Are you looking for a qualified Shopify developer for your big project? Or perhaps you just don’t know where to find the best Shopify developers?
At Legiit, we want to see our community thrive, make money and connect online! Our complete guide to hiring a Shopify developer will quickly and easily help you out.
You’ll have the top development talent on your team in no time at all. All you have to do is follow our 7-step guide! We’ll even treat you with some bonus pointers to ensure that your Shopify development goes according to plan.
Why You Should Always Hire A Shopify Developer
Starting a business, especially an eCommerce business, is no easy task.
You have a lot on your plate, from sourcing products, managing a growing inventory, and creating an eye-catching marketing strategy.
And if you don’t have any Shopify development experience, then hiring a Shopify developer can help take some load off your shoulders and help you create a perfectly tailored online store for your business. When you hire a Shopify developer, you’ll find that you’ve got more time to concentrate on the other aspects of your business. Qualified Shopify developers understand the platform.
They know how it works and can effortlessly create a custom eCommerce experience that’ll impress your customers and keep them coming back for more. And when customers keep on coming back for more, you end up making more money.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Shopify Developer
Still not convinced that you need to hire a Shopify developer for your project? Here are the benefits and facts to prove how essential it is for your online success to hire a Shopify developer.Better Checkout
According to Shopify research, 18% of people abandon their shopping cart because of a long and complicated checkout process.
Qualified Shopify developers have extensive knowledge and can quickly streamline the checkout process. They know which payment gateways to integrate and how to improve a customer’s checkout experience.
When you offer a better checkout experience, people will go through with their purchases and will be more likely to purchase from you again.
Improved Security In the same study, Shopify found that 17% of people abandon their online shopping carts because they didn’t trust the site with their credit card information. The best Shopify developers know how to use the right trust signals and security protocols to secure your shoppers’ data. You’ll enjoy a solid reputation and improve those sales!
Mobile-first Approach Research from Google shows that mobile users are five times more likely to abandon their shopping if you didn’t optimize your store for mobile devices. With more people using mobile devices for online shopping, it’s an audience you simply cannot ignore. Luckily, qualified Shopify developers know how to make your Shopify store look beautiful on every possible device.
Customize To Stand Out Statista reports that in 2020 over 2 billion people purchased goods and services online for a total value that surpassed 4.2 trillion US dollars. With so many hungry shoppers flocking online for the latest and most fantastic deals, the competition is on to give your Shopify store a competitive advantage. Apart from ensuring that your website is up to date with the latest trends, a Shopify developer can create custom functionality to help your store stand out from the crowd. When customers have an excellent experience with your shop, they’ll be more likely to recommend your store to their family and friends. They may even leave you a positive review. Soon, you’ll be winning over more customers, leading to more sales and more money. So if you want your Shopify store to truly succeed in the long run, hire a professional Shopify developer to launch, manage, and improve your online store. You’ll find that the right developer allows you to:
- Save time: A qualified developer can quickly launch your Shopify store!
- Save money: There’s no need for constant back-and-forth development.
- Make money: Improve the customer experience, leading to more sales and money.
Things To Keep In Mind When Hiring A Shopify Developer
You won’t just hire anyone from the street to help you start a business, would you? Choosing the best Shopify developer for your store is incredibly important. Not only should the developer be familiar with the latest programming techniques, but here are a couple of other essentials they should have:Excellent Communication
Excellent communication is the foundation for any successful development project. When you hire a Shopify developer , you’ll need to ensure that they have excellent communication skills. A great developer will always keep you in the loop about the status of your project. They’ll let you know, from the start, what to expect, which milestones are on the horizon, and provide you with a timeline to follow. Excellent communication skills are also critical during the briefing process. You don’t want to end up with a project that didn’t meet your requirements. To avoid misunderstandings or confusion, your developer needs to be an expert communicator.Amazing Portfolio
There are plenty of Shopify developers available. However, the best developers have a fantastic portfolio that showcases their excellent work. When you’re looking to hire a Shopify developer, try and find one that has completed several projects in your industry. Having completed several projects in your industry means that:- They can get started quickly,
- They understand your industry,
- Will use the best practices to give your business a cutting edge over the competition.
Superb Testimonials
Superb testimonials prove that the developer has completed several projects and that their customers are happy with their skills. Look for a Shopify developer that has several excellent reviews and customer testimonials. If you can, try and find a developer with amazing testimonials from other businesses within your industry. By looking for these testimonials, you’ll know that they’re more than capable of doing an excellent job.Innovative Design
Shopify is a massive p[latform, and there are plenty of dull, standard-looking templates for Shopify stores available online. