Arastta to Shopify Migration - Step-by-Step Guide & Expert Services

Seamlessly Transition Your E-commerce Store from Arastta to Shopify

As the digital landscape evolves, choosing the right e-commerce platform is critical for sustained growth. If you're currently operating on Arastta and considering a move to Shopify, you're looking at a transition to a platform renowned for its user-friendliness, extensive app ecosystem, and robust scalability. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and efficient data transfer from your existing Arastta store to your new Shopify storefront.

Since Arastta does not offer a direct API connection for automated migrations with third-party tools, the migration process will involve exporting your vital store data from Arastta into CSV files. These CSV files will then serve as the source for transferring your products, customer information, orders, and other essential entities to Shopify using a specialized migration service like Cart2Cart. This method ensures that your valuable data is moved with precision and care, maintaining its integrity throughout the replatforming journey.

Prerequisites for a Successful Migration

Before embarking on your data migration, a few preparatory steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition and minimize potential disruptions. Proper preparation on both your source (Arastta) and target (Shopify) platforms will save you time and effort later on.

For Your Arastta Store (Source):

• Data Export: Manually export all necessary data from your Arastta administration panel into CSV files. This typically includes products (with SKUs, variants, descriptions, images), product categories, customer records, and order histories.
• Data Backup: Always perform a complete backup of your Arastta store's database and files. This serves as a safety net in case any unforeseen issues arise during the export process.
• Review Data: Take this opportunity to clean up any outdated or redundant data in your Arastta store. This ensures you only migrate relevant information to Shopify.

For more detailed guidance on preparing your source store, read our article on How to prepare your source store for migration.

For Your Shopify Store (Target):

• Set Up Your Shopify Store: Create a new Shopify account and choose an appropriate plan. Be aware that the "Pause and Build" plan on Shopify blocks new orders, so ensure you upgrade to a full plan before your site goes live.
• Install Cart2Cart App: Shopify requires the installation of the Cart2Cart Store Migration App from the Shopify App Store to facilitate the data transfer.
• Disable Notifications: It is highly recommended to disable email notifications on your Shopify store during the migration to avoid sending confusing messages to your customers about imported orders or customer accounts.
• Prepare for Reviews: If you plan to migrate product reviews, note that Shopify typically requires a third-party app (such as the AirReviews app) to handle reviews data effectively. Plan to install a suitable review app post-migration.

For additional information on target store readiness, consult our guide on How to prepare your target store for migration.

Performing the Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide

With your preparations complete, let's dive into the step-by-step process of moving your Arastta data to Shopify using a migration wizard.

Step 1: Export Data from Arastta to CSV Files

As Arastta does not support direct API integration for migration tools, your first step is to log into your Arastta admin panel and export your core data entities. Look for options related to 'Export' or 'Data Tools' to generate CSV files for:

• Products (including product variants, descriptions, images, SKUs)
• Product Categories
• Customer details
• Order history
• CMS Pages (if applicable)
• Blogs and Blog Posts (if applicable)

Ensure your CSV files are well-formatted for easier import.

Step 2: Start Your Migration with a Wizard

Begin by creating an account on the migration service platform. This initial step will lead you to the migration wizard, which will guide you through the entire process.

Step 3: Connect Your Source Store (Arastta via CSV)

In the migration wizard, select "CSV File to Cart" as your source shopping cart. You will then be prompted to upload the CSV files that you exported from your Arastta store. This method allows the migration service to access and interpret your Arastta data.

Step 4: Connect Your Target Store (Shopify)

Next, select "Shopify" from the list of target platforms. You will need to provide your Shopify store's URL. The recommended connection method is to "Install App from Marketplace". Click the provided link to navigate to the Shopify App Store, install the Cart2Cart migration app, and then return to the wizard to finalize the connection.

Alternatively, you can choose to provide API access credentials, though installing the app is often simpler. For details on obtaining necessary credentials, refer to The Short & Essential Guide to Access Credentials.

Step 5: Select Data Entities for Transfer

This crucial step allows you to specify exactly which types of data you want to transfer from your Arastta CSV files to Shopify. You can choose to migrate all available entities or selectively pick items such as:

• Products (including attributes, images, variants, SKUs)
• Product Categories
• Customers
• Orders
• CMS Pages
• Blogs and Blog Posts

Step 6: Configure Data Mapping

Data mapping ensures that your Arastta data fields correspond correctly to Shopify's structure. Here, you will match elements like customer groups (e.g., "Wholesale" to "Customer Tag"), and order statuses (e.g., "Pending Payment" to "Pending"). This step is vital for maintaining data integrity and ensuring a logical organization on your new store.

Step 7: Choose Additional Migration Options

The wizard offers various additional options to customize your migration. These include:

• Clear Target Store Data: An option to remove existing data on your Shopify store before migration. Learn more about clearing target store data.
• Preserve Order IDs: Maintain your original order numbering on Shopify. Explore how to use Preserve IDs options.
• Migrate Images in Description: Ensure product and category images embedded in descriptions are transferred.
• 301 SEO URLs: Automatically create redirects for your old Arastta URLs to new Shopify URLs, preserving SEO rankings and link equity.
• Migrate Blogs to Blogs: If Arastta had a blog, this option ensures posts transfer correctly.

Step 8: Run a Free Demo Migration

Before committing to the full migration, run a free demo. This allows you to migrate a limited number of entities (e.g., 10-20 products, customers, and orders) to your Shopify store. It's an excellent opportunity to:

• Test the connection and data transfer process.
• Verify data integrity and mapping accuracy.
• Preview how your data looks on the new platform.

Review the demo results carefully and make any necessary adjustments to your settings.

Step 9: Initiate Full Migration

Once you are satisfied with the demo results, proceed with the full data transfer. Confirm your selections, choose a Migration Insurance Plan if desired (How Migration Insurance works?), and launch the migration. The service will handle the rest, ensuring minimal downtime for your online store.

Post-Migration Steps

Completing the migration is a significant achievement, but a few crucial steps remain to fully optimize your new Shopify store.

• Thorough Testing: Navigate your new Shopify store as a customer and an administrator. Check product pages, add items to the cart, complete a test purchase, verify customer accounts, and test all payment gateways. Ensure all links and functionalities work as expected.
• Configure SEO: If you haven't already, implement 301 redirects for any old Arastta URLs that weren't automatically handled during the migration. Update your Google Analytics and Search Console properties to reflect your new Shopify domain. This is critical for preserving your SEO rankings and link equity.
• Install Essential Apps: Explore the Shopify App Store for apps that extend functionality. Install apps for product reviews (like AirReviews), marketing, shipping, and any other specific features your business requires.
• Update DNS Records: Point your domain name to your new Shopify store. This step makes your Shopify store publicly accessible under your custom domain.
• Review Shopify Settings: Configure shipping rates, tax settings, payment gateways, and notification settings within your Shopify admin.
• Announce Your New Store: Inform your customers about your exciting new Shopify store. Highlight any new features or improved user experience.
• Backup Old Data: While your data is now on Shopify, keep a backup of your old Arastta store and its data for a reasonable period, just in case.

Migrating from Arastta to Shopify is a strategic move that positions your business for future growth. By following these steps, you can achieve a successful data transfer, setting the stage for a thriving e-commerce presence on your new platform. If you encounter any challenges or prefer expert assistance, consider our Ultimate Data Migration Service for a fully managed solution.