Axis Commerce to Squarespace Migration - Step-by-Step Guide & Expert Services

Introduction to Your E-commerce Migration

Embarking on an e-commerce platform migration can feel daunting, but it's a strategic move that can significantly enhance your online store's capabilities and user experience. If you're currently operating on Axis Commerce and considering a switch to Squarespace, you're looking at a transition to a platform renowned for its intuitive design tools, robust e-commerce features, and aesthetic appeal. Squarespace offers a streamlined approach to online selling, making it an attractive destination for merchants seeking simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of migrating your valuable store data from Axis Commerce to Squarespace. Since Axis Commerce does not offer direct API integration for third-party migration tools, the migration will be facilitated using a CSV file export from your Axis Commerce store, and then imported into your new Squarespace store. We'll utilize a specialized migration service to ensure a smooth and accurate transfer of your products, customer information, orders, and other critical data, preserving data integrity and minimizing downtime.

Prerequisites for a Successful Migration

Before you begin the migration process, a few preparatory steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any potential data loss or complications.

• Backup Your Axis Commerce Data: Always create a full backup of your Axis Commerce store's database and files. This is a crucial safety net in case any unforeseen issues arise during the data export process.
• Prepare Your Axis Commerce Data for Export: As Axis Commerce does not support direct API access for migration, you will need to export your store data into CSV files. Focus on exporting key entities such as products (including SKUs, variants, and images), product categories, customer records, and orders. Ensure your CSV files are well-organized and clearly labeled to facilitate the import process. Learn more about CSV.File Data Migration.
• Set Up Your Squarespace Account: Create a new Squarespace account and set up your initial store. You don't need to populate it with products yet, but ensure the basic store structure is in place. Keep your Squarespace Admin URL, administrator email, and an admin password handy, as these will be required for connection.
• Install Necessary Apps/Plugins: To connect your Squarespace store for migration, you will need the Cart2Cart Squarespace Migration App. Ensure this is installed on your Squarespace site, as Squarespace primarily connects via API and requires HTTPS. Note that custom app development might be needed for full API scope access.
• Review Target Store Settings: Consider any specific settings you'll need on Squarespace, such as multi-tax configurations. Think about your desired SEO URLs and whether you want to preserve order IDs from your source store.
• Inform Stakeholders: Plan your migration timeline and inform your customers about potential temporary downtime. This manages expectations and maintains customer satisfaction.
• For more detailed preparation guidelines, refer to How to prepare Source store for migration? and How to prepare Target store for migration?

Performing the Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to successfully move your store from Axis Commerce to Squarespace.

Step 1: Start Your Migration

Begin by navigating to the migration wizard. Here, you'll choose to start a new migration, whether it's a DIY process or a request for expert assistance. You can also estimate the migration cost at this stage.

Step 2: Configure Source Store (Axis Commerce via CSV)

Connecting your Axis Commerce store is the first major step. Since Axis Commerce isn't directly supported by API, you'll select "CSV File to Cart" as your source platform. You will then upload the CSV files you exported from your Axis Commerce store containing all your data.

Step 3: Connect to Target Store (Squarespace)

Next, you'll set up your target store. Select "Squarespace" from the list of supported platforms. To establish the connection, you'll need to provide specific API credentials such as the API Key, API Secret, Access Token, Refresh Token, your admin email, and admin password. Squarespace operates with API rate limits and requires HTTPS for secure connections. Ensure your Squarespace site has the required Cart2Cart migration app installed to facilitate this connection.

Step 4: Select Data Entities for Migration

This crucial step allows you to choose exactly which types of data you want to transfer from your Axis Commerce CSV files to Squarespace. You can select all available entities or pick specific ones like products, product categories, customers, orders, product reviews, CMS pages, blogs, and coupons. Supported entities include:

• Products (including SKUs and variants)
• Product Categories
• Customers
• Orders
• Products Reviews
• CMS Pages
• Blogs Posts
• Coupons

Step 5: Configure Additional Options & Data Mapping

This step offers various options to refine your data migration and ensure data integrity and SEO preservation:

• Additional Options: Select features like preserving order IDs, migrating images within descriptions, creating 301 SEO URLs to maintain link equity, or even clearing current data on the target store before migration. Be aware of Squarespace's API rate limits, which may affect the speed of large data transfers. Learn more about clearing target store data.

• Data Mapping: Map your customer groups and order statuses from Axis Commerce to their corresponding equivalents in Squarespace. This ensures that your customer data and order history are accurately categorized in your new store.

Step 6: Run Demo Migration & Full Migration

Before committing to the full migration, run a free demo migration. This transfers a limited number of entities, allowing you to review the migrated data, check for any issues, and ensure everything looks correct in your Squarespace store. Once you're satisfied with the demo results, proceed with the full migration. You can also opt for a Migration Insurance Plan, which provides peace of mind with additional remigrations if needed.

Post-Migration Steps

Once the data transfer is complete, there are several crucial steps to finalize your Squarespace store and ensure everything is fully operational.

• Thoroughly Review Migrated Data: Carefully check your products (including SKUs, pricing, images, and variants), customer accounts, and order history on Squarespace. Verify that all essential information has been transferred accurately and completely.
• Configure Squarespace Settings: Set up your payment gateways, shipping zones, tax rules (Squarespace supports multi-tax), and any other vital store settings. Customize your Squarespace theme to match your brand's aesthetics and ensure a seamless user experience.
• Implement 301 Redirects & SEO Adjustments: If you chose to create 301 redirects during the migration, verify their functionality to preserve your SEO rankings and link equity. Update your DNS records to point to your new Squarespace store, and don't forget to notify Google Search Console of your site's new location. Learn more about how Preserve IDs options can be used.
• Test Everything: Conduct comprehensive tests of your store's functionality. This includes the entire checkout process, customer account logins, search filters, and all interactive elements. Make sure your store is ready for customers.
• Announce Your New Store: Once you've confirmed everything is working perfectly, announce the launch of your new Squarespace store to your customers. If you experienced any new orders on Axis Commerce during the migration process, consider using a Recent Data Migration Service to transfer them.

By following this detailed guide, your transition from Axis Commerce to Squarespace will be efficient and successful, positioning your business for continued growth and enhanced online presence. If you encounter any challenges or require assistance, do not hesitate to contact our support team or check our Frequently Asked Questions.