WooCommerce to Shopify Migration: A Product and URL Redirect Checklist

A store migration can look finished while old search results send shoppers to missing pages. Before moving a WooCommerce store to Shopify, create two working files: a catalog crosswalk that connects the same stock item across both systems, and a URL map that connects the same buying intent across both sites.

Build the URL map before changing the domain

Collect product and category URLs from the old sitemap, landing-page reports and links used in campaigns. Add columns for old path, destination, reason and test result. For example, a WooCommerce path such as /product/linen-tote/ might map to /products/linen-tote. Open the new page and check that its item, photos and options match before approving the pair.

When several old categories merge, send each to the most relevant new collection. If a discontinued item has a true successor, record why it fits. If nothing answers the old request, flag it for a merchandising decision. A redirect to the homepage gives a visitor who searched for a specific product very little help.

Reconcile variants before counting products

A match of 200 product titles says little about stock accuracy. Compare SKUs, prices and quantities for the individual sellable variants. Review exceptions separately: bundles, out-of-stock sizes, gift cards and items with missing identifiers. Keep a read-only copy of the old data and agree who will capture orders received between the final export and the domain change.

Rehearse the customer journey

Choose an old URL with meaningful traffic. After setting up its redirect, follow it through to the final Shopify page. Test the selected variant, add it to the cart and check delivery options. Repeat for a category page and a retired product. Shopify’s migration guide also covers the order of data imports and the checks to make before connecting your domain.

Check the first orders and old links after launch

Assign one person to review failed landing pages and another to reconcile the first orders against warehouse inventory. Start with broken paths that previously brought shoppers or sales. Keep the URL map as a living record so later product renames do not create chains of redirects. If catalog mapping and storefront changes need to happen together, our Shopify development services can help plan the cutover.