Shoper to Wix stores

Step 1: Preparing for Migration

Before we begin the migration process from Shoper to Wix Stores, it's crucial to prepare both platforms to ensure a seamless transition. This preparation involves several key tasks that will help us avoid potential issues during the migration.

Firstly, we should perform a thorough inventory of the data we plan to migrate, which typically includes products, customer information, orders, and other relevant data. This step is essential to understand the scope of the migration and to identify any special considerations that may arise during the process.

• Backup Your Data: Always start by backing up your Shoper data. This can be done through the Shoper admin panel where you can export your product data, customer lists, and order history. Ensure that you have a complete set of backups stored securely.
• Review Data for Accuracy: Check the accuracy of the data you are planning to migrate. This includes verifying product descriptions, images, pricing, and inventory levels. Ensure that there are no duplicates or inaccurate entries that could complicate the migration process.
• Define Your Migration Scope: Decide which data you want to migrate. Not all data may be necessary. For instance, if you have historical data that is no longer relevant, you may choose to leave this out of the migration.
• Set Up Your Wix Store: Create your Wix account and set up your store to prepare for incoming data. Familiarize yourself with the Wix dashboard, including its settings for products, shipping, and payment methods.

Completing these preparatory tasks will set a solid foundation for the migration process and help ensure that we can proceed smoothly to the next step.

Step 2: Data Export from Shoper

With our preparations complete, the next crucial step is to export the necessary data from Shoper. This step is vital as it ensures that we have all the required information to replicate your store on Wix Stores accurately.

To start the export process, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Shoper account and navigate to the Data Export section. This is typically found in the settings menu.
2. Select the Data Types: Choose the specific data you want to export. Common data types include:
• Products
• Customers
• Orders
3. Export Format: Ensure that the data is exported in a compatible format for Wix. CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is the most common format used for this purpose.
4. Initiate Export: Click on the export button to generate the files. You will receive a confirmation notification once the export is complete.
5. Download the Files: Download the exported files to your computer. Make sure to keep them organized in a dedicated folder for easy access during the Wix import process.

Exporting your data correctly is essential to preserving your store's information during the migration. Verify that all the necessary files have been downloaded before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Wix Store

Now that we have successfully exported our data from Shoper, the next step is to set up your Wix Store to receive this data. This involves configuring various settings that align with your business needs and ensuring a smooth import process.

Here’s how to set up your Wix Store:

1. Log into Wix: Access your Wix account and navigate to the dashboard of your newly created store.
2. Store Settings: Click on Settings on the left sidebar. Here, you can configure important settings such as:
• Store Information: Fill in your store name, address, and contact information.
• Payment Methods: Set up payment options that you will accept. Wix supports various payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and credit card options.
• Shipping Settings: Define your shipping methods and rates. You can set specific countries, zones, and rates based on your business model.
3. Design Your Store: Choose a template that fits your brand. Wix offers various customizable templates that can be tailored to your aesthetic preferences.
4. SEO Basics: Set up basic SEO settings. This includes adding meta titles and descriptions, which will help improve your store’s visibility in search engines.

Completing these configurations will ensure that your Wix Store is fully prepared to import data from Shoper and operate efficiently. Make sure to double-check all settings before proceeding with the next step.

Step 4: Importing Data to Wix Stores

With your Wix Store set up and ready, the next step is to import the previously exported data from Shoper. This is a pivotal moment in the migration as it involves transferring your products, customers, and orders into the new platform.

Follow these detailed steps to import your data:

1. Navigate to the Wix Dashboard: Log in to your Wix account and go to the Products section.
2. Select Import Products: Look for the Import Products option. This will prompt you to upload the CSV file that you exported from Shoper.
3. Upload CSV File: Click on Upload and select the CSV files you downloaded earlier. Ensure that the file format matches Wix's requirements. Wix will typically provide a template to help align your data structure.
4. Map Your Data: During the import process, you will be asked to map your Shoper fields to the corresponding Wix fields. This step is crucial to ensure that your product information, such as titles, descriptions, prices, and inventory, are accurately transferred to the new platform.
5. Confirm Import: Review the mapping and confirm the import. Wix will process the data, and this may take a few moments depending on the volume of products.

