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Shopify Steps

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Shopify Steps

That makes much more sense! Building a Shopify store for a client involves a mix of design, store settings, client management, and technical setup.

Here is a structured client delivery checklist covering the project from kickoff to post-launch handover:

1. Account & Admin Setup

  • [ ] Create a Development Store: Set up the store via your Shopify Partner Dashboard (this gives you unlimited dev time before transferring ownership to the client).
  • [ ] Collect Client Assets & Details:
    • Business address, legal entity name, and contact details.
    • Brand kit: Logo files (PNG/SVG with transparent backgrounds), favicon, typography, and hex codes.
    • High-res product images, product descriptions, and pricing/inventory sheets (CSV).
  • [ ] Configure Core Store Settings:
    • Set store currency, default weight/dimension units, and timezone.

2. Product Catalog & Organization

  • [ ] Import / Create Products:
    • Add titles, benefit-led descriptions, media (images/videos), SKUs, prices, and compare-at prices.
    • Set up product variants (Size, Color, Material) with specific images assigned to each.
  • [ ] Build Collections:
    • Create manual or automated/smart collections (e.g., Best Sellers, New Arrivals, product categories).
  • [ ] Set Up Metafields (if required):
    • Configure custom product fields (e.g., care instructions, material specs, downloadable PDF guides).

3. Theme Design & Frontend Development

  • [ ] Select & Customize Theme:
    • Install an official Shopify OS 2.0 theme (e.g., Dawn, Refresh, or a premium theme).
    • Customize header, footer, homepage sections, product pages (PDPs), and collection pages.
  • [ ] Configure Site Navigation:
    • Header Menu: Keep it clean (max 5–7 main links).
    • Footer Menu: Add customer service links, policy links, social media profiles, and accepted payment icons.
  • [ ] Mobile Responsiveness Check:
    • Verify layout, tap targets, mobile drawer menu, and sticky “Add to Cart” functionality across iOS and Android devices.

4. Essential Pages & Content

  • [ ] Build Information Pages:
    • About Us (Brand story/mission).
    • Contact Us (Form, email, customer service hours).
    • FAQ Page (Shipping times, returns, sizing).
  • [ ] Set Up Legal Policies:
    • Generate and customize: Privacy Policy, Refund/Return Policy, Terms of Service, and Shipping Policy.
    • Ensure policies are linked in the site footer.

5. Payments, Shipping & Taxes

  • [ ] Payment Gateways:
    • Set up Shopify Payments (and/or PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Klarna).
    • Enable guest checkout (do not force account creation).
  • [ ] Shipping & Fulfillment:
    • Define shipping zones (Domestic vs. International).
    • Set up rate structures (Flat rate, weight-based, carrier-calculated, or free shipping thresholds).
  • [ ] Tax Configurations:
    • Enable automatic tax calculations based on client registration/nexus regions.

6. Apps, Analytics & Tracking

  • [ ] Install Core Apps (Keep it minimal to preserve site speed):
    • Reviews app (e.g., Judge.me).
    • Email marketing integration (e.g., Klaviyo).
    • SEO / Sitemap optimization tool.
  • [ ] Integrate Tracking Pixels:
    • Set up Google Analytics 4 (GA4).
    • Connect Meta Pixel / TikTok Pixel if running paid ads.
    • Connect Google Search Console.

7. Quality Assurance (QA) & Testing

  • [ ] Test Checkout Flow:
    • Place a live test order using Shopify’s Bogus Gateway (or a real $1 transaction).
    • Test discount codes, shipping rate calculations, and tax additions.
  • [ ] Check Notifications:
    • Customize customer email templates with client branding (Order Confirmation, Shipping Update, Abandoned Cart Recovery).
  • [ ] Performance & SEO Audit:
    • Test homepage and product page load speeds (aim for < 3 seconds).
    • Add meta titles, meta descriptions, and image alt text for top pages.

8. Transfer Ownership & Launch Day

  • [ ] Transfer Store Ownership:
    • Transfer the Partner development store to the client’s email address.
    • Have the client select their official Shopify subscription plan and enter their credit card billing info.
  • [ ] Domain & SSL Setup:
    • Connect the client’s custom domain (e.g., via GoDaddy, Namecheap) and configure DNS records (A record pointing to Shopify IP 23.227.38.65, CNAME shops.myshopify.com).
    • Confirm SSL certificate becomes active (padlock icon in browser).
  • [ ] Remove Storefront Password:
    • Disable the password protection page in Online Store > Preferences.

9. Client Handover

  • [ ] Staff Accounts: Create individual staff logins for the client’s team with appropriate permissions.
  • [ ] Training Session: Record a Loom video or hold a live training call covering how to:
    • Process, fulfill, and refund orders.
    • Add new products and update inventory levels.
    • View basic sales reports and edit theme sections.
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