Why Businesses Are Migrated from WordPress to Shopify in 2025

Imagine you're running an online store that’s growing fast, too fast for your current system to keep up. You feel that something’s holding you back. That’s exactly when businesses say: It’s time to move from WordPress to Shopify.

If you’re an eCommerce business owner reading this, you’re in the right place. In plain, simple language. We’ll explain why more and more online stores are choosing to migrate from WordPress to Shopify in 2025, and how you can take action too. We’ll cover the “why”, the “how”, and important tips to make the move smooth.

What do we mean by migrating from WordPress to Shopify?

When we say WordPress to Shopify migration, we mean moving your online store from your existing WordPress + WooCommerce (or WordPress + eCommerce plugin) setup onto Shopify’s platform. That means: transferring your products, customers, orders, content, and then running your store on Shopify rather than WordPress.

• Migrate from WordPress to Shopify means you actively select Shopify and move your store there.

• Transferring WordPress to Shopify means the same thing: the process of shifting.

• Shopify development / Shopify development agency are terms you’ll see when you need help doing the migration.

In short: You’re switching your base platform for online selling.

The Big Picture: Where Things Stand in 2025

It’s helpful to know the stats so you see how many are doing this and why.

• The CMS (Content Management System) that runs websites, WordPress, still holds a very large share. For instance, one report shows WordPress has about a 61.3% share of CMS usage in 2025, while Shopify is around 6.7%.

• Looking specifically at eCommerce platforms: one source says that among e-commerce sites, Shopify holds ~26.2% market share, while WooCommerce (which runs on WordPress) has ~20.1%.

• Another report: WordPress powers more than 472 million websites as of 2025. 

• Many comparisons in 2025 say that Shopify is the top pick for “growing online businesses” because it wins in ease, support, and scalability.

What this shows:

• WordPress is huge and still dominant.

• Shopify is smaller in absolute share, but among eCommerce stores, it’s gaining and being chosen more often.

• For business owners, this means there is a trend of moving toward platforms like Shopify.

• An eCommerce business owner should ask: Am I part of the crowd that is shifting? Should I shift, too?

Why Businesses Decide to Migrate

Here are the main reasons, explained clearly.

1. Ease of Use

With WordPress + WooCommerce, you often manage: hosting, plugins, themes, security, updates. It’s powerful, but it requires technical work. With Shopify, many things are built in: hosting, updates, security patches, checkout, and payments. For example, one comparison says “Shopify is easier to use and scale your business with” vs WordPress.

For you: If you’d rather spend your time selling and less time fiddling with website tech, Shopify gives a simpler path.

2. Security & Maintenance

On WordPress, you are responsible for updates, plugin compatibility, backups, and hosting security. If something goes wrong, you fix it.

Shopify handles the platform side: it includes SSL, hosting, and security. For instance, Shopify says its platform “includes built-in fraud protection and security features.”

For you: If you feel tired of “my site went down” or “plugin conflict again”, migrating can free you from that burden.

3. Scalability & Growth

When your store grows (lots of products, lots of visitors, big marketing campaigns), you need infrastructure that can support it.

One comparison said: “Shopify … is best for growing ecommerce businesses”, while WordPress/WooCommerce is “best for having full control.

For you: If your business is scaling (more traffic, more SKUs, multiple channels,s), you’ll want a platform that can grow without constant backend work.

4. All-in-One Features Tailored for eCommerce

Shopify is built with the mindset of “online store” first. It has built-in product management, payments, shipping tools, discount codes, POS integrations, etc. WordPress + WooCommerce can do many of these, but often via plugins and more setup.

For you: If your primary goal is eCommerce, you may benefit from a tailored platform like Shopify rather than a more general website tool like WordPress.

5. Support & Ecosystem

Shopify offers 24/7 support (depending on your plan) and lots of ready-made themes, apps, and experts. WordPress has a huge community, but support can depend on your hosting, theme, and plugins.

For example, “24/7 support available” was a point in favour of Shopify.

For you: If you want to quickly get help when things go wrong, Shopify may give more reliability.

6. Cost Predictability

While WordPress itself is “free”, your costs include hosting, domain, themes, plugins, maintenance, and upgrades. Some articles show that when you add everything up, Shopify can actually be more affordable because many things are included.

For you: If you’d rather know “my platform cost per month is X” rather than unexpected plugin upgrade bills, migrating may help.

