How to Migrate from BigCommerce to WooCommerce

Migrating your online store from BigCommerce to WooCommerce can deliver enhanced flexibility, superior SEO capabilities, and lower long‑term costs. However, any migration project requires thorough planning, attention to data integrity, and the correct choice of migration method.

While each method has merits, this guide extensively explains every relevant detail from the official WooCommerce migration tool documentation. Read on to learn how to implement each step carefully and ensure a seamless transition.

Why Migrate from BigCommerce to WooCommerce?

BigCommerce is a powerful e-commerce platform, but it can also be complex and resource-intensive. For many store owners, WooCommerce offers an ideal balance of simplicity and flexibility built on the popular WordPress platform. 

Here are some of the key reasons to consider migrating:

• User-Friendly Interface: WooCommerce is popular for its ease of use. The WordPress dashboard is intuitive, making it easier for non-technical users to manage products, orders, and content.

• Cost Efficiency: Magento’s hosting and development costs can be higher. WooCommerce, being open-source and highly customizable, can reduce expenses for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: WordPress has a massive repository of plugins and themes, enabling you to add features and design customizations without heavy coding.
• SEO Capabilities: WooCommerce benefits from WordPress’s robust SEO features, making optimizing your store and content for search engines easier.
• Community Support: WooCommerce has a vast community and an abundance of tutorials, forums, and professional support, ensuring help is readily available if you encounter any challenges.

Pre‑Migration Checklist

Before you begin, take the time to prepare properly. The following checklist will help you set the stage for a successful migration:

Backup Your BigCommerce Data

• Full Data Export: Export all critical data from your BigCommerce store. This includes products, product variations, customer profiles, order histories, images, SEO metadata (meta titles, descriptions, URL slugs), and custom fields.
• Secure Storage: Save these backups in multiple secure locations so you can restore them if any issues occur during migration.

Audit Your Existing Store

• Data Analysis: Document your current product categories, custom attributes, pricing structures, inventory levels, and SEO settings.
• Identify Customizations: Note any integrations, third‑party applications, or custom features that need replicated on WooCommerce.

Plan Your New WooCommerce Environment

• Hosting Selection: Choose a reputable WordPress hosting provider that specializes in WooCommerce. Look for providers that offer optimized performance, high security, and scalability.
• Theme and Design: Select a WooCommerce‑compatible theme that is responsive, well‑supported, and aligned with your brand’s aesthetics.
• Plugin Inventory: List essential functionalities (payment gateways, shipping options, analytics, SEO, caching, and image optimization) and identify their WooCommerce equivalents.

Establish a Migration Timeline

• Staging Environment: Set up a staging site to test the migration without affecting your live store.
• Downtime Planning: During migration, schedule it during off‑peak hours and communicate the changes to your customers.

Technical Preparation

• API Readiness: Verify that your BigCommerce account can generate API credentials with the necessary permissions.
• Server Configuration: Ensure your server settings (such as PHP version, memory limits, and timeout settings) meet the requirements for handling large data imports.

Method 1: Manual Migration

Manual migration is a do‑it‑yourself approach that gives you granular control over every data transfer aspect. Although it demands significant technical expertise and time, it can be ideal for stores with particular requirements.

Step 1: Export Data from BigCommerce

• Products and Variations: Use BigCommerce’s built‑in export tools to download CSV files containing product details such as names, descriptions, prices, SKUs, stock levels, categories, tags, and custom attributes.
• Orders and Customer Profiles: Export order data, including order numbers, payment statuses, shipping details, and customer profiles. This information is essential for maintaining historical records and providing continuous customer support.
• SEO Data and Custom Fields: If your store includes SEO metadata or custom fields, export these as well. Maintaining meta titles, descriptions, and URL slugs is crucial for preserving your search engine rankings during the transition.

Step 2: Clean and Format Data

• Review the CSV Files: Open each CSV file in a spreadsheet editor and verify that all data is intact. Look for anomalies or formatting issues.
• Data Mapping: Reorganize the CSV columns to match WooCommerce’s import requirements. Rename headers, merge or split fields as needed, and ensure every product attribute is formatted correctly.
• Handling Variations: Create a clear parent-child relationship for products with variations in the CSV. You might need separate files or additional columns to distinguish between base products and their variants.

Step 3: Import Data into WooCommerce

• Test Import: Begin with a small sample of products to verify that data mapping works correctly. Check for any discrepancies in pricing, descriptions, and variations.
• Full Import: Once the test import is successful, import the entire dataset. Monitor the process for errors and address any issues immediately.

Step 4: Post‑Import Adjustments

• Verify Data Integrity: Manually inspect a range of product pages, order details, and customer profiles to confirm accurate data transfer.
• SEO Setup: Recreate missing meta titles and descriptions and implement 301 redirects to match the old URL structure.
• Troubleshooting: If you encounter missing images or other errors, adjust your CSV files and re‑import specific batches as necessary.

While manual migration offers precision, its complexity often makes it less attractive for larger stores or those with limited technical resources.

Method 2: Using the WooCommerce BigCommerce Importer Plugin

The WooCommerce BigCommerce Importer plugin provides an automated, streamlined approach to migrating your store’s data. This method minimizes manual intervention while accurately transferring key elements such as products, variations, images, orders, customers, and SEO metadata. 

The plugin automates the data migration by connecting directly to your BigCommerce store via API. It extracts and maps your data into the WooCommerce environment, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring the migration is completed swiftly and securely.

Key Features Include

• Automated Data Extraction: Extracts product details, images, order histories, and customer data.
• Data Mapping Interface: Automatically maps standard fields and allows for manual adjustments for custom fields.
• SEO Preservation: Transfers meta titles, descriptions, and URL slugs to preserve search rankings.
• Variation Handling: Recognizes parent-child relationships for product variations and replicates them in WooCommerce.
• Error Logging: Provides detailed logs to help troubleshoot any issues during the migration.
• One‑Click Migration Option: Simplifies the process by reducing technical steps to a few intuitive actions.

Step 1: Installation and Activation

• Purchase the plugin: Go to its WooCommerce products page and download it after purchasing. 
• To access the WooCommerce Dashboard, Log into your WordPress admin area and navigate to Plugins > Add New. Then, click on the Upload Plugin option and upload the plugin.
• Installation: Click Install Now, and once the installation is complete, click Activate.

Step 2: Configuring API Credentials

A crucial step for the importer to function is establishing a secure API connection between BigCommerce and WooCommerce.

Generate API Credentials on BigCommerce: Log into your BigCommerce account and navigate to the API settings area. Create new credentials, which typically include:

• API Key
• Client ID
• Client Secret

Set Proper Permissions: Ensure the generated API key has read (and if needed, write) permissions for products, orders, customers, and any custom fields you intend to migrate.

Input Credentials in WooCommerce: Locate the importer plugin settings page in your WooCommerce dashboard. Paste the API credentials into the appropriate fields.

Test Connection: Use the provided “Test Connection” feature. A successful test confirms that WooCommerce can securely access your BigCommerce store data. If the test fails, re‑verify your credentials and permissions.

Step 3: Data Mapping and Field Configuration

This phase is essential for ensuring that every data element from BigCommerce corresponds correctly to its WooCommerce counterpart.

Automatic Mapping: The plugin automatically maps standard fields such as:

• Product Name
• SKU
• Price
• Description
• Stock Quantity
• Categories and Tags

Review and Adjust Mappings: Examine the automatically generated mappings. For custom fields or extended product attributes (e.g., material type, warranty details), manually adjust the field assignments using the intuitive drop‑down menus.

Handling Variations: The importer identifies products with variations. It assigns parent products and links associated child variants based on predefined rules. You can verify and modify these relationships if your store uses unique variation structures.

SEO Data Preservation: Ensure that BigCommerce’s meta titles, meta descriptions, and URL slugs are correctly mapped to WooCommerce. Maintaining SEO metadata is crucial to avoiding losing search engine rankings after the migration.

Image Importing Settings: Check that the importer is set to download product images from BigCommerce. The tool retrieves images via their URLs and assigns them to the correct products. Verify that gallery images are enabled if you use multiple images per product.

Step 4: Initiating a Test Import

Before running a full-scale import, performing a test run is highly recommended:

Select a Data Subset: Choose a representative sample of your store’s data. Include products with variations, multiple images, and custom fields.

Run the Test Import: Initiate the test import from the plugin interface. The plugin will process the selected data batch.

Examine the Results: Review the WooCommerce product pages after the test import. Confirm that:

• All product details are accurate and complete.
• Variations are correctly nested under parent products.
• Images display properly and are assigned to the right products.
• SEO metadata is present in the page source.

Refine Settings: Use the feedback from the test run to adjust any mapping issues or configuration settings. The plugin’s detailed logs will help pinpoint any errors or omissions.

Step 5: Executing the Full Import

Once you are satisfied with the test import results, proceed with the full migration:

Start the Full Import: Launch the full data import through the plugin interface. The process will begin by transferring all products, orders, customers, and associated data.

Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on real‑time progress indicators and log files. The plugin logs every step, alerting you to issues such as server timeouts or data mismatches.

Handling Errors: If errors are encountered (for example, missing images or improperly mapped fields), consult the troubleshooting section in the plugin’s documentation. You may need to increase your server’s timeout settings or re‑run problematic data batches.

Incremental Imports: Consider importing data in smaller batches for very large stores. This approach reduces server load and minimizes the chance of timeout errors during the complete migration.

Step 6: Post‑Import Verification and Adjustments

After the entire import is completed, perform a comprehensive verification of your new WooCommerce store:

Data Accuracy Check: Manually inspect a sample of product pages, customer profiles, and order histories. Ensure that:

• Product details match the original BigCommerce data.
• Variations and custom fields are correctly configured.
• Order histories and customer data are intact.

SEO and URL Redirects: Verify that SEO metadata has been preserved. For any URLs that have changed, set up 301 redirects to prevent loss of search engine ranking.

Image and Media Inspection: Confirm that all product images and galleries are displayed correctly. If necessary, optimize images using dedicated image compression plugins.

Functional Testing: Test key functionalities such as the checkout process, payment gateway integrations, shipping methods, and third‑party plugins. It is essential to ensure that the store operates seamlessly for your customers.

Final Adjustments: Address discrepancies by updating product information, re‑mapping fields, or re‑importing specific data segments. Document any changes made for future reference.

Additional Considerations and Best Practices

Beyond the step‑by‑step process, here are several additional tips to ensure a smooth migration using the WooCommerce BigCommerce Importer:

• One‑Click Migration Advantage: The importer’s one‑click option is designed to streamline the process. While it significantly reduces manual effort, always back up your data before initiating this option.
• Server Performance: For stores with extensive data, ensure your server is optimized for large data transfers. Consider increasing memory limits and execution times in your PHP configuration.
• Regular Log Reviews: Periodically review the plugin’s logs during the import process. These logs offer detailed insights into data processing and help quickly identify any issues.
• Consult Documentation: The official WooCommerce documentation provides extensive resources and troubleshooting tips. Refer to these resources if you encounter challenges during mapping or data transfer.
• Security Considerations: The plugin uses secure API connections to protect your data. However, always verify that your BigCommerce and WooCommerce installations are up‑to‑date with security patches to minimize vulnerabilities.
• Post‑Migration SEO Audit: After the migration, use SEO audit tools (such as Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or Semrush) to check that all pages are correctly indexed and that there are no broken links or missing metadata.

Method 3: Hiring an Expert Developer

Hiring an expert developer can be the best option for many businesses, especially those with complex data structures or limited technical resources. Professional migration services ensure that every aspect of the transition is handled accurately, reducing risks and downtime.

