Shopify migration service vs DIY: Which is right for your business?

Moving your online store to Shopify can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re balancing day-to-day business demands with the technical side of ecommerce. Many Australian brands find themselves stuck on platforms that limit growth, slow down upgrades, or create frustrating customer experiences. If you’re wondering whether to handle the Shopify migration yourself or bring in professional help, you’re facing a decision that could significantly impact how smoothly your store runs and how quickly you start seeing results.

Choosing the right approach means weighing control, cost, time, and risk in a way that fits your unique business needs. In this article, I’ll unpack what Shopify migration involves and explore the pros and cons of a Shopify migration service versus DIY, helping you make an informed decision that supports your long-term goals.

Thinking of switching to Shopify? Move smoothly with expert migration support

What is Shopify migration?

Definition and key steps

Shopify migration is the process of moving your entire online store, including products, customer data, order history, and website content, from your existing platform to Shopify without losing essential information or breaking functionality. It involves more than just copying files. You’ll also need to:

• Transfer all your data accurately
• Recreate your store design to reflect your brand’s identity
• Set up apps, payment gateways, and shipping methods within Shopify
• Conduct thorough testing to spot and fix any issues before going live

Shopify provides migration checklists and tools that help guide each step and reduce surprises along the way (source: Shopify migration guide).

A clear roadmap makes Shopify migration feel less daunting. This diagram walks through each key step: from planning and setup to launch and post-go-live review, helping Australian brands migrate with confidence.

Why do businesses migrate to Shopify?

Many Australian ecommerce businesses choose Shopify for reasons like:

• A platform that scales reliably as sales increase
• Consistent experience across desktop and mobile devices
• Freedom from outdated or restrictive platforms that limit integrations
• Access to Shopify’s cloud-based hosting, which offers better uptime and reliability (source: Shopify cloud migration)

If your current store is holding you back, migration is often a strategic move to unlock growth.

The DIY approach to Shopify migration

What it includes

Going the DIY route means you take full responsibility for moving your store. This usually involves:

• Exporting data from your current platform manually or via free migration apps
• Importing products, customers, and orders into Shopify yourself
• Installing themes and configuring apps on your own
• Troubleshooting technical issues that arise, like fixing broken links or API errors

It demands patience and a willingness to learn Shopify’s set-up and how it differs from your existing system (source: Shopify replatforming guide).

Tackling a full Shopify migration on your own can be exhausting. Even with plenty of tutorials, the process comes with a steep learning curve that can drain your time and energy.

Pros of DIY migration

There are benefits to doing it yourself:

• Lower upfront costs with no service fees, freeing budget for other needs
• Full control over every detail, which helps you learn the platform intimately
• Hands-on familiarity with Shopify that builds your confidence over time

Cons of DIY migration

On the downside, DIY has its challenges:

• Time-consuming, manual data transfer and testing can take far longer than planned
• Risk of errors, mistakes with data can cause lost orders or customer frustrations
• Longer downtime, your online store may be offline for extended periods, affecting sales
• Technical stress, fixing issues without expert guidance can be frustrating and risky

For many business owners juggling multiple roles, DIY migration can quickly become a burden that distracts from growth.

Using a Shopify migration service

What professional services offer

Hiring a Shopify migration service means experts handle the entire move for you, including:

• Creating a detailed migration plan to minimise downtime
• Accurate, tailored data transfers that preserve your store’s integrity
• Professional setup of themes, apps, and custom integrations
• Comprehensive testing before launch and ongoing support after migration

Certified Shopify Partners have experience managing the complexities of ecommerce replatforming smoothly and efficiently.

Working with experienced eCommerce professionals brings peace of mind — you can stay focused on your business while experts handle the technical side of your Shopify migration.

Pros of professional services

Choosing professional help comes with clear benefits:

• Saves you time and reduces stress by handling technical tasks expertly
• Minimises risk with rigorous processes that prevent data loss
• Optimises your new store so it performs well from the start
• Speeds up launch with less downtime and fewer glitches

Potential drawbacks

Some things to keep in mind:

• Higher upfront cost compared to DIY
• Less direct control during migration, though reputable providers keep you informed throughout
• The importance of selecting a proven provider to avoid poor results

Factors to consider when choosing between DIY and a service

Business size and complexity

If your store has hundreds of products, multiple sales channels, or customised features, professional help often makes sense. Smaller, simpler stores may manage a DIY migration successfully.

Your technical skills and availability

Comfort with ecommerce platforms and troubleshooting favours DIY. However, if time is scarce or technical set-up feels overwhelming, a service can save headaches.

Budget priorities

While DIY may save money initially, mistakes or downtime can be costly. A professional service is an investment that often pays off by protecting revenue and reputation.

Minimising downtime

If your site is critical to revenue or brand image, reducing downtime is vital. Expert migrations generally ensure a smoother, faster transition.

This comparison chart highlights what really separates DIY from expert-led Shopify migration: time, technical skill, risk, SEO preservation, and long-term confidence all play a role in finding the right fit for your business.

Making the right decision for your business

Honestly assess your skills, store complexity, time, and resources. Some businesses combine both approaches, exporting data themselves but hiring experts for theme setup and testing, creating a custom balance.

If you’re unsure, our Shopify migration experts can help you assess your current setup and guide you through the process with clarity.

From working with Australian brands, I know a smooth, well-planned migration speeds up your ability to focus on growth. Investing upfront in the right approach pays off in fewer disruptions down the track.

Key takeaways

Migrating to Shopify is an important step that can unlock growth if done well. When considering a Shopify migration service vs DIY, remember:

• DIY gives you control and saves on costs but requires time, patience and technical know-how
• Professional services bring expertise, reduce risks, and generally speed up launch but require upfront investment
• Your choice should reflect your store’s size, your confidence with tech, budget, and tolerance for downtime

Whichever option you choose, planning carefully and setting realistic expectations is key. If you would like support to make your Shopify migration as smooth as possible, I’m here to help you find the right path.

Enjoyed this article, and want to turn that inspiration into your next ecommerce project? Let’s talk!