Migrating Your Online Store from Wix Store to Shopify – The Complete Guide

Transitioning your online store from Wix Store to Shopify empowers you to expand your business with sophisticated eCommerce capabilities, enhanced customization, and robust integrations. This guide outlines a detailed process to help you switch seamlessly while safeguarding essential data and SEO rankings.

Wix Store vs. Shopify – Detailed Comparison

Both Wix Store and Shopify offer robust solutions for building online stores, yet they address different business requirements. Below is an in‐depth comparison based on key aspects such as cost, usability, design flexibility, eCommerce functionality, and scalability.

1. Overview

Feature	Wix	Shopify
Best For	Small to medium-sized enterprises, newcomers, service-oriented ventures	Established brands, large-scale eCommerce operations, dropshipping
Ease of Use	Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, very beginner-friendly	Slight learning curve with a system tailored for selling
Customization	Extensive flexibility with Wix Editor & Wix Studio	More restricted design options, though custom themes are available
Pricing	Typically more affordable	Higher in cost, but optimized specifically for eCommerce

2. Pricing & Plans

Plan Type	Wix (Business Plans)	Shopify
Starting Price	$27/month	$39/month
Mid-Tier Plan	$32/month	$105/month
Advanced Plan	$59/month	$399/month
Transaction Fees	0% when using Wix Payments	0% with Shopify Payments (up to 2% with external gateways)
Free Trial	No free plan; includes a 14-day trial	3-day free trial, then $1/month for 3 months

Key Takeaway:

Wix is cost-effective for smaller businesses, whereas Shopify is geared toward scaling operations.

3. Ease of Use

Factor	Wix	Shopify
Editor	Drag-and-drop, WYSIWYG interface	Structured layout requiring backend setup
Learning Curve	Extremely accessible for beginners	Slightly steeper for non-tech users
Product Management	Straightforward but with limited features	More advanced inventory and product management tools

Key Takeaway:

Wix offers simplicity, while Shopify demands a bit more learning yet delivers a more refined selling experience.

4. Design & Customization

Feature	Wix	Shopify
Templates	Over 800 free templates available	100+ themes (both free and premium)
Customization	Fully adaptable design options	More limited customization without coding
App Marketplace	300+ apps available	Over 8,000 apps to enhance functionality

Key Takeaway:

Wix delivers greater creative freedom, whereas Shopify emphasizes optimized, structured layouts.

5. eCommerce Features

Feature	Wix	Shopify
Product Variants	Supports up to 6 options per product	Allows 100+ variations per product
Abandoned Cart Recovery	Included in the Business VIP plan	Available on all paid plans
Dropshipping Support	Limited options via apps like Modalyst	Excellent integration with Oberlo, Printful, Spocket
Multi-Channel Selling	Supports Facebook, Instagram, eBay	Expands to Facebook, Instagram, eBay, and Amazon
Shipping Options	Basic shipping features	Advanced options with real-time shipping rates

Key Takeaway:

Shopify excels in eCommerce functionalities, making it ideal for businesses targeting global expansion.

6. Payment Gateways & Transaction Fees

Feature	Wix	Shopify
Built-in Payment Processor	Wix Payments	Shopify Payments
Third-Party Gateways	Supports Stripe, PayPal, etc.	Integrates with over 100 payment providers
Transaction Fees	None with Wix Payments	0% with Shopify Payments (up to 2% with others)

Key Takeaway:

Wix is more economical if you rely on Wix Payments, while Shopify provides broader third-party payment options.

7. SEO & Marketing

Feature	Wix	Shopify
SEO Tools	Basic, auto-generated SEO setup	Advanced SEO features and customization
Blogging	Built-in blogging capabilities	More limited blogging functionality
Email Marketing	Offers Wix Email Marketing	Features Shopify Email
Built-in Analytics	Basic analytics provided	Comprehensive, advanced analytics

Key Takeaway:

Shopify boasts stronger SEO and analytics tools, while Wix leans more toward general marketing and content creation.

8. Scalability & Performance

Factor	Wix	Shopify
Performance	Good for smaller stores; may struggle with very large ones	Optimized for high-volume, large-scale stores
Security	Includes free SSL	Provides free SSL along with PCI-DSS compliance
Scalability	Limited for high-traffic, high-volume operations	Engineered for scalability and expansion

Key Takeaway:

Shopify is the superior choice for businesses anticipating significant growth.