Once the import is complete, you will receive a notification summarizing the results. It's important to check for any errors or issues during the import and correct them as necessary.

Step 5: Verifying Imported Data

After importing your data from Shoper into Wix Stores, the next vital step is to verify that all information has been accurately transferred. This step is crucial to ensuring the functionality of your new store and to avoid potential customer service issues down the line.

To verify your imported data, follow these steps:

1. Check Product Listings: Go to the Products section in your Wix dashboard and review the product listings. Ensure that all products are present and that their details (name, description, images, and price) match what was in Shoper.
2. Customer Data Verification: Navigate to the Customers section and verify that all customer data, including names, email addresses, and order history, have been accurately imported.
3. Review Orders: Check the Orders section to confirm that all previous orders from Shoper have been successfully imported, including their statuses and details.
4. Test Functionality: Conduct a few test transactions using the live store to ensure that the checkout process works as expected. This will also verify that payment methods and shipping options are functioning properly.

If you encounter any discrepancies, take the time to correct them through the Wix dashboard. Ensuring that your data is accurate and complete will help provide a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

Step 6: SEO and Redirects

With your data verified and your Wix Store ready for business, the next important step is to focus on SEO settings and URL redirects. This is crucial for maintaining your search engine rankings and ensuring that your customers can find your new store seamlessly.

Follow these steps to optimize your Wix Store for SEO:

1. Set Up SEO Settings: Navigate to the SEO section in your Wix dashboard. Here, you can set meta titles and descriptions for your homepage and product pages. Ensure that these are optimized with relevant keywords to help improve visibility in search results.
2. Configure URL Redirects: If your product URLs have changed, it’s essential to set up 301 redirects from the old Shoper URLs to the new Wix URLs. This will help retain any linkage value from search engines and direct customers to the correct pages.
3. Submit Sitemap: Generate and submit your new sitemap to search engines. Wix automatically generates a sitemap, but you can also submit it manually through Google Search Console to ensure that it is indexed.
4. Monitor SEO Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your site's performance post-migration. This will help you understand how well your new store is performing in search results and identify any issues that may arise.

Completing these SEO steps will help ensure that your new Wix Store is easily discoverable by customers and will assist in maintaining your existing traffic levels from your previous Shoper store.

Step 7: Launching Your Wix Store

With everything set up, verified, and optimized, we are ready to launch your new Wix Store. This step marks the transition from preparation to actively engaging with your customers on the new platform.

To successfully launch your store, follow these steps:

1. Final Review: Before going live, perform a final review of your site. Check for any last-minute errors or issues in product data, images, and site functionality.
2. Publish Your Store: Click the Publish button in your Wix dashboard to make your store live. Once published, your customers will be able to access your new store using the domain you’ve set up.
3. Promote Your Launch: Use your marketing channels to announce the launch of your new store. This can include social media posts, email newsletters, and paid ads.
4. Engage with Customers: Encourage customers to visit your new site by offering promotions or discounts during the launch phase. Engage with them through social media and email to drive traffic to your store.

Launching your Wix Store is an exciting milestone in your business journey. Make sure to monitor performance closely after launch to address any issues promptly and to optimize for ongoing growth.

Power Your Step - Get in Touch

Are you ready to take the next step in your ecommerce journey? At PowerCommerce, we are dedicated to providing you with the expertise and support necessary for a seamless migration from Shoper to Wix Stores. Our team is here to ensure that your transition is smooth, efficient, and tailored to your specific business needs.

Get in touch with us today:

1. Visit our contact page to fill out our form and request a consultation.
2. Call us directly at 800-099-9090 to speak with one of our migration specialists.
3. Send us an email at info@powercommerce.com for any inquiries or assistance you need.

Our commitment to innovation, customer-centric solutions, and integrity ensures that you will receive the best service possible. Let's power your ecommerce success together!