What You Should Check Before You Migrate

Moving platforms isn’t a trivial decision. Here are things you must check before you commit.

• Data to transfer: Products, customers, orders, blog content, reviews, categories. Many migration tools support these. 

• SEO impact: You have existing traffic. You need to preserve URLs (301 redirects), metadata, and blog posts so you don’t lose rank.

• Theme/Design: Your WordPress theme cannot be simply ported to Shopify; you will need to choose/design a new theme. 

• Apps/Extensions: Some plugins you use on WordPress might not have equivalents on Shopify, or cost more.

• Third-party integrations: Payment gateways, shipping, CRM, et, need to be checked.

• Budget & timeline: Plan for possible downtime or transitional cost.

• Support & partner: If you choose to work with a development agency, check their experience with migrations.

Step-by-Step Overview: How to Migrate WordPress to Shopify

Here’s a simplified overview of what the process usually involves. (You’ll want to adapt to your store.)

1. Audit your current store

• List all products, categories, SKUs, customers, orders, blog content, and pages.

• Identify special functionality in WordPress (plugins) that you rely on.

• Note current traffic/SEO metrics.

2. Choose/Set up your Shopify store

• Sign up for Shopify. Choose a plan appropriate for your business size.

• Pick a theme (design).

• Set up basic store settings (payments, shipping, taxes, and domain).

3. Plan the migration

• Decide what data to transfer (e.g., only products and customers, or full historical orders, reviews, blogs).

• Decide whether you’ll do it manually, using CSV files, or via a migration tool/app/agency. According to one guide, a manual is free but slower; an automated app is faster; hiring an expert is fastest.

4. Execute the migration

• Export data from WordPress/WooCommerce.

• Import into Shopify (via CSV or app).

• Use migration tools to transfer orders, reviews, etc, if needed.

5. Set up your design and functionality

• Choose a Shopify theme,customisee it to match your brand.

• Install any Shopify apps you need (e.g., reviews, advanced shipping, etc).

• Rebuild custom features your WordPress store had (or find a Shopify equivalent).

6. SEO and URL Redirects

• Set up 301 redirects from old WordPress URLs to new Shopify URLs.

• Ensure metadata is transferred (titles, descriptions).

• Check blog content is imported and accessible.

7. Test thoroughly

• Test checkout, payment, shipping, returns.

• Test mobile, desktop, and different browsers.

• Make sure orders, customer login, and downloadables (if any) are working.

8. Go live

• Switch your domain to your new Shopify store (or point the domain).

• Monitor traffic, orders, customer feedback.

• Keep your old WordPress store live during transition (if possible) until you’re confident.

9. Post-migration checks

• Monitor Google Analytics and Search Console for any drop in traffic.

• Check broken links, 404 errors.

• Check order flow, email notifications, everything is normal.

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Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them

Even though migrating from WordPress to Shopify offers many benefits, it’s not entirely risk-free. Here are issues you might face and how to avoid them.

• Loss of SEO / traffic drop ,  Without careful URL redirects you may lose search ranking. Avoid by planning redirects and transferring blog pages.

• Plugin/feature mismatch ,  Some WordPress plugins may not have Shopify equivalents. Avoid by mapping needed features ahead of time, and test alternatives.

• Design breaks or major changes ,  Since you’ll use a new theme, some layout or branding may look different. Avoid by choosing a theme that matches your brand or working with a Shopify designer.

• Data errors in migration ,  Wrong product SKUs, customer data missing, order histories incomplete. Avoid by doing a trial migration and checking results before going live.

• Downtime or confusion for customers, if the store suddenly changes and customers can’t find things. Avoid by communicating the change, perhaps using a preview or “under maintenance” message.

• Cost escalation, Sometimes, the apps or features on Shopify may cost more than anticipated. Avoid by budgeting in advance and reviewing all apps/subscriptions.

Tips, Notes & Must-Remembers

Here are some quick pointers and things to keep in mind.

Tip: Make a backup of your WordPress site (including database) before starting the migration.
Tip: Start with a small "demo" migration to see how things look on Shopify before fully going live.
Note: While Shopify is easier to use, you will have less raw control compared to WordPress (for example, the ability to edit server-side code).
Remember: Order your “go live” time during a low-traffic period if possible, so any hiccups affect fewer customers.

“Shopify is great because you don’t worry about tech. WooCommerce is great because you control everything.”

