Ultimate Shopify Store Launch Checklist
Launching a Shopify store requires careful planning and attention to detail. This comprehensive checklist covers all critical aspects to ensure your store is fully prepared for a successful launch. Use it to verify that you've addressed all the essential elements before going live.
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How to Use This Checklist
Click each checkbox as you complete the items. Your progress will be saved in your browser. You can use the "Check All" button for each section once you've completed all items in that category. Use the print button to create a physical copy of the checklist.
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Configure General Store Settings
Verify store name, contact email, store currency, timezone, and unit system settings in the Shopify admin.
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Set Up Custom Domain
Purchase and configure a custom domain or connect an existing domain to your Shopify store. Verify DNS settings are correct.
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Configure SSL Certificate
Ensure SSL certificate is installed correctly and forced SSL is enabled for secure browsing.
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Set Up Payment Providers
Configure payment gateways, test transactions, and ensure payment methods work correctly.
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Configure Shipping Settings
Set up shipping zones, rates, and options. Test shipping calculations for different addresses and cart values.
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Set Up Tax Configuration
Configure tax settings for each relevant jurisdiction. Verify tax calculations for different shipping destinations.
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Configure Store Notifications
Customize email notifications and ensure all necessary notifications are enabled. Test email notifications for orders, shipping, etc.
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Set Up User Accounts
Create staff accounts with appropriate permissions for team members who need access to the store admin.
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Add Store Logo and Favicon
Upload high-quality logo images in the appropriate sizes and formats. Add a favicon for browser tabs.
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Complete All Product Listings
Ensure all products have complete information: titles, descriptions, images, pricing, variants, inventory, and shipping details.
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Optimize Product Images
Ensure all product images are high-quality, consistently sized, properly compressed, and have descriptive filenames.
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Create and Organize Collections
Set up logical product collections and categories with appropriate sorting and filtering options.
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Create Essential Pages
Create and populate About Us, Contact, FAQ, and other important information pages with comprehensive content.
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Configure Navigation Menus
Set up logical, user-friendly main navigation, footer menus, and any additional navigation elements.
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Set Up Homepage Content
Configure homepage sections, featured products, banner images, call-to-action elements, and other content blocks.
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Implement SEO Elements
Add meta titles, descriptions, and structured data for all pages and products. Configure URL structures and sitemap.
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Ensure Consistent Branding
Verify brand colors, typography, imagery, and messaging are consistent across all store elements.
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Test Responsive Design
Verify that your store displays and functions correctly on all device types and screen sizes (desktop, tablet, mobile).
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Check Font Readability
Ensure all text is legible, properly sized, and has sufficient contrast with background colors.
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Implement Call-to-Action Elements
Add clear, compelling call-to-action buttons at strategic locations throughout the store.
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Check Navigation Usability
Ensure navigation is intuitive, properly organized, and works correctly on all devices.
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Optimize Page Loading Speed
Minimize image sizes, enable lazy loading, and implement other performance optimizations.
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Implement Trust Elements
Add security badges, testimonials, reviews, guarantees, and other trust-building elements.
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Check for Broken Links
Verify all internal and external links throughout the site work correctly and lead to the intended destinations.
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Test Complete Checkout Process
Complete test orders using different payment methods, shipping options, and discount codes.
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Verify Form Functionality
Test all forms, including contact forms, newsletter signup, and account creation, to ensure they submit correctly.
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Test Search Functionality
Verify store search returns accurate results and handles common search queries effectively.
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Check Filter and Sort Options
Test collection page filtering and sorting options to ensure they work as expected.
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Test Account Functionality
Verify customer account creation, login, password reset, and account management features.
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Verify App Integrations
Test all installed apps and third-party integrations to ensure they function correctly.
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Test Discount Codes
Verify all promotional codes, automatic discounts, and special offers work as expected.
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Check Order Processing
Verify order processing, notification emails, fulfillment, and inventory adjustment functionality.
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Create Privacy Policy
Develop a comprehensive privacy policy that complies with relevant regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
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Create Terms of Service
Develop terms of service that outline the rules, guidelines, and legal terms for using your store.
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Create Shipping Policy
Develop a shipping policy that clearly explains shipping methods, timeframes, and costs.
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Create Return/Refund Policy
Develop a clear return and refund policy outlining the process, conditions, and timeframes.
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Implement Cookie Consent
Add a cookie consent notification that complies with applicable privacy regulations.
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Include Contact Information
Ensure your store displays required business information (address, email, phone) as required by law.
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Review Industry-Specific Requirements
Ensure compliance with any industry-specific legal requirements (e.g., health claims, product safety).
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Verify Checkout Terms
Ensure customers must acknowledge terms and conditions during checkout as required by law.
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Set Up Google Analytics
Configure Google Analytics (preferably GA4) and verify it's tracking data correctly.
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Configure E-commerce Tracking
Set up enhanced e-commerce tracking to monitor conversions, cart behavior, and product performance.
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Set Up Google Search Console
Register your site with Google Search Console and verify ownership to monitor search performance.
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Configure Facebook Pixel
Set up Facebook Pixel for tracking conversions and building custom audiences if using Facebook ads.
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Set Up Email Marketing Integration
Configure integration with your email marketing platform (Klaviyo, Mailchimp, etc.) for customer communication.
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Configure Custom Reports
Set up any custom reports or dashboards needed to track key performance indicators.
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Verify Tracking Code Installation
Check that all tracking scripts are properly installed and functioning on all pages.
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Set Up Goal Tracking
Configure conversion goals and events in analytics platforms to measure business objectives.
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Conduct Cross-Browser Testing
Test the store on different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to ensure consistent functionality.
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Perform Cross-Device Testing
Test on various devices (desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone) to verify responsive design.
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Check Site Performance
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and address performance issues.
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Review for Spelling and Grammar
Proofread all content for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.
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Test with External Users
Have people unfamiliar with your store test the shopping experience and provide feedback.
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Verify Password Protection
If using a password page pre-launch, ensure it functions correctly before removing it.
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Complete Full Test Order
Place a complete test order and verify all steps from checkout to fulfillment work correctly.
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Create Launch Plan
Develop a detailed launch plan including timing, announcements, and monitoring procedures.
Need Help Launching Your Shopify Store?
If you need assistance with your Shopify store launch, our team of experts is here to help. We offer comprehensive Shopify launch services to ensure your store is fully optimized and ready for success. Contact us for a free consultation.
