Guided path
Launch a New Store
The defaults worth getting right before you have traffic, what to leave alone until you do, and the test order and baseline to run before the first ad.
- Step 1: Decide what not to touch yetLocked
In 0 · Find the ProblemSizing and prioritizingAudit and prioritization
Go deeper (2)
- Optional: Variant or separate productLocked
You are still deciding how the catalog is structured.
In 5 · Build & Maintain on ShopifyProduct data & merchandisingProduct data
- Optional: Decide where each piece of product data lives before you need itLocked
Read after the variant decision above: it says which field each fact belongs in.
In 5 · Build & Maintain on ShopifyProduct data & merchandisingProduct data
- Step 2: Make the first screen explain the storeLocked
In 1 · Browse & SearchHomepage & NavHomepage strategy
- Step 3: What every product card must showLocked
In 1 · Browse & SearchCollections, Lists & FilteringList layout and cards
- Step 4: Choose the image types this product needsLocked
In 2 · Product Pages & OffersProduct PagesImagery and media
Go deeper (1)
- Optional: Use categories for distinct product groups, not every attributeLocked
You are building the menu and collections from scratch.
In 1 · Browse & SearchHomepage & NavCategory taxonomy
- Step 5: Do not require account sign-in before checkoutLocked
In 3 · Cart & CheckoutCart & CheckoutCheckout structure
- Step 6: Answer the return question on the product pageLocked
In 2 · Product Pages & OffersProduct PagesReturns and reassurance
Go deeper (1)
- Optional: Set delivery expectations you can keepLocked
Your delivery times are longer than a shopper would assume.
In 2 · Product Pages & OffersProduct PagesBuy box
- Step 7: Run one complete mobile order through every handoffLocked
In 5 · Build & Maintain on ShopifyShipping a changeShopify execution
Go deeper (4)
- Optional: Verify transaction rules before buying trafficLocked
Run this too if you take discounts, gift cards or more than one payment method.
In 5 · Build & Maintain on ShopifyShipping a changeShopify execution
- Optional: Test every transactional order eventLocked
You have not read your own confirmation email yet.
In 4 · Email & RetentionAccounts, Post-Purchase & RetentionOrder tracking and returns
- Optional: Ship the fix on the lowest rung that fully solves itLocked
You are deciding between theme settings, an app and paying for custom work.
In 5 · Build & Maintain on ShopifyShipping a changeShopify execution
- Optional: Know what a theme update will keep before you run itLocked
Someone has already edited your theme's code.
In 5 · Build & Maintain on ShopifyShipping a changeShopify execution
- Step 8: Set the measurement baseline before launchLocked
In 6 · Measure & LearnData you can trustTracking and data integrity