Weebly to Shopify
Migrating from Weebly to Shopify moves your store from a legacy PHP/MySQL platform to a fully managed eCommerce solution. In 2025, with Weebly's aging codebase and Shopify's robust infrastructure, many merchants switch and run migrations from Shopify admin using apps like Cart2Cart. No Weebly server or database access is required when using a migration app; everything runs from your new Shopify store.
This guide covers Weebly data structure (MySQL), how it maps to Shopify, and a step-by-step migration path using Shopify apps run from your new store.
1. Why Leave Weebly?
Security and Support
Weebly Pain: Legacy codebase; security updates and support are limited.
Shopify Gain: Shopify handles security and hosting. Migration runs from Shopify admin.
Hosting
Weebly Pain: Self-hosted PHP/MySQL; you manage everything.
Shopify Gain: Hosting and CDN included. Run migration from one admin.
Modern Features
Weebly Pain: Weebly lacks modern eCommerce features and mobile-first design.
Shopify Gain: Modern platform and App Store. Migration apps connect to Weebly (bridge or DB) and run from Shopify.
Developers
Weebly Pain: Few Weebly developers; maintenance is costly.
Shopify Gain: Large ecosystem. Migrate using a Shopify app.
2. Pre-Migration Audit
Weebly uses MySQL with a legacy schema; migration apps may connect via database or a bridge.
- Weebly version: 2.x or 3.x - confirm your migration app supports your version.
- Access: Migration from Shopify admin uses a bridge or MySQL connection.
- Product attributes: Weebly products_attributes map to Shopify options and variants.
- Categories: Map to Shopify collections.
3. Data Mapping
Weebly products, customers, and orders map to Shopify when using a migration app run from Shopify admin.
Product Mapping
| Weebly (Source) | Shopify (Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| products_id | id | Use SKU for mapping. |
| products_name (products_description) | title | Direct transfer. |
| products_model / attributes | variants[].sku | SKU at variant level. |
| products_price | variants[].price | Per variant. |
| products_description | body_html | HTML; images re-hosted. |
| categories | collections | Weebly categories to Shopify collections. |
| products_options / products_attributes | options and variants | Attributes become Shopify variants. |
Customer and Order
| Weebly Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| customers_email_address | email | Unique identifier. |
| customers_password | password (on create) | Password reset required. Weebly uses legacy hashing. |
| orders_id / order_total | name, total_price | Preserve order ID; map statuses. |
4. Toolkit
Option A: Shopify App (Recommended)
Cart2Cart and similar apps in the Shopify App Store
Install the app in Shopify and run the migration from Shopify admin. The app connects to Weebly (bridge or DB), maps data, and creates redirects.
- Pros: No coding; runs from Shopify admin; products, customers, orders, SEO redirects.
- Cons: Cost scales with data.
Option B: Custom Script
Weebly MySQL + Shopify Admin API
- Pros: Full control.
- Cons: Developer time, 40+ hours typical.
5. Execution: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Preparation
1.1. Target (Shopify):
Create your Shopify store; enable password protection during migration if desired.
1.2. Source (Weebly):
Ensure the migration app can connect (bridge or MySQL credentials).
Phase 2: Connection from Shopify Admin
2.1. Install the migration app (e.g. Cart2Cart) from the Shopify App Store and open it from your Shopify admin.
2.2. Connect Weebly as source. Enter store URL and credentials as instructed.
Phase 3: Migration
- Run from Shopify admin: Select products, customers, orders; start migration. Product attributes map to variants.
- Create 301 redirects: Use the app to map old Weebly URLs to new Shopify URLs.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customers: Notify customers; they will need to reset passwords.
4.2. Verify: Check products, collections, and orders in Shopify admin.
6. Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Development
Developer Cost
Shopify App (e.g. Cart2Cart)
Typical Range
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting and SEO
Common Challenges
- Legacy structure: Weebly database structure may have inconsistencies; migration apps handle mapping.
- Product attributes: Weebly product attributes need careful mapping to Shopify variants.
301 Redirects
Weebly URLs differ from Shopify. Use the migration app from Shopify admin to map old URLs to new ones and preserve SEO.
Ready to Secure Your Store's Future?
Migrate from Weebly to Shopify using an app run from your Shopify admin. Move from a legacy platform to a modern one with continuous updates and support. No server access or coding required.