Merchantpro to Bigcommerce

Step 1: Preparing for Migration

Before initiating the migration from MerchantPro to BigCommerce, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive audit of your existing online store. This step sets the foundation for a successful transition, ensuring that all vital data is accounted for and prepared for migration.

The primary objectives of this step are to identify data categories that need to be migrated, such as products, customers, orders, and content pages. We will also assess the existing data structure to ensure compatibility with BigCommerce. A well-planned migration not only prevents data loss but also minimizes downtime during the transition.

To begin, we recommend the following actions:

• Backup your data: Always start with a complete backup of your MerchantPro store. This includes data files, images, and any other relevant documents.
• Identify key data: List all data types that need to be migrated. This typically includes:
• Products (including variants and images)
• Customer accounts
• Order history
• Content pages (like blog posts and policy pages)
• SEO data (meta titles, descriptions, and URLs)
• Assess data integrity: Review your data for any inconsistencies or duplicates. Clean up any unnecessary or outdated information to streamline the migration process.
• Export data: Use MerchantPro’s export functionality to generate CSV files for the identified data categories. Ensure that the exported data is in a format compatible with BigCommerce.

Once the data is backed up and exported, we can confidently move on to the next step of the migration process.

Step 2: Setting Up Your BigCommerce Account

With your data backed up and prepared for migration, the next step is to set up your BigCommerce account. This process is essential as it lays the groundwork for your new online store, allowing you to customize settings, themes, and other configurations that will enhance your customer experience.

Follow these detailed instructions to set up your BigCommerce account:

1. Create an account: Visit the BigCommerce website and sign up for a new account. Choose a suitable plan based on your business size and requirements. You can take advantage of a free trial to explore the platform’s features.
2. Configure store settings: Once your account is created, navigate to the 'Store Setup' section. Here, you will need to:
• Input your store name and logo.
• Set your preferred currency and location settings.
• Configure shipping options based on your business model.
• Choose payment gateways that best suit your customers' needs.
3. Customize your storefront: BigCommerce offers a selection of themes that can be customized to reflect your brand identity. Choose a theme that aligns with your aesthetic, then:
• Utilize the drag-and-drop functionality to rearrange elements on your homepage.
• Incorporate your brand colors and fonts through the 'Design' section.
4. Set up essential pages: Create important pages such as 'About Us', 'Contact', and 'Privacy Policy'.
5. Review settings: Go through all the configurations you have made to ensure they align with your business goals. Take notes on any areas that may require further customization after data migration.

This step is crucial to ensure that your BigCommerce store is ready to receive the data you will migrate from MerchantPro.

Step 3: Migrating Data to BigCommerce

Now that you have prepared your data and set up your BigCommerce account, it’s time to execute the migration process. This step is pivotal, as it involves transferring data from MerchantPro directly to BigCommerce while ensuring data integrity and consistency.

We recommend the following procedure to facilitate a smooth migration:

1. Choose a migration tool: While it is possible to manually import data into BigCommerce, we highly recommend using a reliable migration tool to streamline the process. Tools like Cart2Cart or LitExtension can automate data transfer and minimize errors.
2. Install the migration tool: Follow the installation instructions provided by the chosen migration tool. Typically, this will involve adding the app to your BigCommerce account and connecting it to your MerchantPro store.
3. Map your data fields: During the migration setup, you will be prompted to map the fields from MerchantPro to BigCommerce. This is a critical step that ensures each data point corresponds correctly. For example:
• MerchantPro 'Product Name' should map to BigCommerce 'Product Title'
• MerchantPro 'Customer Email' should map to BigCommerce 'Customer Account'
4. Run a test migration: Before executing the full migration, conduct a test run with a small subset of your data. This helps identify any potential issues without affecting your entire dataset.
5. Execute the migration: Once satisfied with the test results, proceed with the full migration. Monitor the process closely to address any issues that arise.
6. Verify data integrity: After the migration completes, assess the transferred data in your BigCommerce store. Check for completeness and accuracy in product listings, customer data, and order history.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your data is accurately migrated from MerchantPro to BigCommerce, setting the stage for a successful launch of your new store.

Step 4: Configuring Settings in BigCommerce

Once your data has been successfully migrated to BigCommerce, the next step is to configure the settings to optimize your online store’s performance. This step is vital for ensuring that your store operates smoothly and meets your business objectives.

