NetSuite to Squarespace Migration - Step-by-Step Guide & Expert Services

A Comprehensive Guide to Transitioning from NetSuite to Squarespace

Migrating your e-commerce store from NetSuite to Squarespace is a significant undertaking, but one that can unlock new opportunities for design flexibility, ease of management, and a streamlined user experience. NetSuite, known for its robust ERP capabilities, can often be overly complex for pure e-commerce operations, leading merchants to seek platforms like Squarespace that prioritize aesthetics and intuitive commerce tools.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to seamlessly transfer your valuable e-commerce data, including products, customer information, orders, and more, from NetSuite to Squarespace. Given that NetSuite is primarily an ERP system and not a direct e-commerce platform in the context of standard migration tools, we will outline a process that involves exporting your NetSuite data into CSV files, then utilizing a dedicated migration service like Cart2Cart to import this data into your new Squarespace store.

Prerequisites for a Successful Migration

Before embarking on your data transfer, adequate preparation of both your source (NetSuite) and target (Squarespace) stores is crucial for data integrity and a smooth transition. Taking these preparatory steps will minimize potential downtime and ensure your new store is ready to thrive.

• NetSuite Data Export: As NetSuite is an ERP system, you will need to export all relevant e-commerce data – including products (with SKUs and variants), customer data, order history, and any coupons or CMS pages – into well-structured CSV files. Ensure these files are organized and comprehensive, covering all entities you wish to move. For assistance with this, you might consider our CSV File Data Migration service.
• Data Cleanup: Take this opportunity to cleanse your NetSuite data. Remove any outdated products, inactive customer accounts, or irrelevant information. A cleaner dataset leads to a more efficient and accurate migration.
• Backup Your NetSuite Data: Always perform a complete backup of your NetSuite store’s data before initiating any migration process. This provides a safety net against any unforeseen issues. For more details on preparing your source, refer to our How to prepare Source store for migration? FAQ.
• Set Up Your Squarespace Store: Have your new Squarespace account ready. Choose your desired template and ensure you have administrative access. While you don't need to populate it with products yet, the basic store structure should be in place. Squarespace operates on an API-only connection, and you will need the Cart2Cart Squarespace Migration App installed to facilitate the transfer.
• Understand Squarespace Limitations: Be aware of Squarespace's API rate limits and the requirement for HTTPS to ensure secure data transfer. Custom app development might be needed for highly specialized features not supported by standard migration.
• Gather Access Credentials: Collect all necessary login details for both your NetSuite export process (admin access) and your Squarespace store (Admin URL, administrator's email, and admin password). For guidance on credentials, read The Short & Essential Guide to Access Credentials for Cart2Cart. For target store preparation, see How to prepare Target store for migration?.

Performing the Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide

This section outlines the process using a migration wizard, such as Cart2Cart, to move your exported NetSuite data to Squarespace.

Step 1: Initiate Your Migration

Begin by navigating to the migration service website. Here, you'll find options to start a new migration. Choose the DIY migration wizard to begin configuring your store transfer.

Step 2: Connect Your Source Store (NetSuite via CSV)

Since NetSuite data will be transferred via CSV, you will select 'CSV File to Cart' as your source platform in the migration wizard. Upload the meticulously prepared CSV files containing your NetSuite products, customer data, orders, and other relevant information. The system will then parse these files to identify the entities available for migration.

• Supported Entities: Products, Products Categories, Products Manufacturers, Products Reviews, Customers, Orders, Invoices, Taxes, Stores, Coupons, CMS Pages, Blogs, Blogs Posts.

Step 3: Connect Your Target Store (Squarespace)

Next, select 'Squarespace' as your target e-commerce platform. You will be prompted to enter your Squarespace Admin URL, administrator's email, and admin password. These credentials allow the migration tool to connect securely to your new store via Squarespace's API. Ensure the necessary Cart2Cart Squarespace Migration App is installed on your Squarespace site as it is required for this connection.

• Connection Fields: apiKey, apiSecret, accessToken, refreshToken, adminEmail, adminPwd.
• Plugin Requirement: Cart2Cart Squarespace Migration App required.
• Limitations & Notices: Be aware of API rate limits, HTTPS requirement, and the potential need for custom app development for specific functionalities.

Step 4: Select Data Entities for Transfer

In this crucial step, you'll choose exactly which data entities you want to migrate from your CSV files to Squarespace. You can opt to transfer 'All entities' with a single click or hand-pick specific items such as products, product categories, customer records, orders, product reviews, coupons, CMS pages, and blog posts. This offers granular control over your data transfer.

• Supported Entities: Products, Products_Categories, Products_Reviews, Customers, Orders, CMS_Pages, Gift_Cards, Coupons, Blogs_Posts.

Step 5: Configure Additional Options and Data Mapping

This stage allows for customization and ensures data integrity. You'll find several additional options to enhance your migration:

• Additional Migration Options: Select options like 'Clear Target' (to remove existing data on Squarespace before migration), 'Preserve Order IDs', 'SEO URLs', and '301 SEO URLs' (to create redirects for maintaining link equity and SEO rankings). Other options include migrating images within descriptions or handling variants.

• Data Mapping: Accurately map your source (NetSuite CSV) customer groups and order statuses to their corresponding fields in Squarespace. This ensures that customer roles and order states, such as 'pending' or 'shipped', are correctly transferred and displayed in your new store.

Step 6: Run a Free Demo Migration

Before committing to a full transfer, it's highly recommended to run a free demo migration. This transfers a limited number of entities, allowing you to thoroughly check how your data appears on Squarespace, verify data integrity, and ensure that everything is structured as expected. This helps identify and fix any potential issues early on.

Step 7: Start Full Migration

Once you're satisfied with the demo results, proceed to the full migration. Review the comprehensive list of entities to be migrated, along with the total cost. You may also consider adding a Migration Insurance Plan, which provides a set number of remigrations for a specified period, offering peace of mind. Initiate the full data transfer, and the system will begin moving all selected information to your Squarespace store.

Post-Migration Steps

After your data has been successfully transferred to Squarespace, several crucial post-migration tasks remain to ensure your new store is fully operational and optimized.

• Thorough Data Verification: Rigorously check all migrated data on your Squarespace store. Review product listings, images, SKUs, variants, customer accounts, order histories, coupons, and CMS pages to confirm accuracy and completeness.
• Test Store Functionality: Conduct extensive testing of your Squarespace store. Place test orders, verify payment gateways, test contact forms, search functionality, and site navigation to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Update DNS Records: Once you are confident in your new Squarespace store, update your DNS records to point your domain name to the Squarespace servers. This makes your new store live to the public.
• Configure 301 Redirects: If you used the '301 SEO URLs' option during migration, verify that all essential redirects are working correctly. If not, manually set up 301 redirects for any URLs that have changed to preserve your SEO rankings and link equity.
• Install Essential Apps & Plugins: Explore the Squarespace App Store for any additional plugins or integrations needed to replicate or enhance functionalities from your NetSuite store, such as advanced analytics, shipping tools, or marketing automation.
• Review and Optimize SEO: While basic SEO data is transferred, take time to review product metadata, descriptions, and site structure on Squarespace. Optimize for relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility.
• Announce Your New Store: Inform your customers about your new and improved online store.
• Consider Recent Data Migration: If new orders or customer data accumulate on your old NetSuite system during the migration period, consider using a Recent Data Migration Service to transfer any delta data.
• Seek Expert Assistance: If you encounter any challenges or require bespoke solutions, our Migration Customization Service and Contact Us options are available to provide expert support.