Shopify Experts: Things to Know Before Hiring

Introduction

When venturing into the e-commerce world, having a robust and well-functioning online store is paramount to success. For many, Shopify stands out as a leading platform, with more than 4.4 million live Shopify stores globally according to Built With. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet capable of scaling to the demands of large enterprises. However, to truly maximize what Shopify offers, one might consider hiring a Shopify Expert. Before you do, there’s a lot to understand to ensure you’re making the right move for your business.

1. Understand Shopify Experts

Shopify Experts are vetted professionals who possess a deep understanding and experience with the Shopify platform. They can assist with everything from setting up your store and customizing themes to SEO and marketing strategies. 

Shopify has an official directory that lists these experts, giving you peace of mind that they’re recognized for their skills and reliability.

Before hiring a Shopify Expert, there are crucial aspects to consider to ensure that you make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs.

2. Defining Your Objectives

Before you start looking for an expert, you must clearly understand what you need them for. Are you looking to customize the look and feel of your site, improve its SEO ranking, integrate with other systems, or optimize your store for higher conversions? Knowing your objectives will help you identify the type of expert you need.

3. Evaluating Expertise

Shopify Experts specialize in various areas including store setup, customization, photography, marketing, and troubleshooting. Make sure the expert’s skills align with your requirements. You can check their portfolio and read reviews to gauge their expertise.

4. The Cost Factor

Hiring a Shopify Expert can significantly range in cost depending on the complexity of the project and the expert’s location and experience. Median hourly rates for Shopify developers range from $15 (beginner) to $95 (expert) on platforms like Upwork. Freelance Shopify professionals can charge between $10 to $25 per hour, whereas agencies may charge $25 to $45 per hour according to Praella. It’s essential to have a budget in mind and discuss costs upfront to avoid surprises.

5. Communication and Collaboration

The success of your project heavily relies on effective communication. It’s crucial that the expert understands your vision and that you are kept in the loop during the development process. Discuss their preferred communication channels and ensure they align with your expectations.

6. Timeline and Availability

Understanding the timeline for your project is essential. Ask potential Shopify Experts for time estimates and their availability. Some may have waitlists or could be juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

7. Maintenance and Post-Launch Support

Your relationship with the expert shouldn’t end once the store goes live. It’s important to have support for maintenance or any issues that arise post-launch. Discuss the availability of ongoing support and the costs associated.

8. Training and Knowledge Transfer

An often-overlooked aspect is the training provided by experts. Some might offer detailed documentation or training sessions to help you and your staff understand how to manage the Shopify store efficiently.

9. Portfolio and Testimonials

Always request to see a portfolio of past work and look for testimonials or references you can contact. This can give you insights into their working style and the satisfaction level of their clients.

10. Understanding Shopify’s Limitations

Even the most skilled Shopify Expert cannot overcome every limitation of the platform. It’s important to understand these limitations ahead of time and maintain realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

11. Security and Payments

Ensuring your store is secure and that transactions are safe is crucial. Shopify Experts should be well-versed in setting up secure payment gateways and providing advice on best practices for e-commerce security.

12. SEO and Analytics

An often underestimated aspect of online stores is their findability. Experienced Shopify Experts should offer SEO services to make your store more visible and provide analytics to track progress and suggest improvements.

13. Adaptability and Innovation

The digital landscape is ever-changing, and so are trends in e-commerce. A Shopify Expert should not only be skilled in current best practices but also adaptable and innovative, ready to implement new features or strategies that give your store an edge.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a Shopify Expert can be the catalyst for transforming your online presence, but it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Careful consideration of your business needs, budget, the expert’s skills, and how they align with your vision for your online store will go a long way towards ensuring a successful partnership.