Here’s how to configure essential settings in BigCommerce:

1. Payment Gateway Configuration: Navigate to the 'Store Setup' section and select 'Payments'. Here, you can configure your payment gateways. Ensure that all preferred payment methods are enabled and properly set up for your customers.
2. Shipping Settings: Go to the 'Shipping' section to set up your shipping methods and rates. You can choose from flat rate, free shipping, or carrier-calculated options based on your requirements.
3. Tax Settings: Configure your tax settings under the 'Taxes' section. Make sure to set up tax rates according to your local laws and apply them to the appropriate products.
4. SEO Optimization: Review your SEO settings to ensure that all meta titles, descriptions, and URLs are optimized for search engines. This will help maintain your store’s visibility post-migration.
5. Review and customize checkout process: Go to 'Checkout' settings to configure your checkout process. Options include guest checkout, account creation, and order confirmation emails.
6. Set up email notifications: Customize email notifications for order confirmations, shipping updates, and customer communication under the 'Store Notifications' section.

Thoroughly reviewing and configuring these settings will help streamline your store operations and enhance the customer shopping experience.

Step 5: Testing Your BigCommerce Store

Testing is a crucial step in the migration process, as it ensures that your new BigCommerce store functions properly and is ready for customers. Comprehensive testing will help identify any issues before your store goes live.

To thoroughly test your BigCommerce store, follow these steps:

1. Test Product Listings: Review all migrated product listings to ensure accurate descriptions, images, and pricing. Test the functionality of product options, such as sizes or colors.
2. Check the Checkout Process: Simulate a full checkout process to ensure that everything works seamlessly. Test various payment methods and shipping options to confirm they are functioning as expected.
3. Validate Customer Accounts: Test the customer account creation process. Ensure that customers can register, log in, and recover their passwords without issues.
4. Review Order Management: Test the order management system to ensure that you can view, process, and fulfill orders effectively. Check for notifications and updates.
5. Evaluate Mobile Responsiveness: Access your store from different devices to confirm that it is mobile-friendly and that the layout is consistent across platforms.
6. Test SEO Functionality: Use SEO tools to analyze your store’s indexability and ensure that all meta tags and descriptions are in place.

Conducting these tests will help identify any areas that require adjustments, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

Step 6: Launching Your BigCommerce Store

With testing complete and necessary adjustments made, it’s time to prepare for the official launch of your BigCommerce store. This step is essential to ensure that everything is in order for a successful opening.

Follow these steps to prepare for your launch:

1. Final Review: Conduct a final review of all settings, products, and configurations to ensure everything aligns with your business goals. Check payment processing and shipping settings once again.
2. Set Up Analytics: Ensure that your Google Analytics and other tracking tools are properly set up to monitor store performance and customer behavior.
3. Communicate with Customers: Inform your existing customers about the new website launch through email or social media. Highlight any new features or improvements they can expect.
4. Schedule a Launch Date: Choose a launch date that aligns with your marketing efforts and sales strategy. Plan promotional activities to attract traffic to your new store.
5. Monitor Performance: After launching, closely monitor your store’s performance. Be prepared to address any immediate issues or customer inquiries.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your BigCommerce store is ready for a successful launch, providing an optimal experience for your customers.

Step 7: Post-Migration Optimization

Once your BigCommerce store is live, the focus shifts to ongoing optimization. Post-migration optimization is vital to ensure that your store runs efficiently and maximizes conversion rates.

Here are some essential strategies for post-migration optimization:

1. Analyze Performance Data: Utilize analytics tools to review key performance metrics such as traffic, sales, and conversion rates. Identify areas for improvement based on this data.
2. Optimize SEO: Continue to optimize your store’s SEO by updating content, refining meta tags, and ensuring that your URLs are user-friendly.
3. Enhance User Experience: Gather customer feedback to identify pain points in the shopping experience. Make necessary adjustments to improve navigation, product discovery, and overall usability.
4. Implement Retargeting Strategies: Use retargeting ads and email marketing to re-engage customers who have shown interest in your products but did not complete their purchases.
5. Regularly Update Content: Keep your store fresh by regularly updating product information, adding new blog posts, and engaging with your audience on social media.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your BigCommerce store not only attracts customers but also converts them into loyal buyers.

Power Your Step - Get in Touch

At PowerCommerce, we are committed to helping you achieve a seamless migration experience from MerchantPro to BigCommerce. Our team of experts is ready to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your transition is smooth and efficient.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for personalized support and guidance tailored to your specific needs. To get started:

1. Visit our contact page: Contact Us
2. Call us at: 800-099-9090
3. Email us at: info@powercommerce.com

We look forward to partnering with you to power your ecommerce growth!