How do I transition my domain from Wix to start accepting orders on Shopify?

[ecogreenrev]

Hello, i currently have my website with Wix including my domain. I have built my shopify store without migrating my Wix store across as wanted to make sure i was taking only the products and pages i wanted. My question is what on earth do i do next to get my shopify store running and taking orders ? How do i move my domain over from Wix, I'm not sure what order i do things in. The more i read the more confused i get. Thank you

[vinods]

Hello @ecogreenrev 

You need to map your domain to shopify by going to Settings >> Domains

[ReturnPrime]

How to migrate from Wix to Shopify 

The migration process from Wix to Shopify mainly requires website (all content) and domain name transfer. The process will also require adjustments to website and SEO settings to keep your Google search ranking intact when you execute the Wix to Shopify migration.

Here are the steps to migrate from Wix to Shopify:

1. Create a website on Shopify 

Step 1: Signup for Shopify

The first step is to signup for Shopify and explore its features and capabilities before you create your new web store. As soon as you sign up and login, it’ll ask you to set your goal for using the platform, your industry and email address for billing purposes. 

Step 2: Customize your homepage

Once you’ve filled up the basic details, start customizing your theme. You can either select a theme from the Shopify design library or go for one of the premium designs in the integrated theme store. A third option is to select the default theme and start customizing it from scratch. Once you’ve selected your template, start adding the required sections. 

Step 3: Add new pages

After you’ve created and customized your homepage, start adding more pages to your website. For each page, fill out the required fields, add your content, insert media files (videos and images), and add all relevant links. 

Step 4: Import your Wix web store data into your new Shopify site

Since your Shopify site is for making sales, the proper transfer of content from your Wix store to Shopify is essential. One way is to manually upload your products, their content, specifications, cost and SEO parameters through the sidebar. This method is practical if you have a small assortment of products. 

For a larger number of products export your web store data into a CSV file from the control panel of your Wix web page and import this data into your corresponding Shopify site. Use the same procedure to import customer lists and other website content. This method turns out to be a bit complicated and time consuming.

Step 5: Preview your result

Once you’ve transferred all your product content, take your time to check all the pages and make sure the export was completed properly. Spend time here to fill out more detailed product descriptions, ensure all product fields are mentioned properly and update missing ones. If you own a large online store, select an application to check product availability and keep track of assortment in stock. 

Now that you’ve completed your website’s content transfer from Wix to Shopify, the next crucial step is to transfer domain name and finally publish your store.

2. Transfer your domain name from Wix to Shopify 

Here’s a step by step guide on how to transfer your domain from Wix to Shopify:

Transferring your Wix domain name to Shopify

If you want to transfer your purchased Wix domain name to Shopify, here are the detailed guidelines on how to do that without losing out on search rankings: 

1. Login with Wix and go to the “My Domains” page.
2. Choose the domain you want to move (if you own multiple domains, make sure to choose the right one), click on the option “Advanced” and then click on the “Transfer away from Wix” tab.
3. Email yourself the EPP code. Remember that you won’t be able to transfer your domain name from Wix to Shopify if you purchased it less than 60 days ago. 
4. Specify the Shopify domain transfer route. After sending the inquiry, the migration will be completed within 7 days.
5. Adjust the required settings before starting to sell through your Shopify store. These settings are about payments, shipping and tax options and can be checked in the Shopify dashboard.

Transferring your own domain name to Shopify

If you have bought your own domain name outside of Wix you can transfer your domain in two ways – either by transferring it to Shopify or by connecting it to your new account.