All The Possible Reasons For Migrating A Website From Wix Store To Shopify

There are numerous factors that might prompt a move from Wix to Shopify, influenced by your business needs, technical constraints, and future growth plans. Here are the key reasons to consider such a migration:

1. E-Commerce Features & Scalability

• Enhanced E-Commerce Functionality – Shopify is purpose-built for online selling, offering features like multi-channel integration, abandoned cart recovery, and sophisticated inventory tracking.

• Better Scalability for Expanding Businesses – It manages extensive product catalogs, heavy traffic, and high sales volumes more effectively.

• Expanded Product Variant Options – Shopify supports a greater number of product variations (e.g., size, color), compared to Wix’s limitations.

• Automated Stock Management – Enjoy superior inventory control with automated tracking features.

• Integrated POS Solutions – Shopify includes a built-in Point of Sale system for seamless integration with physical stores.

• Robust Dropshipping Support – It works flawlessly with dropshipping tools like Oberlo, Printful, and Spocket.

• Diverse Payment Gateway Options – Supports over 100 payment providers, unlike the limited options with Wix Payments.

2. SEO & Marketing Advantages

• Superior SEO Framework – Shopify’s cleaner code, faster load speeds, and optimized URL structures boost SEO.

• Automated Redirects and URL Management – It supports automatic 301 redirects, unlike the rigid URL setup in Wix.

• Enhanced Blogging and Content Strategies – Shopify’s blogging tools are more effective for SEO and content marketing.

• Built-In Email Campaigns – Integrated email marketing options (like Shopify Email) outshine Wix’s offerings.

• Extensive Marketing Integrations – Easily connects with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, TikTok, Amazon, eBay, and more.

3. Performance & Speed

• Improved Page Load Speeds – Optimized servers ensure quicker website loading times.

• Dependable Hosting Services – Managed hosting on Shopify remains stable under high traffic.

• Optimized for Mobile – Shopify themes are designed for rapid, responsive mobile performance.

4. Design & Customization

• Professional-Grade Themes – Shopify’s themes are crafted specifically for eCommerce, offering a polished look.

• Access to Custom Code (Liquid) – Deep customization via the Liquid templating language offers more flexibility than Wix.

• Enhanced User Experience for Larger Stores – Its interface is tailored for robust eCommerce rather than general website creation.

5. Payment & Transaction Fees

• Reduced Transaction Costs – Shopify Payments generally incurs lower fees compared to Wix Payments.

• Support for Multiple Currencies – Facilitates transactions in various currencies and languages, perfect for international business.

6. Third-Party App Ecosystem

• Vast App Marketplace – With over 8,000 apps, Shopify’s App Store enhances marketing, automation, and sales.

• Cutting-Edge AI and Automation – Supports a broad array of AI-driven tools for personalization and efficiency.

• Extensive CRM and ERP Integration – Easily connects with platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and more.

7. Customer Support & Community

• Around-the-Clock Support – Shopify provides 24/7 chat, phone, and email support, surpassing Wix’s limited assistance.

• Thriving Community – A larger network of developers, forums, and eCommerce experts supports Shopify users.

8. Multi-Channel Selling

• Omnichannel Selling – Shopify integrates with Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and more, unlike Wix.

• B2B and Wholesale Options – Shopify Plus offers support for bulk orders, custom pricing, and B2B transactions.

9. Subscription & Membership Support

• Sophisticated Subscription Models – Offers apps for recurring billing, subscriptions, and memberships.

• Built-In Loyalty Programs – Integrated reward systems help retain customers, a feature Wix does not provide.

10. Compliance & Security

• Enhanced Security Measures – PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance ensures superior payment security on Shopify.

• Streamlined Global Compliance – Provides tools for easier GDPR compliance and meets international standards.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating from Wix Store to Shopify

Step 1: Get Ready for the Transition

Before starting, verify that you have all the necessary permissions and backup files.

1.1 Create a Shopify Account

• Visit Shopify and register for a 14-day free trial.

• Choose a plan when you’re ready to launch.

1.2 Secure Your Wix Data

• Download essential files (images, videos, documents).Copy website content (text, blog posts, pages).Export product information (if applicable) via Wix Dashboard → Store Products → Export CSV.

Step 2: Migrate Your Data

You have several options for transferring your information:

2.1 Manual Transfer (Ideal for Smaller Sites)

• Manually copy and paste pages, blog posts, and product descriptions into Shopify.

2.2 CSV Import

• In Shopify Admin → Products → Import, upload the CSV file exported from Wix.

Step 3: Set Up Your Store's Design

3.1 Select a Theme

• Navigate to Shopify Admin → Online Store → Themes.

• Choose from a range of free or premium themes in the Shopify Theme Store.

3.2 Personalize Your Layout

• Use the Shopify Theme Editor to modify design elements.

• Add branding elements such as logos, colors, and typography.

Step 4: Establish Core Features

4.1 Adjust Store Settings

In Settings, update:

• General information (store name, address, contact email).

• Shipping and delivery details (zones, rates).

• Tax settings based on your location.

4.2 Configure Payment Options

Go to Settings → Payments to select your preferred payment method:

• Shopify Payments (recommended).

• Alternatives like PayPal, Stripe, or other third-party gateways.

4.3 Install Essential Apps

Enhance your store with apps for:

• SEO (e.g., SEO Manager, Smart SEO).

• Marketing (e.g., Klaviyo, Mailchimp).

• Inventory management (e.g., Stock Sync).

• Customer support (e.g., Tidio, Gorgias).

Step 5: Domain Transition

5.1 Choose Between Domain Transfer or Connection

Domain Transfer:

• Relocate your domain from Wix to Shopify.

• In the Wix Dashboard, go to Settings → Domains → Transfer Away from Wix, retrieve the authorization code, and enter it in Shopify Admin → Settings → Domains.

Domain Connection:

• Keep your domain with Wix but update the DNS A record to point to Shopify’s IP.

Step 6: Test Your Site and Launch

6.1 Thoroughly Test Your Shopify Store

• Check product pages, shopping cart, and checkout process.

• Test on both mobile and desktop devices.

• Confirm that payment methods and shipping options function correctly.

6.2 Launch Your Store

• Remove password protection under Settings → Online Store → Preferences to go live.

Step 7: Post-Migration Verification

• Implement 301 redirects to route old Wix URLs to your new Shopify pages.

• Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console for monitoring.

• Inform your existing customers about the change.

Transferring content from Wix Store to Shopify requires a systematic approach to ensure that all vital data—products, pages, images—migrates without a hitch. The following instructions will help you transition efficiently.

How to Transfer Content from Wix Store to Shopify

Step 1: Configure Your Shopify Store

• Create a Shopify Account:

• Register on Shopify and select a suitable plan.

• Choose a theme and tailor your store layout.

• Establish Basic Store Settings:

• Configure your store’s name, currency, tax settings, shipping details, and payment options.

Step 2: Extract Content from Wix

Since Wix lacks a built-in migration tool, you must either manually export your data or use third-party services.

1. Export Wix Products:

2. In the Wix Store Dashboard → Products, export your products as a CSV file by selecting More Actions > Export CSV.

3. Save the file for later import into Shopify.

4. Export Wix Pages Manually:

5. Copy the text and images from each page manually since automatic export isn’t available.

6. Download images to your computer for re-uploading.

7. Export Wix Blog Posts:

8. Manually copy and paste blog content into Shopify’s Blog section, as Wix does not offer direct export.

9. Download Media Files:

10. Use the Wix Media Manager to download your images and files, then re-upload them into Shopify.

Step 3: Import Your Content into Shopify

1. Import Products:

2. In Shopify Admin → Products → Import, upload the CSV file exported from Wix.

3. Check for errors and adjust any formatting issues.

4. Manually Add Pages:

5. Navigate to Online Store → Pages in Shopify and create new pages by pasting the copied content.

6. Set Up Your Blog (If Needed):

7. Go to Online Store → Blog Posts and paste your Wix blog content.

8. Upload Your Images:

9. Add images to your products, collections, and pages accordingly.

Step 4: Implement URL Redirects for SEO

If your Wix URL structure differs from Shopify’s, create 301 redirects:

• In Shopify Admin → Online Store → Navigation → URL Redirects, enter the old Wix URLs and set them to redirect to the corresponding Shopify URLs.

Step 5: Refine and Test Your Shopify Store

• Select a theme that aligns with your brand identity.

• Add navigation menus to enhance user experience.

• Test the checkout process thoroughly to ensure smooth payment transactions.

Step 6: Switch Your Domain

For domains acquired through Wix:

• Unlock your domain in the Wix Dashboard → Domains.

• Obtain the EPP code and transfer it to Shopify via Online Store → Domains.

For third-party domains (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap):

• Update the DNS settings to point to Shopify.

Step 7: Go Live with Your Store

• Perform a final review of your navigation, product listings, and checkout process.

• Announce your new store launch through email, social media, and other promotional channels.

Final verdict

Transitioning from Wix to Shopify is a methodical process that involves exporting your data, importing it into Shopify, customizing your storefront, and configuring essential settings. By following this guide, you can achieve a smooth migration while maintaining your store’s performance and SEO rankings.