Shopify Store Launch Checklist

45 practical checks to go through before and after you launch a Shopify store. Tick items off as you go; your progress is saved in this browser. You can also print the page.

1. Plan before you build

• I know exactly who my customer is and what problem the product solves
• I have checked competitors' products, prices and shipping offers
• I know my real cost per order, including shipping, fees and returns
• I have chosen a store name and a matching domain name
• I have checked what business registration and tax rules apply where I sell

2. Store setup

• Store currency, time zone and contact email are set
• My own domain is connected and works with https
• Store plan is chosen (I can upgrade later)
• Staff accounts use strong, unique passwords and two-step login
• Password protection stays on until I am ready to launch

3. Design and mobile

• Theme is fast, clean and mobile friendly
• Logo, colors and fonts are consistent
• Home page shows a clear promise and my best products
• I checked every key page on a real phone
• Navigation is simple: customers can find products in two clicks

4. Products

• Every product has a clear title and a useful description (not copied from the supplier)
• Photos are sharp, consistent and show the product from several angles
• Variants, sizes, prices and stock levels are correct
• Size guides, materials and what is included are shown
• Products are grouped into logical collections

5. Payments, tax and shipping

• A payment gateway available in my country is connected and tested
• Taxes are configured for the places I sell to (checked with a professional if unsure)
• Shipping rates cover my real costs, and delivery times are stated
• International shipping, duties and returns are explained clearly
• Order confirmation and shipping emails are set up and look right

6. Trust and policies

• About page tells who I am and why customers can trust me
• Contact page has a working email and reply promise
• Shipping policy and returns/refund policy are published
• Privacy policy and terms of service are published
• Cookie notice or consent tool is set up if I sell to Europe or the UK

7. SEO and analytics

• Every page has a clear title and meta description
• Images have descriptive alt text
• Google Search Console is connected and a sitemap is submitted
• Google Analytics (GA4) is installed and receiving data
• Page speed is checked on mobile and the biggest problems are fixed

8. Test and launch

• I placed a test order from start to finish on desktop and on a phone
• A friend who has not seen the store tried to buy something and told me where they got stuck
• All links, forms and discount codes work
• Password protection is removed and the store is live
• I have a plan to bring the first visitors (email, social, partners, ads)

9. First 30 days after launch

• I answer every customer message quickly
• I ask early customers for honest reviews
• I check analytics weekly: traffic sources, best products, drop-off points
• I improve one thing at a time and note what worked
• I review speed and installed apps monthly

This checklist is general guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules differ by country and product, so check requirements for the places you sell with a qualified professional.

Related guides

• How to Start a Shopify Store: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Speed Up Your Shopify Store: 10 Practical Fixes