Moderate 4-7 days 12 steps

Squarespace to Adobe Commerce Migration Guide

Squarespace

Adobe Commerce

This guide walks you through migrating from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce to unlock enterprise-grade ecommerce features, advanced customization options, and robust B2B capabilities for scaling businesses.

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Squarespace to Adobe Commerce Migration Preparation

Essential steps to prepare for migrating from Squarespace's website builder to Adobe Commerce's enterprise ecommerce platform, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.

Export and Audit Your Squarespace Data

Export your product catalog as CSV from Squarespace Commerce and use WordPress export for content pages. Review your current product variants (up to 250 per product in Squarespace) and organize customer data, orders, and digital assets for the migration process.

Plan Your Adobe Commerce Architecture

Define your Adobe Commerce edition (Commerce vs Enterprise) based on your GMV and feature requirements. Map out your store structure, multi-store setup if needed, and identify which enterprise features like advanced B2B capabilities, customer segmentation, or inventory management you'll implement.

Set Up Development and Staging Environments

Establish Adobe Commerce development, staging, and production environments with proper hosting infrastructure. Configure your development workflow, version control, and testing protocols to handle the complexity of the enterprise platform compared to Squarespace's hosted solution.

Design Custom Theme and Extensions Strategy

Plan your custom Adobe Commerce theme development to replicate or enhance your Squarespace design. Identify required third-party extensions for functionality that was built-in with Squarespace, and prepare for extensive customization capabilities that Adobe Commerce offers.

Configure Enterprise Features and Integrations

Set up Adobe Commerce's advanced features like customer segmentation, advanced pricing rules, and B2B functionality that weren't available in Squarespace. Plan integrations with enterprise systems like ERP, CRM, or advanced analytics tools to leverage the platform's capabilities.

Prepare Team Training and Go-Live Strategy

Train your team on Adobe Commerce's admin interface and advanced features, which differ significantly from Squarespace's simplified dashboard. Develop a comprehensive go-live checklist including DNS changes, SSL setup, and performance optimization for the enterprise platform.

Squarespace to Adobe Commerce Migration Guide

A comprehensive 12-step migration process to move your e-commerce store from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce, designed for businesses requiring enterprise-grade features, unlimited product variants, and advanced customization capabilities.

Export Data from Squarespace

2-4 hours

Begin by exporting your product catalog using Squarespace's CSV export feature from Commerce > Inventory. Download the WordPress XML export for blog content and pages from Settings > Advanced > Import/Export. Create a comprehensive inventory list of all digital assets, custom code snippets, and third-party integrations currently in use. Document your current site structure, including navigation menus, product categories, and any custom functionality.

Tips:

• Export products in small batches if you have a large catalog to avoid timeout issues
• Take screenshots of your current product pages to reference formatting and layout
• Document all custom CSS and JavaScript modifications you've made

Important:

• Squarespace CSV exports may not include all product variant data - verify completeness
• Customer data cannot be directly exported from Squarespace and will need manual collection

Set Up Adobe Commerce Environment

1-2 days

Create your Adobe Commerce Cloud account and provision your development, staging, and production environments. Configure your project settings including region selection, PHP version, and initial security configurations. Set up your local development environment using Adobe Commerce's Cloud CLI tools. Establish your Git repository structure and deployment pipeline for seamless code management.

Tips:

• Choose the same geographic region as your primary customer base for optimal performance
• Enable two-factor authentication immediately for enhanced security
• Set up automated backups and monitoring from the start

Important:

• Adobe Commerce requires significant server resources - ensure your hosting plan meets minimum requirements
• Initial environment setup can take several hours to complete provisioning

Select and Customize Theme

1-2 weeks

Choose an enterprise-grade theme from Adobe Commerce Marketplace or develop a custom theme based on your brand requirements. Install and configure the selected theme in your development environment, ensuring it supports advanced features like B2B functionality, complex product configurations, and multi-store capabilities. Customize the theme to match your brand guidelines and user experience requirements. Implement responsive design optimizations for mobile and tablet devices.

Tips:

• Select themes that are regularly updated and have good developer support
• Test theme performance with large product catalogs before finalizing
• Consider themes with built-in B2B features if that's part of your business model

Important:

• Heavily customized themes may complicate future Adobe Commerce updates
• Some marketplace themes may not be optimized for enterprise-level traffic

Configure Product Catalog Structure

3-5 days

Set up your product categories, attributes, and attribute sets in Adobe Commerce Admin to accommodate your expanded product variant needs. Create custom product attributes for specifications that weren't supported in Squarespace's limited variant system. Configure product types (simple, configurable, grouped, bundle) based on your catalog complexity. Establish your inventory management settings including stock tracking, backorder policies, and multi-source inventory if applicable.

