BigCommerce to WooCommerce Migration Guide

Access your BigCommerce admin panel and navigate to Settings > Data & Tools > Export. Export all major data types including products, customers, orders, and categories as CSV files. BigCommerce allows comprehensive CSV exports for all core data, making this the most reliable method for data extraction. Download and organize these files systematically as they will form the foundation of your migration.

Install WordPress on your hosting server and activate the WooCommerce plugin through the WordPress admin dashboard. Complete the WooCommerce setup wizard, configuring basic store settings, currency, and location details. Since you're migrating for WordPress integration benefits, ensure your hosting environment meets WooCommerce's recommended specifications. Install essential plugins like Yoast SEO and backup solutions before proceeding with data import.

Choose a WooCommerce-compatible theme that matches your brand requirements and offers the flexibility you sought when leaving BigCommerce. Popular options include Storefront, Astra, or premium themes from ThemeForest. Configure the theme's basic settings, colors, and layout structure before importing products to ensure proper display. Test the theme's responsiveness and core functionality including cart, checkout, and product pages.

Use WooCommerce's built-in CSV importer or plugins like WP All Import to import your BigCommerce product data. Since WooCommerce supports unlimited variants compared to BigCommerce's 250 limit, you can now expand your product variations without restrictions. Map BigCommerce fields to WooCommerce equivalents, paying special attention to product types, categories, and variant structures. Process simple products first, then handle variable products with their associated variations.

Import customer information from your BigCommerce CSV export using WooCommerce's customer import functionality or specialized plugins. Map customer fields including billing/shipping addresses, order history, and account details. Since password hashes cannot be transferred between platforms, customers will need to reset their passwords on first login. Set up automated email notifications to inform customers about the migration and password reset process.

Set up payment processing in WooCommerce by installing and configuring payment gateway plugins that match your BigCommerce setup. Popular options include Stripe, PayPal, Square, and Authorize.net, many of which offer more competitive rates than BigCommerce's built-in solutions. Configure each gateway's settings, test transactions, and ensure proper SSL configuration for secure payments. Take advantage of WooCommerce's flexibility to add multiple payment options that may have been restricted on BigCommerce.

Configure WooCommerce shipping zones, methods, and rates to match your BigCommerce shipping setup. Create shipping zones for different geographical areas and assign appropriate shipping methods like flat rate, free shipping, or calculated shipping. If you used BigCommerce's shipping calculator, consider integrating with carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS through WooCommerce extensions. Test shipping calculations across different scenarios to ensure accuracy.

Set up WooCommerce tax settings to replicate your BigCommerce tax configuration, including tax rates, classes, and geographical rules. Configure tax display options, rounding settings, and whether prices include or exclude tax. For US-based stores, consider integrating with services like TaxJar or Avalara for automated tax calculations. Test tax calculations across different customer locations and product types to ensure compliance with local tax regulations.

Transfer your BigCommerce blog content, pages, and other content to WordPress, taking advantage of WordPress's superior content management capabilities. Export content from BigCommerce and import it into WordPress using tools like the WordPress importer or custom migration scripts. Optimize content for SEO using WordPress plugins like Yoast, and restructure your content strategy to leverage WordPress's blogging and content marketing strengths. Update internal links and ensure proper content formatting.

Create 301 redirects from your BigCommerce URLs to corresponding WooCommerce URLs to preserve SEO value and prevent broken links. Use plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO Premium to manage redirects systematically. Map product URLs, category pages, and content pages, ensuring that your new WooCommerce site maintains search engine rankings. Update your sitemap and submit it to search engines, and verify that meta titles, descriptions, and structured data are properly configured.

Conduct thorough testing of all store functionality including product browsing, cart operations, checkout process, payment processing, and order management. Test user account creation, login functionality, and password resets since customers will need to reset passwords. Verify that all imported data displays correctly, shipping calculations work properly, and tax calculations are accurate. Test the site's performance, mobile responsiveness, and cross-browser compatibility to ensure optimal user experience.