So, you’re thinking about making the move from Squarespace to Shopify? Exciting ! Whether you’re after better ecommerce functionality, more flexibility, or you’re just ready to level up your online shop, Shopify is a great option.
But let’s be honest, even if you’re sold on Shopify, the how can be a bit murky. You’re probably wondering how to move from Squarespace to Shopify, or should I move from Squarespace to Shopify in the first place? You’re not alone! I get asked this all the time.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Working with a developer (hi, it’s me, I’m the developer, it’s me) can take the stress out of the process, but it’s still a great idea to come prepared with the right questions. That way you’ll know exactly what’s happening and feel confident that your new site will do what you need it to do.
Here’s a handy list of things to ask your web developer to make sure the switch is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Planning and Strategy
Will we be recreating the current site design or doing a full redesign?
This one’s important. Some folks want to keep their Squarespace design vibe, while others are ready for a full rebrand moment. Make sure you and your developer are on the same page.
What theme or approach do you recommend for my brand and goals?
Shopify has a tonne of themes, but choosing the right one isn’t just about looks. Your developer should be thinking about your brand’s personality, products, and how your customers shop.
Can we keep my branding and visual identity intact?
If you’ve already nailed your visual vibe, you don’t want to lose it in the move. Ask how your logo, fonts, colours, and brand feel will be carried across to the new platform.
What parts of my current site will be moved, and what will be re-built from scratch?
Spoiler: not everything will transfer across perfectly. Squarespace and Shopify have their differences (hello, Squarespace vs Shopify), so find out what needs rebuilding to avoid surprises later (usually the products and customer data can be carried over without an issue, but stuff like pages get a wee bit more complex!).
Migration Details
What content will be migrated (products, customers, orders, blogs, images)?
Get clear on what’s coming with you. A proper migration should bring over all the essentials, but it’s worth double-checking things like customer accounts, order history, and product variants. That said, a migration over to Shopify is always a good excuse for a spruce so don’t get too attached to that page layout from 2015…
Will you use CSVs or a third-party migration tool? What are the pros and cons?
There’s more than one way to move your data. Each method has its benefits and limitations, your developer should be able to explain the best route for your site. Generally: CSVs are great and free but a bit more hands-on, third party apps can move more data over including order histories. For smaller sites CSVs are usually fine (and free!), for large sites with loads of historic data a third party app might be the way to go (but at a cost!)
Can I bring my blog posts and keep their formatting and images?
If blogging is part of your brand strategy, you’ll want your posts to come over looking just as lovely on Shopify. If you have a few blog posts that have done particularly well for SEO, but some that haven’t done anything, then again, it’s a good excuse for a tidy up!
What about my domain, do I need to move it or just repoint it?
Domains can feel a bit techy and confusing, but they’re essential to get right. Your developer can advise whether it needs transferring or just pointing at the new site.
SEO Considerations
How will we preserve my existing SEO rankings?
You’ve spent time building up your Google juice so we really don’t let it go to waste. Ask how your developer will protect your SEO during the platform switch.
Can we match my current URLs exactly?
In some cases, yes. In others, Shopify has different URL structures. Knowing this upfront helps you plan for any changes and prepare redirects.
If not, will you create 301 redirects from old Squarespace URLs to the new Shopify URLs?
Redirects are a must if your URLs change, they help with SEO and make sure your visitors don’t end up on 404 pages.
Will you help re-set up Google Analytics, Search Console, and Merchant Centre?
A new site doesn’t mean starting from scratch on your data. Make sure your tracking tools and analytics are all set back up so you don’t lose valuable insights.
Features and Functionality
Can we set up reviews, live chat, and abandoned cart recovery?
These are all super handy features for ecommerce, and Shopify does them really well. Chat to your developer about which ones make sense for your business.
Will the new site support my current email marketing tools (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, etc.)?
Most tools integrate well with Shopify but it’s worth checking to make sure your email marketing doesn’t skip a beat.
Can we integrate social feeds or other custom features I currently use?
Got any fancypants Squarespace add-ons or custom features you can’t live without? Make sure they can be recreated or replaced in Shopify.
After Launch Support
Will you be available for fixes or tweaks after launch?
Sometimes you don’t know what you need until the site’s live. Ask what kind of support you’ll have for those little post-launch adjustments.
Do you offer ongoing support or retainer packages?
If you’re planning to grow your site, ongoing support can be a lifesaver. Ask about monthly packages or ad-hoc help when needed (yoooohooOooO, I have a special monthly maintenance package specifically for this!).
Will I get training on how to update content or products on my new Shopify site?
Shopify’s dashboard is pretty user-friendly, but some custom setups might need a little walkthrough. A good developer should leave you feeling confident and in control. I love to create screen recordings for my clients to walk them through various tasks.
Final Thoughts
Making the move from Squarespace to Shopify can feel like a big leap – but with the right prep and the right developer, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re still weighing up Squarespace vs Shopify, or already decided and looking for help moving from Squarespace to Shopify, asking the right questions will make the process loads easier.
So, is Shopify worth it? If you’re looking for serious ecommerce features, better scalability, and more flexibility as your biz grows then absolutely!
If you’re ready to get cracking, I’d love to help. Whether you’re still in the “should I move from Squarespace to Shopify” phase or already know it’s the right move, I’m here to guide you through it.
Drop me a message or check out my web design services (including my specific Shopify Set-up package) to chat more about how I can help you make the leap.
Let’s make this switch stress-free and stylish!
