Key Takeaway:
Learn 10 important steps to set up your Shopify store the right way before it goes live.
Launching your Shopify store is like designing a digital garden. You’re aiming for a seamless, holistic experience, not a patchy landscape. But just like a garden needs more than pretty flowers, your store needs more than just products to thrive. Let’s walk through the 10 things most retailers miss when launching a new Shopify store.
“When your Shopify store’s SEO is lacking, it makes it harder for customers to find you in search engines. It also makes it harder for you to grow.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Setup
Your site may be live, but is it visible? Many store owners miss basic SEO tasks like writing SEO titles and meta descriptions, adding alt text to images, or setting up clean URLs. When your Shopify store’s SEO is lacking, it makes it harder for customers to find you in search engines. It also makes it harder for you to grow.
2. Mobile Responsiveness
Most shoppers browse on their phones. If your store only looks good on desktop, you’re losing potential sales. Check your product pages, navigation, and checkout flow on multiple screen sizes, so customers have a seamless mobile experience.
3. Site Speed Optimization
A slow-loading store is a conversion killer. Compress large images, minimize unnecessary apps, and choose a theme optimized for performance. Fast sites not only rank higher on Google but also convert better.
“Blurry or inconsistent product images erode trust. Use sharp, high-resolution images from multiple angles.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
4. High-Quality Product Images
Blurry or inconsistent product images erode trust. Use sharp, high-resolution images from multiple angles. Lifestyle shots and close-ups help customers picture your products in real life—especially for apparel, accessories, and home goods.
5. Legal Pages
Missing pages like a Return Policy, Terms of Service, or Privacy Policy can look unprofessional and even get you into trouble. These pages build credibility, protect your business, and are often required for payment processor approval. Given their legal significance, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney to draft these documents tailored to your specific business needs.
6. Analytics Setup
If you’re not tracking your site’s traffic and behavior, you’re flying blind. Set up Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console from the start to monitor performance, optimize user flow, and make informed decisions based on your data.
7. Shipping Settings
Nothing derails a sale faster than unexpected shipping charges at checkout. Per recent data from Statista, 48% of U.S. consumers this past year abandoned cart during the checkout process due to additional costs they thought were too high. Make sure your shipping rates are clear and fair, and that they appear early in the shopping journey — ideally before a customer hits the cart page.
8. Tax Configuration
Taxes vary by region, and failing to configure them correctly can lead to compliance headaches. Use Shopify’s built-in tax tools and double-check your settings to avoid charging either incorrectly or not at all.
9. Testing the Checkout Process
It’s easy to assume your checkout works — until it doesn’t. Always perform a few test purchases. Confirm that discounts apply correctly, shipping is calculated properly, and confirmation emails send as expected. Also test the checkout process for simplicity and speed. Per research from the Baymard Institute, 22% of people abandon cart because the checkout process is too long and/or complicated.
10. Security Measures
Trust is everything in eCommerce. Activate your SSL certificate (this enables the “https” in your URL) and only use secure payment gateways. Your customers trust you with their personal information. So, make sure their data is protected.
Establishing Your Landscape: A Strong Start on Shopify
By addressing these 10 often-missed essentials, you’ll create a welcoming, functional space for your customers. Remember, a flourishing garden isn’t just about surface beauty. It’s about the healthy, interconnected system beneath. Root your digital garden in functionality, then step back and watch your Shopify* store blossom.
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*DISCLOSURE: Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide, TTG may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!
