Launching a Shopify store without a checklist is asking for trouble. Missing one setting can cost you sales or create headaches later. Here's a comprehensive checklist to get it right.
Before You Launch
- Pick and customize your theme
- Add all products with descriptions and photos
- Set up collection pages to organize products
- Configure shipping zones and rates
- Set up taxes for your region
Payment Setup
- Activate Shopify Payments (or a third-party gateway)
- Test a full purchase flow
- Set up manual payment methods if needed (bank transfer, COD)
- Configure currency and checkout settings
Store Policies
- Create Refund Policy page
- Create Privacy Policy page
- Create Terms of Service page
- Create Shipping Policy page
- Create About Us and Contact pages
Technical Setup
- Connect a custom domain
- Set up SSL (automatic with Shopify)
- Create a custom email address
- Install Google Analytics
- Submit sitemap to Google Search Console
- Set up 301 redirects if migrating
Design and User Experience
- Check mobile responsiveness
- Optimize page speed (compress images)
- Add a favicon
- Set up navigation menus
- Add search functionality
- Test the checkout flow
Marketing Setup
- Set up email marketing (Shopify Email or third-party)
- Configure social media channels
- Install review app
- Set up abandoned cart recovery
- Create discount codes if running a launch promotion
Final Checks
- Remove password page
- Place a test order from start to finish
- Test on multiple devices and browsers
- Check all links work
- Verify email notifications are sending
Go through each item one by one. Rushing the setup leads to mistakes. Take your time and get it right — your future sales depend on it.
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