Tips:

• Plan your attribute sets carefully as they're difficult to modify after products are imported
• Use layered navigation attributes to improve customer filtering experience
• Set up product relations (related, cross-sell, up-sell) during catalog configuration

Important:

• Incorrect attribute configuration can cause product import failures
• Adobe Commerce's complex catalog structure requires careful planning to avoid performance issues

Import and Configure Products

1-2 weeks

Transform your Squarespace CSV export data to match Adobe Commerce's import format, expanding product variants beyond the previous 250 limit. Use Adobe Commerce's native import functionality or third-party tools like Magento 2 Data Migration Tool for complex catalogs. Configure product images, ensuring proper sizing and optimization for web performance. Set up advanced product features like custom options, downloadable products, and complex pricing rules that weren't available in Squarespace.

Tips:

• Import products in batches of 500-1000 to monitor for errors and performance
• Use Adobe Commerce's built-in image optimization features for better loading times
• Test configurable products thoroughly to ensure all variant combinations work correctly

Important:

• Large product imports can take several hours and may timeout without proper server configuration
• Product URLs will change during migration - plan for comprehensive redirects

Set Up Customer Accounts and Data

3-5 days

Since Squarespace doesn't allow direct customer data export, create a customer communication plan to facilitate account recreation. Set up customer groups, pricing tiers, and B2B account structures if applicable to your enterprise needs. Configure customer account features like wishlists, order history, and address books. Implement advanced customer segmentation tools for targeted marketing campaigns. Create a streamlined account migration process for existing customers.

Tips:

• Send advance notice to customers about the migration and new account creation process
• Offer incentives for customers to recreate their accounts on the new platform
• Set up automated welcome emails for new account registrations

Important:

• Customer password migration is not possible - all customers will need to reset passwords
• Order history from Squarespace cannot be directly imported into customer accounts

Configure Payment Processing

2-3 days

Set up enterprise-grade payment gateways that support your business requirements, including B2B payment methods like purchase orders and credit terms. Configure Adobe Commerce's native payment solutions or integrate with providers like PayPal, Stripe, or Authorize.net. Implement PCI compliance measures and secure payment processing workflows. Set up multi-currency support if you serve international markets, and configure payment method restrictions by customer group or geographic region.

Tips:

• Test all payment methods thoroughly in sandbox mode before going live
• Configure payment method ordering to prioritize your preferred processors
• Set up fraud protection and risk management tools

Important:

• Payment gateway configuration errors can result in failed transactions and lost sales
• Some payment methods may require additional merchant account setup time

Configure Shipping and Fulfillment

3-4 days

Set up comprehensive shipping methods including flat rate, table rates, and real-time carrier calculations through integrations with UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. Configure shipping classes and restrictions based on product types, customer groups, and geographic regions. Implement advanced shipping features like multi-warehouse fulfillment, drop shipping, and local delivery options. Set up shipping promotions and free shipping thresholds to optimize conversion rates.

Tips:

• Use table rate shipping for complex shipping scenarios that flat rates can't handle
• Test shipping calculations with various product combinations and destinations
• Configure shipping restrictions for hazardous or oversized items

Important:

• Incorrect shipping configuration can lead to revenue loss through undercharged shipping
• Real-time shipping rates require API credentials and may have associated costs

Set Up Tax Configuration

2-3 days

Configure comprehensive tax rules for all jurisdictions where you conduct business, utilizing Adobe Commerce's advanced tax management capabilities. Set up tax classes for different product types and customer groups, including tax-exempt B2B customers. Integrate with tax automation services like Avalara or TaxJar for complex multi-state and international tax calculations. Configure VAT handling for European customers and implement tax reporting features for compliance requirements.

Tips:

• Use tax automation services for complex multi-jurisdiction scenarios
• Set up separate tax classes for digital products, services, and physical goods
• Configure tax display preferences to match customer expectations in different regions

Important:

• Incorrect tax configuration can result in compliance issues and penalties
• Tax rules must be thoroughly tested before launch to avoid customer confusion

Migrate Content and SEO Elements

1-2 weeks

Import blog posts and page content from your WordPress XML export, adapting the content to Adobe Commerce's CMS structure. Recreate your page hierarchy and navigation structure, taking advantage of Adobe Commerce's advanced content management features. Migrate SEO elements including meta titles, descriptions, and structured data markup. Set up Adobe Commerce's advanced SEO features like canonical URLs, XML sitemaps, and rich snippets for enhanced search visibility.

Tips:

• Use Adobe Commerce's Page Builder for creating rich, interactive content pages
• Implement breadcrumb navigation for better user experience and SEO
• Set up 301 redirects for all existing URLs to maintain search rankings

Important:

• Content formatting may need manual adjustment after import
• Some Squarespace-specific features may not have direct equivalents in Adobe Commerce

Implement URL Redirects and SEO Migration

2-3 days

Create a comprehensive redirect mapping from your Squarespace URLs to the new Adobe Commerce URL structure. Implement 301 redirects using Adobe Commerce's native redirect management or .htaccess rules for complex scenarios. Update your XML sitemap and submit it to search engines along with any necessary changes to robots.txt. Configure Google Analytics and Search Console for the new domain structure, ensuring proper tracking continuity.

