional Migration Services Make Sense

While this guide provides a comprehensive checklist, successful migrations require experience with both platforms and the common pitfalls that derail projects.

Migration specialists bring several advantages:

• Deep familiarity with both Magento and Shopify data structures
• Existing tools and scripts for common transformation challenges
• Experience with complex integration requirements
• Established relationships with reliable app vendors
• Quality assurance processes refined through multiple migrations

The cost of professional migration services often pays for itself through:

• Reduced timeline from start to launch
• Fewer post-launch issues requiring emergency fixes
• Better preservation of SEO value and traffic
• More effective use of Shopify's capabilities from day one

For complex stores with custom functionality, B2B requirements, or critical uptime needs, professional migration support isn't optional – it's the difference between a successful transition and months of fixes and optimizations.

When you're ready to make the jump from Magento to Shopify, working with experienced developers ensures you get it right the first time. Whether you need full migration services or specific expertise for the trickiest parts of your project, platforms like Storetasker connect you with vetted Shopify experts who've handled these migrations before.

Ready to migrate from Magento to Shopify? Contact Storetasker today and get matched with a developer who can handle your migration professionally.