To migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify without losing SEO: list every URL on your current store, map each one to its new Shopify URL, create 301 redirects, move titles and meta descriptions, keep your content, and submit the new sitemap in Google Search Console on launch day.
Moving to Shopify can make your store easier to manage and faster. The main risk is losing search traffic if old pages disappear. With a careful plan, most stores keep their rankings through the switch.
Why URLs change
Shopify uses fixed URL patterns. A WooCommerce product at /product/blue-shirt/ becomes /products/blue-shirt on Shopify, and categories at /product-category/shirts/ become /collections/shirts. Blog posts move under /blogs/news/ or a blog name you choose. Without redirects, every old link from Google and other sites would lead to a missing page.
The checklist
Before migration
- Crawl your current site with a tool like Screaming Frog to list every URL.
- Export top pages from Google Search Console and Analytics, so you know which pages matter most.
- Save titles, meta descriptions and headings for each important page.
- Back up everything: products, customers, orders, reviews and images.
During migration
- Move data using a migration app or custom import, then check variants, prices and images.
- Map every old URL to a new URL in a spreadsheet.
- Create 301 redirects in Shopify under Online Store → Navigation → URL redirects, or import them in bulk.
- Copy SEO fields into each Shopify product, collection and page.
- Keep your content. Do not shorten product descriptions or delete blog posts that bring traffic.
Launch day
- Connect your domain and test checkout with a real order.
- Test a sample of old URLs to make sure each redirects correctly.
- Submit your new sitemap (yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml) in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
First 30 days
- Watch Search Console for 404 errors and add any missing redirects.
- Compare traffic to top pages weekly. Small dips in the first weeks are normal while search engines update.
Common mistakes
- Redirecting every old page to the homepage instead of the matching page.
- Forgetting image URLs and blog posts.
- Launching during your busiest season.
- Removing the old site before redirects are tested.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a WooCommerce to Shopify migration take?
Most migrations take four to ten weeks, depending on the number of products, custom features and integrations.
Will I keep my customer accounts?
Customer data can be moved, but passwords cannot. Customers are invited to activate their account on the new store.
Can I keep my domain?
Yes. Your domain is connected to Shopify on launch day.
Activebiz is a Canadian-led Shopify studio working with brands across Canada and the US. Book a consultation and we will look at your store with you.