Tip: Check your apps/subscriptions in WordPress; if you stop using some, you may save costs during migration.
Note: Migration isn't “set it and forget it”. You still have to monitor post-launch.
Remember: Choose your Shopify plan not just for now but for where you expect to be in 12-24 months (growth matters).
Tip: If you have multiple languages, currencies, or regional stores, check how Shopify supports them (or needs apps) early.
Remember: Keep customers in the loop, send an email saying “New store coming, you might see some changes, but we’re working to serve you better.” Good communication avoids surprise and builds trust.

When You Should Not Migrate 

There are cases when staying on WordPress (or postponing migration) is the wise decision.

• If your store is very small, has only a few products, and you’re comfortable with your existing system, then migration may add cost and complexity without much benefit.

• If you have heavy custom functions on WordPress that cannot be replicated easily in Shopify, and those functions are critical to your business.

• If your budget is very tight and you cannot afford to invest time and resources in testing and migrating.

• If you’re planning a redesign or major business pivot anyway, maybe wait until that’s sorted and then migrate in the same step.

How to Choose a Shopify Development Agency

If you decide to bring in help (a Shopify development agency), here are some things to look for:

• Experience with migrating from WordPress to Shopify (not just building new Shopify stores)

• References or case studies of successful migrations

• Clear project plan: audit → migration → design → test → go live → support

• Knowledge of SEO during migration (ensuring minimal traffic loss)

• Transparent pricing (hourly vs fixed cost)

• Post-launch support: it’s not just build and leave, they should help you during the initial days

• Communication skills (you’ll talk to them a lot!)

• Understanding of your business niche (every eCommerce business is different)

FAQ’S

1. Why are businesses migrating from WordPress to Shopify in 2025?

• Businesses are moving from WordPress to Shopify in 2025 because Shopify offers easier management, built-in security, faster performance, and better scalability. Unlike WordPress, which needs plugins and manual maintenance, Shopify handles hosting, payments, and updates automatically. It’s ideal for business owners who want to focus on sales instead of technical issues.

2. Is Shopify better than WordPress for eCommerce?

• Yes, Shopify is better for eCommerce because it’s built specifically for online stores. It includes tools for payments, shipping, inventory, analytics, and marketing. WordPress is flexible but requires plugins like WooCommerce to add store features, which can slow your site and demand maintenance. Shopify is all-in-one and beginner-friendly.

3. How long does it take to migrate from WordPress to Shopify?

• The migration time depends on your store size and data. A small store can migrate in 2–3 days, while larger stores with thousands of products may take 1–2 weeks. Using professional help or a Shopify Development Agency can speed up the process and reduce errors during data transfer.

4. Will I lose my SEO rankings after migrating to Shopify?

• You can keep your SEO rankings if the migration is done correctly. Use 301 redirects to map old URLs to new ones, maintain meta titles and descriptions, and keep your site structure similar. Shopify’s SEO-friendly features also help preserve visibility. It’s best to work with experts for a smooth SEO migration.

5. How much does it cost to migrate from WordPress to Shopify?

• The cost varies based on your store size, design, and customisation needs. DIY migrations may cost $0–$200 (using tools), while hiring a Shopify Development Agency can range from $500–$5,000. The investment pays off with improved performance, fewer technical issues, and easier store management in the long run.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve walked through why businesses are migrating from WordPress to Shopify in 2025, what you should check, how to do it, and what to watch out for, what you should do next:

• Assess your current store: make a list of strengths/weaknesses in your WordPress setup.

• Define your goals: Do you want more growth? Easier management? Less tech hassle?

• Check feasibility: Match the functionality you need against what Shopify offers and any apps needed.

• Map budget and timeline: Decide when you’ll migrate, how much you’ll invest, and who will help.

• Start the migration plan: Choose tools, choose agency (or DIY), create backup.

• Monitor results: After launching on Shopify, watch your metrics (sales, traffic, customer experience) and adjust.

Ready to grow your online store? Tameta Tech helps you move from WordPress to Shopify easily and safely. Our expert Shopify team builds fast, beautiful, and sales-ready stores for your business. Let’s make your online shop simple, smart, and successful. Start your Shopify journey with Tameta Tech today!

Final Remember: Migrating from WordPress to Shopify isn’t just about changing platforms, it’s about giving your business a smoother, more scalable foundation, so you can focus on growth, your products, your customers… and less on the tech headaches.