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If your current eCommerce platform is limiting your growth, it's time to consider a change. Many UK brands are turning to Shopify migration services to transition from BigCommerce, seeking better scalability, enhanced user experience, and more robust sales features. This process, known as eCommerce replatforming, can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to elevate their online presence.
In this guide, we'll delve into the key differences between BigCommerce and Shopify, signs that indicate it's time to migrate, a step-by-step migration process, common challenges, and how WIRO can assist in making your transition seamless.
Key Differences Between BigCommerce & Shopify
Understanding the distinctions between BigCommerce and Shopify is crucial when considering a platform switch. Here's a comparison to help you make an informed decision:
1. User Experience and Ease of Use
Shopify is renowned for its intuitive interface, making it easier for merchants to manage their stores without extensive technical knowledge. BigCommerce, while powerful, can be more complex and may require a steeper learning curve.
2. Customisation and Flexibility
Shopify offers a vast array of themes and apps, allowing for extensive customisation to meet specific business needs. BigCommerce also provides customisation options but may require more technical expertise to implement changes.
3. App Ecosystem
Shopify boasts a robust app store with thousands of integrations, enabling businesses to enhance functionality easily. BigCommerce has a growing app marketplace but with fewer options compared to Shopify.
4. Scalability
Shopify Plus gives scaling UK brands access to advanced checkout customisation, higher API limits, automation via Shopify Flow, and dedicated platform support features we typically see BigCommerce merchants seek once turnover and complexity increase.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: What We See in Real Migrations
Signs It’s Time to Migrate to Shopify
Recognising when to switch platforms is vital. Here are some indicators:
- Limited Customisation: If your current platform restricts design or functionality enhancements, it's time to consider replatforming to Shopify.
- Performance Issues: Slow load times and frequent downtimes can deter customers and affect sales. For UK brands, performance issues are amplified by mobile usage. Over 70% of UK eCommerce traffic now comes from mobile devices, making checkout speed and script efficiency critical during platform evaluation.
- Complex Management: If managing your store feels cumbersome, Shopify's user-friendly interface can streamline operations.
- Growth Constraints: If your platform can't support your business's growth, migrating to Shopify can provide the necessary scalability.
Is BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Right for You?
Shopify is a strong fit if you:
- Are scaling beyond £1m–£20m ARR
- Need faster CRO experimentation
- Rely heavily on third-party tools
- Want a simpler tech stack
BigCommerce may still suit you if you:
- Require highly bespoke backend logic
- Have minimal need for rapid iteration
- Are early-stage with low complexity
Step-by-Step BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Process
Transitioning from BigCommerce to Shopify involves several critical steps:
1. Data Export from BigCommerce
Begin by exporting all essential data, including products, customer information, and order history.
2. Setting Up Your Shopify Store
Create a Shopify account and choose a plan that suits your business needs. For larger enterprises, consider Shopify Plus migration for advanced features.
3. Data Import into Shopify
Utilise tools like Matrixify to import your data into Shopify efficiently. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth transition.
4. Design and Customisation
Select a theme and customise your store to reflect your brand identity. Shopify's extensive theme library and app integrations facilitate this process.
5. Testing
Before going live, thoroughly test your store to ensure all functionalities work correctly, from navigation to checkout processes.
6. Launch
Once satisfied with the setup, launch your new Shopify store and monitor its performance closely during the initial phase.
Overcoming Common Migration Challenges
While migrating platforms can be beneficial, it's not without challenges:
- Data Loss: Ensure all data is backed up before migration to prevent any loss.
- SEO Impact: Preserve SEO equity through full URL mapping, 301 redirects, metadata parity, and post-migration crawl validation. In our experience, most ranking losses occur not from migration itself, but from rushed launches without redirect governance.
- Design Discrepancies: Work with experienced Shopify migration experts to replicate your store's design accurately on the new platform.
- Functionality Gaps: Identify any features in BigCommerce that need to be replicated or enhanced in Shopify.
How WIRO Can Help
WIRO is a UK-based Shopify and Shopify Plus agency with hands-on experience migrating high-growth brands from BigCommerce to Shopify, focusing on performance, CRO, and long-term scalability not just data transfer. Our approach includes:
- Expert Consultation: Assessing your current platform and identifying areas for improvement.
- Custom Migration Plan: Developing a tailored strategy to meet your specific needs.
- Data Integrity: Ensuring all data is accurately transferred and secure.
- Design and Development: Creating a visually appealing and functional store that aligns with your brand.
- Post-Migration Support: Providing ongoing assistance to optimise your new Shopify store.
Conclusion
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify isn’t about switching platforms, it’s about removing friction from growth. For UK brands hitting performance ceilings, Shopify provides a faster, more flexible foundation built for iteration, conversion, and scale.
With the right migration strategy, Shopify doesn’t just replace BigCommerce, it outperforms it.
At WIRO, we don’t just offer a Shopify migration service instead we build a platform for your next stage of growth. From data integrity and custom design to post-launch support, our team ensures your move to Shopify is seamless, strategic, and future-ready.
Looking to leave BigCommerce behind and make the switch? Let’s talk.