Tips:

• Use tools like Screaming Frog to crawl your old site and identify all URLs needing redirects
• Prioritize redirects for high-traffic and high-ranking pages first
• Set up Google Analytics goals and e-commerce tracking before launch

Important:

• Missing redirects can result in significant SEO ranking losses
• Redirect loops can occur if not properly planned and tested

Comprehensive Testing and Launch

1-2 weeks

Conduct thorough testing across all functionality including product browsing, cart operations, checkout process, payment processing, and order fulfillment workflows. Perform load testing to ensure the site can handle enterprise-level traffic volumes. Test all integrations, custom features, and B2B functionality if applicable. Execute user acceptance testing with key stakeholders and conduct security testing to ensure PCI compliance and data protection. Plan and execute the go-live process including DNS changes and post-launch monitoring.

Tips:

• Create detailed test cases covering all customer journey scenarios
• Test with real payment methods using small amounts to verify processing
• Have a rollback plan ready in case critical issues are discovered post-launch

Important:

• Insufficient testing can result in poor customer experience and lost sales
• Adobe Commerce's complexity requires more extensive testing than simpler platforms

What will be migrated

products

Products, descriptions, SKUs, prices, images. Variants: Squarespace supports 250 vs Adobe Commerce's Unlimited.

customers

Customer contact info, addresses, marketing preferences transfer. Passwords must be reset for security.

orders

Order history for reference. Consider importing last 3-6 months for customer service.

Common challenges and solutions

Key questions and expert answers for businesses migrating from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce, covering technical requirements, costs, and enterprise-grade capabilities.

How long does it typically take to migrate from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce?

A complete Squarespace to Adobe Commerce migration typically takes 3-6 months for most businesses. This extended timeline accounts for the significant platform complexity difference, custom development requirements, and thorough testing needed for enterprise-grade functionality.

Will I lose my search engine rankings when migrating from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce?

You can maintain most SEO rankings with proper 301 redirects and URL mapping from your Squarespace URLs to Adobe Commerce. Plan your URL structure carefully during migration and implement redirects before going live to minimize any temporary ranking fluctuations.

Can I transfer my order history and customer data from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce?

Order history can be exported from Squarespace via CSV and imported into Adobe Commerce, though some formatting and custom field mapping may be required. Customer account passwords cannot be transferred and customers will need to reset them, but contact information and purchase history can be preserved.

What's the cost difference between Squarespace and Adobe Commerce?

The cost increase is substantial - moving from Squarespace's $27-49/month to Adobe Commerce's $2,000+/month based on GMV, plus development and hosting costs. However, this investment provides enterprise-grade features, unlimited customization, and advanced B2B capabilities that justify the cost for growing businesses.

Do I need technical expertise to manage Adobe Commerce after migration?

Yes, Adobe Commerce requires significantly more technical knowledge than Squarespace's user-friendly interface. You'll likely need a dedicated developer or development team for ongoing maintenance, updates, and customizations, making it essential to budget for technical resources.

How much downtime should I expect during the migration?

With proper planning, you can minimize downtime to just a few hours during the final DNS switch. The migration work happens on a staging environment, and you can continue operating your Squarespace store until the Adobe Commerce site is fully tested and ready to go live.

Can I replicate my current Squarespace design in Adobe Commerce?

While Adobe Commerce offers much more design flexibility than Squarespace, replicating your exact design will require custom theme development. Adobe Commerce's templating system is more complex but allows for greater customization and responsive design control.

What enterprise features will I gain by moving from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce?

You'll gain advanced B2B capabilities like custom pricing tiers, quote management, company accounts, and complex product catalogs. Adobe Commerce also provides sophisticated inventory management, multi-store functionality, and extensive third-party integrations that Squarespace cannot match.

How do I export my product data from Squarespace for the migration?

Squarespace provides CSV export functionality for products through your admin panel, which includes basic product information, pricing, and inventory. However, you may need to manually recreate complex product configurations, variants, and custom fields in Adobe Commerce's more robust product management system.

Will my customers need to create new accounts after the migration?

Customer contact information and order history can be migrated, but customers will need to reset their passwords due to different encryption methods. Plan a communication strategy to inform customers about the migration and provide clear instructions for account access on the new platform.

Can I migrate my product reviews from Squarespace to Adobe Commerce?

Product reviews can be challenging to migrate as they're not included in standard Squarespace exports. You may need to manually export reviews or use third-party tools, then import them into Adobe Commerce's review system or a compatible review extension.

Is Adobe Commerce the right choice for my business size and needs?

Adobe Commerce is ideal if you need enterprise-grade features, have complex B2B requirements, manage large product catalogs, or require extensive customization that Squarespace cannot provide. However, if you're satisfied with basic e-commerce functionality, the significant cost and complexity increase may not be justified.