Switching from Maropost to Shopify simplifies running your eCommerce store and supports growth, especially for Australian businesses. Shopify offers an easy-to-use platform, full AUD support, GST compliance, and integration with local payment gateways and shipping providers. Here’s how to make the move:
- Benefits of Shopify: 126% average year-over-year growth, customisation, SEO tools, and a wide app marketplace.
- Australian Features: AUD currency, GST compliance, local payment options, and Australia Post integration.
- Migration Steps:
- Back up your Maropost data (products, customers, content).
- Choose a Shopify plan that fits your needs.
- Transfer data (products, customer info, historical orders) using CSV files, apps, or a developer.
- Protect SEO with 301 redirects and updated meta tags.
- Store Setup: Select a mobile-friendly theme, configure AUD payments, and install apps like Australia Post Rates & Labels.
- Testing & Launch: Test payments, mobile usability, and integrations before going live. Notify customers of changes and monitor performance post-launch.
Switching platforms may take effort, but Shopify’s tools and support help you build a better online store tailored to the Australian market.
Pre-Migration Steps
Follow these steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Store Content Review
Go through your Maropost store data to decide what needs transferring. Create a detailed inventory of your store’s key assets using the table below:
| Store Element | Items to Document |
|---|---|
| Products | Active listings, variants, images |
| Customer Data | Purchase history, contact details |
| Content | Pages and blog posts |
Also, record key performance metrics like page load times, conversion rates, and average order value. These benchmarks will help you measure your store’s performance after migration and guide your planning.
Set Goals and Choose Plan
Define clear migration goals that align with your business needs. When picking a Shopify plan, consider factors like your monthly order volume and the number of products you sell. Look at which features you’ll need, such as advanced reporting or support for multiple locations. Choose a plan that fits your current requirements but can also scale as your business grows – you can always upgrade later.
Data Backup Process
Securely back up all essential data from your Maropost store. Use this step-by-step process to avoid losing anything important:
- Export Product Data: Include descriptions, images, media files, pricing, inventory levels, and any product variants.
- Backup Customer Information: Save contact details and purchase histories.
- Archive Store Content: Preserve pages and blog posts for future use.
Data Transfer Steps
Transfer Method Options
The method you choose to transfer data depends on how large and complex your store is. Smaller stores with fewer products can usually manage with manual CSV file transfers. For larger stores with more product variations and extensive customer data, migration apps or hiring a developer for a tailored solution might be more suitable.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| Store Size | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Small (<500 products) | CSV Import/Export |
| Medium (500–2,000 products) | Migration Apps |
| Large (2,000+ products) | Custom Developer Solution |
Once you’ve decided on the method, follow the steps below to transfer your data.
Moving Data to Shopify
The key is to transfer your data in an organised order. Start with products, move on to customer details, and finish with historical orders. Here’s how:
- Product Data Transfer
Begin with your product catalogue. Include all details like descriptions, images, AUD pricing, and inventory levels. Use CSV files and double-check that product variants (e.g., sizes, colours) are correctly aligned. - Customer Information
Transfer customer data next. This includes contact details and purchase histories. Keep in mind that customer passwords cannot be transferred, so customers will need to reset their passwords on the new platform. - Historical Orders
Lastly, import previous orders to ensure you maintain a complete purchase history.
SEO Protection Steps
After transferring your data, it’s crucial to safeguard your SEO. Even with a smooth migration, you might notice a temporary dip of 5–10% in organic traffic during the first month.
To minimise this impact:
- Create a detailed URL mapping document.
- Set up 301 redirects for all key URLs.
- Review and update meta descriptions and titles.
- Submit the new sitemap to Google Search Console.
"By finding a solution to handle site URL redirects, we can reduce the number of 404 page errors and maintain organic search rankings when re-platforming an e-commerce store." – James Corr
After setting up redirects, test each one by entering the original URLs in your browser. Use automated tools to check for any missed 404 errors and keep a close eye on your site’s performance during the first month post-migration.
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Shopify Store Setup
With your data transferred and SEO measures in place, it’s time to customise your Shopify store to match your brand and meet your operational requirements.