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

• Identify Data Scope: Document exactly what needs to be migrated: products (including variations), customer profiles, order histories, SEO metadata, and any custom fields.
• Set a Budget and Timeline: Determine your budget for the migration project and outline a realistic timeline. Consider potential downtime and business impact.
• Assess Business Needs: Define your performance and security requirements. Clarify any customizations or integrations that must be replicated in WooCommerce.

Step 2: Evaluate Potential Experts

• Research and Compare: Look for developers or agencies with a proven track record of WooCommerce migrations. Check their portfolios, client testimonials, and case studies.
• Request Proposals: Contact multiple experts to obtain detailed proposals. Compare their methodologies, timelines, and cost estimates.
• Technical Compatibility: Ensure that the expert is proficient in BigCommerce and WooCommerce ecosystems, including custom API integrations and advanced data mapping.

Step 3: Define Scope and Milestones

• Detailed Documentation: Work with your expert to document every step of the migration process. This should include mapping details, custom field configurations, SEO setups, and testing protocols.
• Milestone Setting: Establish clear milestones for a staging migration, data verification, and the final live launch.
• Testing and Approval: Define a rigorous testing plan. Ensure the expert provides opportunities for you to review and approve data accuracy before going live.

Step 4: Execute the Migration

• Staging Environment: The expert should first migrate on a staging site. This minimizes any risk to your live store.
• Full Data Transfer: The expert will perform the full migration after successfully testing the staging environment. They will handle API configurations, data mapping, and any troubleshooting.
• Post‑Migration Support: Ensure that the expert offers ongoing support after the migration to address any issues in the live environment.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Migration

Regardless of the migration method you choose, here are some additional tips to ensure that your transition from BigCommerce to WooCommerce is as seamless as possible:

Test, Test, Test

Before fully launching your new WooCommerce store, conduct extensive testing:

• Staging Environment: Set up a staging site to test the migration without affecting your live store.
• Functionality Checks: Test every feature, from product pages and shopping carts to checkout processes and payment gateways.
• User Experience: Ensure that the design is responsive and that navigation is intuitive. Solicit feedback from trusted users or colleagues.
• SEO Verification: Check that all URL redirects work and that your meta tags and structured data have transferred correctly.

Keep Communication Open

• Notify Your Customers: Let your customers know that a migration is happening. This builds trust and sets realistic expectations if there are minor disruptions.
• Provide Support: Be ready to handle any customer queries related to the migration. Provide precise contact details or set up a dedicated support channel.

Data Security and Backup

• Regular Backups: Back up your WooCommerce store even after the migration. Data security is paramount.
• Security Plugins: Installl reputable plugins to protect your new store from vulnerabilities.
• Compliance: Ensure your migration complies with relevant data protection regulations (such as GDPR).

Post-Migration Optimization

• Speed and Performance: Optimize images, caching, and database performance to ensure a fast-loading site.
• Analytics Setup: Configure analytics and tracking tools to monitor customer behavior and site performance immediately after the migration.
• User Training: If you’re not technically inclined, consider training sessions on WooCommerce. Familiarize yourself with the WordPress dashboard and essential plugins.

SEO and Marketing Considerations

• URL Structure: To avoid SEO penalties, ensure your new URL structure closely resembles your old one or set up proper 301 redirects.
• Content Migration: If you have blog posts or content on BigCommerce, ensure these are migrated and optimized for search engines.
• Social Media: Update all social media profiles and marketing materials to reflect the new website structure and domain, if applicable.

Conclusion

Migrating from BigCommerce to WooCommerce can transform your online store by providing enhanced flexibility, improved SEO, and cost‑effective control. The process may seem daunting, but you can achieve a seamless transition with careful planning, thorough testing, and the right approach.

Following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can transition your store confidently and efficiently. This migration preserves your existing data and SEO performance and positions your store for future growth and enhanced customization.