Why traffic drops after a move
When traffic falls after a migration, it is rarely because of the new platform. It is usually because old pages stopped working, or details like page titles were left behind. Both can be planned for.
Know which pages matter
Before the move, make a list of the pages that bring in the most visitors and the most links. Those are the ones to protect first. Ask whoever is doing the work to share this list with you.
Send old addresses to the right new pages
Your pages will have new addresses on Shopify. Each old address should lead to its closest new equivalent, so visitors and Google both land in the right place. Sending everything to the homepage is the common shortcut, and it wastes the rankings those pages earned.
Keep your page titles and descriptions
These are what people see in search results. They should be copied across for your products, collections and pages rather than rewritten from scratch.
Move your best content as it is
If a page or article already performs well, move it across as it is. Improve it once the move has settled, so you can tell what is working.
Check it after launch
For the first couple of months, someone should be keeping an eye on your search results and traffic, and fixing any old addresses that still lead nowhere. Ask who is responsible for that before you agree a price.
Planning a move?
I work directly with store owners on moving to Shopify and Shopify Plus. See my Shopify migration developer page, or get in touch to talk through your move.