Theme Setup
Choose a theme that aligns with your brand identity and encourages conversions. The Shopify theme store includes filters to help you search based on inventory size, product categories, and specific features. When selecting a theme, focus on mobile responsiveness, easy navigation, intuitive layouts, social media integration, and proper AUD currency display. Test the theme across multiple devices to ensure your product images and checkout process appear consistently.
Essential Apps
Enhance your store’s functionality with apps tailored to the Australian market:
| App Name | Purpose | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Post Rates & Labels | Shipping integration | $19 | 4.8/5 |
| Marsello | Customer loyalty and marketing | $125+ | 4.3/5 |
In February 2025, Matcha Lane shared their experience with the Australia Post Rates & Labels app, highlighting its ease of use, time-saving features, and responsive customer support.
Australian Payment Setup
Once your store design and operations are ready, configure payments to handle transactions smoothly:
- Payment Gateway Setup
Use Shopify Payments as your main gateway to accept major credit cards and local payment methods. You can also enable PayPal for added convenience. - Tax Configuration
Adjust your tax settings to comply with Australian regulations. This includes setting up tax zones for various states and territories and ensuring GST is applied correctly. - Shipping Configuration
Define shipping zones for Australian states and territories, allowing you to set accurate shipping rates for your customers.
Store Launch Process
Get your Shopify store ready for launch with thorough testing and clear communication with your customers.
Pre-Launch Testing
Before going live, make sure to complete these key tests:
| Test Category | Key Checks | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Processing | Credit cards, PayPal, local methods | Test transactions with all payment types |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Layout, images, checkout | Test on iOS and Android devices |
| Integration Points | Australia Post, inventory sync | Verify real-time data flow |
| SEO Elements | Redirects, canonical URLs | Use tools like Deep Crawl or Screaming Frog |
"Launching a new eCommerce store or replatforming is always a very stressful time, no matter how much time and resource you’ve allocated to the project and preparing for the launch." – Paul Rogers, Vervaunt
Make sure all tests are completed before taking down your maintenance page:
- Test every payment method and order scenario.
- Check the checkout process on different devices.
- Ensure all redirects return 200 response codes.
Once you’re confident everything is working, it’s time to communicate with your customers.
Customer Updates
During the migration, disable customer notifications temporarily to avoid confusion. Let your customers know about:
- The new store URL and how to log in.
- Account migration details.
- Updates to payment methods.
- Changes in shipping processes.
- New features or improvements they can expect.
Set up a timeline for the transition and prepare your customer service team to handle any extra questions or concerns.
Post-Launch Checks
After launching, keep a close eye on your store’s performance:
- Technical Monitoring
Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track site performance, focusing on mobile usability and checkout completion rates. - Customer Experience
Tools like HotJar can help you identify where customers might face issues or friction. - Marketing Channels
Update your online presence to reflect the new store, including:- Links on your Facebook Business Page.
- Integration with your Pinterest Business account.
- Email marketing templates.
"SEO is often one of the biggest factors in determining whether a replatforming project was a success or failure, so this is one of the biggest things to pay attention to." – Paul Rogers, Vervaunt
Keep an eye on 404 errors using tools like the Transportr redirects app and Google Search Console. Fix broken links quickly to avoid hurting your SEO performance.
Conclusion
Switching from Maropost to Shopify can help your business grow while improving the customer experience. Although the process can be complex, careful planning ensures long-term advantages.
Shopify provides 99.98% uptime and 24/7 customer support, giving you the reliability essential for smooth eCommerce operations.
"Understand the client’s requirements, implement great solutions using best practices and be available for the ongoing support!" – Alinga
To ensure a seamless migration, focus on these critical stages:
| Migration Phase | Key Considerations | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Migration | Data backup and assessment | Protects essential business information |
| During Migration | URL redirection setup | Preserves SEO rankings and customer access |
| Post-Migration | Performance monitoring | Maintains a seamless customer experience |
As a certified Shopify Partner in Australia, Alinga specialises in personalised migration services. From transferring data to setting up your store, their approach is tailored to meet the needs of the Australian market. By leveraging proven strategies, they help position your business for long-term success.
"Adrian and his team are excellent to deal with. They made the transition from Magento to Shopify easy and painless. Could not recommend them enough."
Migration isn’t just about transferring data – it’s about preparing your business for what’s next. With Shopify’s powerful tools and expert support, you can build an online store that boosts sales and delivers a better experience for your customers in Australia.