Here is how you can transfer your personal domain to Shopify: 

1. Before starting the transfer process, check the transfer policy offered by your domain name provider. 
2. Login to your domain name provider account and unlock the domain name you want to move from the settings section. 
3. You’ll get an authorization code which you’ll use to transfer the domain.
4. Open the Shopify admin panel, in the “Online Stores” section click on the “Domains” tab. 
5. Click on “Connect existing domain” and then click the “Transfer in your domain” option.
6. Click on the “Transfer Domain” button, enter the domain you want to move, click “Next” and then click the “Verify Domain” button. Your domain name is ready for transfer once you’ll see the “Domain unlocked” message. FInally click on “Next” to complete the procedure. 
7. Finally, verify the transfer in your email. Enter the EPP authorization code given by your domain name provider and finally click “Next” and “Bu and Transfer” options. Finally again check your email to confirm the transfer again. 

Following the above steps, it will take around 20 days to complete the transfer successfully. Upon completion, Shopify will send you a message confirming this. 

Connecting your own domain name to Shopify

You can also connect your own domain name to Shopify without transferring it. This will allow you to manage your own domain name settings, renew it and make the payments. Here are the steps to connect your domain name to Shopify:

1. Add your domain to the Shopify store. Go to the Shopify admin panel, navigate to the “Online Store” section and click on the “Domains” tab. Choose “Connect existing domain” and click “Next” to get started. 
2. If you’ve purchased the domain name from a third party provider, you’ll have to edit some DNS settings. Also, edit the A record to point it to a Shopify IP address. This step would impact some other settings like email forwarding. 
3. To modify your settings, login to the domain provider’s registered account, navigate to the DNS settings section and look for domain management and DNS configurations. 
4. Change the A record to point to the required Shopify IP address (23.227.38.65) and save the changes.
5. In the DNS settings, find the www.CNAME record and change it so that it points to shops.myshopify.com. Save the CNAME record and activate the Shopify confirmation email to verify the domain name connection. 

Check your new Shopify website to check if everything works well. If you need any help, never hesitate in reaching out to Shopify experts. 

Bottom Line

Migrating from Wix to Shopify is a time taking effort, yet completely worth it if you’re hoping to achieve bigger results from your online store. The domain and content transfer is a complicated task, however we hope the above guide helps in navigating through this process with ease. Make sure to pay special attention to domain name transfer. 

We know the process of migrating from Wix to Shopify can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re helping brands migrate their stores to Shopify now.

Contact us today!

Frequently asked questions about migrating from Wix to Shopify

Is it easy to move from Wix to Shopify?

To migrate data from Wix to Shopify can take some time, you can either use an automated service for the migration or reach out to Shopify experts like XgenTech. Choosing the latter ensures you don't lose any date while making the move on both the product and the customer fronts.  

Can I transfer domain from Wix? 

If you have purchased a domain from Wix, you can later transfer it to another domain host - in this case, Shopify. If you need any help, please reach out to Shopify experts like XgenTech. 

Is there a Wix to Shopify migration service? 

Yes, there is. Shopify expert agencies like XgenTech help businesses set up their brand online. This also includes offering services like Wix to Shopify migration to get them on eCommerce platforms that help them grow. You can reach out to us here. 

Should I switch from Wix to Shopify?

If you're starting an online store for the first time or venturing into eCommerce, you need solutions that are easy to manage, have a short learning curve and let you grow without any limitations. This is where Shopify wins, with its ease of use and an extensive list of Shopify apps that you can plug and play to offer your buyers a seamless shopping experience. 

How much does Wix cost? 

The cost of designing a website on Wix with the help of an eCommerce expert is about $50-$100 per hour, and development typically costs between $100-$200 per hour. Owing to the complex CMS of Wix, it can take anywhere from 10 hours and upwards to set up a storefront, which can be costlier than it is to set up a site on Shopify. 

Which is easier Shopify or Wix?

Some people find Wix simpler to set up a storefront on, but Shopify provides better marketing and sales tools than the former. So in the longer run, we suggest using Shopify for setting up and running an online business. 

[RococoDigital]

Hi Ecogreenrev,

Just in case anyone is still looking for a way to move from Wix we have a tool for converting Wix product export files to Shopify import CSV and thought we'd share it.