Launching your Shopify store is an exciting milestone, but it requires careful planning to ensure a seamless experience for your customers. To help you navigate the final steps before your big launch, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Shopify Store Launch Checklist. Let’s dive in!
1. Finalise Product Listings
- Double-check product details, descriptions, and pricing.
- Ensure high-quality images for each product.
- Verify that inventory levels are accurate.
2. Test Your Checkout Process
- Make test purchases to ensure the checkout process is smooth.
- Test various payment methods to confirm they are working correctly.
3. Set Up Shipping and Tax Rates
- Confirm that shipping rates are configured accurately.
- Verify that tax rates align with your business location and regulations.
4. Mobile Responsiveness
- Test your store on different devices to ensure a responsive design.
- Check that all elements are properly displayed on mobile devices.
5. Browser Compatibility
- Test your store on various browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) to ensure compatibility.
6. Legal Pages
- Ensure that privacy policy, terms of service, and refund policy pages are created and accessible.
- Double-check that these pages are linked in the footer.
7. Launch Announcement
- Prepare a launch announcement for your social media platforms and email list.
- Create engaging content to generate excitement around your store opening.
8. Monitor Your Domain
- If using a custom domain, ensure it is properly connected to your Shopify store.
- Verify that your myshopify.com domain is set up correctly if you’re using it.
9. SEO Optimisation
- Optimise product titles, descriptions, and meta tags for search engines.
- Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
10. Set Up Google Analytics
- Integrate Google Analytics with your Shopify store to track visitor behaviour.
- Confirm that e-commerce tracking is enabled.
11. Social Media Integration
- Verify that your social media accounts are linked to your Shopify store.
- Test social sharing functionality for products.
12. Email Marketing Integration
- Integrate your preferred email marketing platform.
- Set up welcome emails for new subscribers.
13. Customer Support Channels
- Ensure that contact information is visible for customer support.
- Set up and test your chosen customer support channels.
14. Test Load Times
- Check your store’s load times using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Optimise images and elements for faster loading.
15. Backup Your Store
- Create a backup of your store’s data in case of unforeseen issues.
- Familiarise yourself with Shopify’s backup and restore options.
16. Monitor Analytics
- Keep a close eye on analytics during the launch phase.
- Identify areas for improvement based on user behaviour.
17. Celebrate Your Launch
- Take a moment to celebrate your achievements!
- Engage with your first customers and gather feedback.
Launching your Shopify store is just the beginning of your e-commerce journey. Regularly review analytics, gather customer feedback, and stay updated on new features to continuously improve your store. Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone, and best of luck with your e-commerce venture! 🚀🛒
