To ensure the successful development of a Shopify site that perfectly aligns with your business needs and brand identity, several key details and materials are required. Providing this information will streamline the development process and guarantee the final product meets your expectations.
Provide the registered business name, official address, and any other legal requirements. For example, if your business is registered as “XYZ Fashion Ltd.,” include this name, your business’s physical address, and any relevant licenses or permits.
Submit high-quality logo files in formats like PNG, SVG, or AI. Additionally, provide branding guidelines such as color schemes, fonts, and any specific design elements that represent your brand. For instance, if your brand uses a specific shade of blue (#0033CC) and a custom font like “Roboto,” include these details.
If you already own a domain (e.g., www.xyzfashion.com), provide access to the domain registrar account to connect it to Shopify. For instance, you may need to share login credentials for GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another domain provider.
If you don’t have a domain yet, share your preferences for the domain name. For example, if your business name is “XYZ Fashion,” you might prefer domains like www.xyzfashion.com or www.shopxyzfashion.com. Discuss these options to find the best available domain.
Provide high-quality images (minimum 1000×1000 pixels), detailed product descriptions, pricing, SKUs, and any other relevant details. For example, if you sell clothing, include images of each item, descriptions including material and sizing, prices, and unique SKUs like “XYZ-Tshirt-001.”
Submit content for essential pages such as “About Us,” “Contact Us,” “FAQs,” “Privacy Policy,” and “Terms of Service.” For example, the “About Us” page might include your company’s history, mission, and values, while the “Privacy Policy” should outline how customer data is handled.
If you have existing blog content or ideas for new posts, provide them. For instance, if you’ve written a blog post titled “5 Ways to Style Your New XYZ T-shirt,” include the text and images for that post.
Provide information on the payment gateways you plan to use, such as PayPal, Stripe, or Shopify Payments. For example, if you want to accept credit card payments through Stripe, include your Stripe account details.
Detail your shipping policies, rates, zones, and preferred carriers. For example, you might offer free shipping on orders over $50 within the United States, with standard rates for international shipping via USPS or DHL.
Specify any third-party apps or integrations you wish to use, such as email marketing tools like Mailchimp, inventory management systems like TradeGecko, or customer review apps like Yotpo. For example, if you use Mailchimp for email marketing, provide the API key and integration details.
If integration with external systems is required, provide API documentation and access. For instance, if you need to connect Shopify with your ERP system, include the API endpoint, keys, and documentation.
Ensure that all necessary content or tools for GDPR compliance are provided. For example, if you operate in the EU, include a GDPR-compliant privacy policy, cookie consent banners, and options for users to request data deletion.
Share information on tax rates, regions, and any required tax IDs. For example, if you collect sales tax in certain U.S. states, list the applicable tax rates and your sales tax ID for each state.
Provide high-quality images or designs for promotional banners. For instance, if you’re running a “Summer Sale” with 20% off selected items, supply a banner design featuring the discount offer, relevant images, and a call-to-action.
Include links to your business’s social media accounts and any widgets or integrations you want. For example, if you want to display an Instagram feed on your homepage, provide the link to your Instagram account and any required embed code or API access.
Provide contact details for customer service, such as a support email address and phone number. For example, you might use support@xyzfashion.com and a customer service hotline like 1-800-XYZ-1234.
If you want to integrate live chat, specify the platform (e.g., LiveChat, Tawk.to) and provide the necessary account details. For instance, if you use Tawk.to, provide the script code and any customization preferences.
Share examples of websites you like or specific design preferences. For example, if you admire the minimalistic design of www.everlane.com or the vibrant colors used on www.warbyparker.com, mention these as references for your site.
If you have a specific Shopify theme in mind, mention it. For example, you might prefer using the “Debut” theme for its simplicity and clean layout, or “Brooklyn” for a more contemporary look.
If your Shopify account is already created, provide admin access so that the site can be developed directly. For example, grant access to the development team via the Shopify admin panel under “Settings” > “Account.”
Provide access to your business’s social media accounts for integration purposes. For instance, if you want to link your Facebook shop with Shopify, provide the necessary login details or grant admin access.
Provide a list of specific keywords you want to target for search engine optimization. For example, if you sell eco-friendly clothing, target keywords might include “sustainable fashion,” “eco-friendly apparel,” and “organic cotton t-shirts.”
Provide access to your Google Analytics and Search Console accounts to monitor site traffic and performance. For example, share the account details or invite the development team to view and manage these services.
Important Note: Shopify Account Creation
Please do not create a Shopify account yourself.
The Shopify store will be created using a development account, which allows for more efficient work during the development phase. Once the site is fully developed and ready for launch, the store will be seamlessly transferred to your own Shopify account. This process ensures a smoother setup and avoids any complications during development