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

A Comprehensive Guide to Transitioning from Usablenet to Shopify

Replatforming your e-commerce store is a significant decision that can unlock new growth opportunities and streamline your operations. If you're currently running on Usablenet and contemplating a move to Shopify, you're looking at a powerful upgrade in terms of scalability, app ecosystem, and user experience. This detailed guide will walk you through every critical step of migrating your valuable store data from Usablenet to Shopify, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

Since Usablenet typically doesn't offer direct API connections for third-party migration tools, we'll outline the process using a CSV file export from your Usablenet store, followed by a robust import into Shopify using a specialized migration application. This method ensures that your products, customer data, orders, and other essential entities are transferred accurately, preserving data integrity and minimizing downtime.

Prerequisites for Migration

Before initiating the data transfer, thorough preparation of both your existing Usablenet store and your new Shopify environment is paramount. These preliminary steps will ensure a smoother, more efficient migration process.

For Your Usablenet (Source) Store:

• Data Export: As Usablenet does not natively support direct API connections with standard migration tools, you will need to export all your vital store data into CSV files. This includes products (with variants, SKUs, images, descriptions), product categories, customer records, orders, and potentially other content like CMS pages or blog posts if your Usablenet setup allows. Ensure your data is as clean and organized as possible before export.
• Data Review: Take this opportunity to audit your current data. Remove any outdated products, inactive customer accounts, or irrelevant information. This cleanup process will result in a leaner, more efficient Shopify store.
• Access Credentials: You'll need full administrative access to your Usablenet platform to perform the necessary data exports.
• For more details on preparing your source store, refer to our guide on How to prepare Source store for migration?.

For Your Shopify (Target) Store:

• Set Up Your Shopify Store: If you haven't already, create a new Shopify account. Choose the appropriate plan for your business needs, but be aware that the 'Pause and Build' plan blocks new orders, so plan your upgrade accordingly.
• Install Cart2Cart Store Migration App: Shopify requires the installation of a dedicated app for seamless data imports. The Cart2Cart Store Migration App is essential for connecting your Shopify store and managing the data transfer. You can find this app on the Shopify App Store.
• Disable Notifications: It's highly recommended to disable customer notifications in your Shopify admin during the migration process to avoid sending out confusing or erroneous emails to your customers.
• Review Shopify Limitations: Be aware that certain entities like reviews might require a specific app (e.g., AirReviews) on Shopify for proper migration and display. Understand Shopify's country restrictions for orders and plan accordingly.
• Consider API Credentials (Alternative): While the app installation is the primary connection method, Shopify also supports API access. If opting for this, you'll need to generate an Admin API access token by creating a custom app in your Shopify admin and configuring the necessary API scopes. For more on this, see The Short & Essential Guide to Access Credentials for Cart2Cart.
• For a comprehensive checklist on setting up your target store, visit How to prepare Target store for migration?.

Performing the Migration: A Step-by-Step Guide

With your preparations complete, let's dive into the practical steps of moving your store data from Usablenet to Shopify using the migration wizard.

Step 1: Start Your Migration

Begin by navigating to the migration wizard. Here, you'll be presented with options to start a new migration. Choose the do-it-yourself migration to begin setting up your source and target platforms.

Step 2: Source Store Setup (Usablenet via CSV)

Connecting your Usablenet data is the first major step. From the list of supported platforms, select "CSV File to Cart" as your Source Cart. You will then be prompted to upload the CSV files containing your Usablenet store's data. Ensure all relevant data – products, categories, customers, and orders – are included in your exported files. This CSV.File Data Migration method is crucial for platforms like Usablenet.

Step 3: Target Store Setup (Shopify)

Next, configure your target Shopify store. Select "Shopify" from the dropdown menu for your Target Cart. The recommended connection method is to "Install App from Marketplace." Click the provided link to go to the Shopify App Store, install the Cart2Cart app, and follow the on-screen instructions to establish the connection. Once connected, return to the migration wizard.

Step 4: Select Data Entities for Migration

This critical step allows you to choose exactly which types of data you wish to transfer. You'll see a checklist of entities such as:

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

Based on the data you exported from Usablenet via CSV and Shopify's supported entities, you can select all entities or pick and choose specific ones. Carefully review this selection to ensure all vital information is set for transfer.

Step 5: Configure Additional Options & Data Mapping

This is where you refine the data transfer process to meet your specific needs:

• Additional Options: Choose from various enhancements such as preserving order IDs and customer IDs (How Preserve IDs options can be used?), migrating images embedded in product descriptions, or clearing current data on your Shopify store before migration (Clear current data on Target store before migration option). A crucial option for SEO is to create 301 redirects, which ensures your old Usablenet URLs point to their new locations on Shopify, preserving link equity and preventing broken links.



• Data Mapping: Map your Usablenet customer groups and order statuses to their corresponding equivalents in Shopify. This ensures consistency for your customer segments and order processing workflows on the new platform.

Step 6: Run a Free Demo Migration

Before committing to a full replatforming, execute a free demo migration. This transfers a limited number of entities (e.g., 10-20 products, customers, and orders) to your Shopify store. Use this opportunity to thoroughly inspect the transferred data: check product images, descriptions, customer details, and order history on Shopify. This step is invaluable for identifying and resolving potential issues before the full transfer.

Step 7: Initiate Full Migration

Once you're satisfied with the demo results, proceed with the full migration. You'll review the total cost and can opt for a Migration Insurance Plan, which offers additional remigrations. Confirm your choices and launch the full data transfer. The duration will depend on the volume of your data.

Post-Migration Steps

Migrating your data is a major milestone, but a few crucial steps remain to fully launch your new Shopify store and ensure continued success.

1. Thorough Data Verification: Rigorously check all migrated data on your Shopify store. Verify product details, pricing, SKUs, variants, images, customer accounts, order histories, and category structures (collections in Shopify). Ensure all your Usablenet metadata has been transferred correctly.
2. Configure Essential Store Settings: Set up your shipping rates, tax settings, payment gateways, and currency preferences within your Shopify admin.
3. Install and Configure Apps: Shopify's strength lies in its extensive app ecosystem. Install essential apps for reviews (especially if using AirReviews for migrating Usablenet reviews), SEO optimization, marketing, analytics, and any other functionalities crucial to your business.
4. Set Up 301 Redirects: Even if handled by the migration tool, double-check that all critical old Usablenet URLs (product pages, category pages, blog posts) are correctly redirecting to their new Shopify counterparts. This is vital for maintaining your SEO rankings and preserving link equity.
5. Update DNS Settings: Point your domain name to your new Shopify store. This step is irreversible once completed, so ensure all previous checks are done.
6. Extensive User Experience (UX) Testing: Navigate through your new Shopify store as a customer. Place test orders, create customer accounts, check all forms, and ensure all site functionalities work seamlessly across different devices.
7. Monitor SEO Performance: Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor for any crawl errors, indexation issues, or drops in search rankings post-migration. Address any problems promptly.
8. Update Third-Party Integrations: Reconnect any third-party services you use, such as email marketing platforms, fulfillment services, ERP systems, or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).
9. Announce Your New Store: Once everything is perfect, announce your new Shopify store to your customers!

Migrating from Usablenet to Shopify can seem daunting, but by following these detailed steps, you can ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your business. If you encounter any challenges or require specialized assistance, don't hesitate to Contact Us or refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for support.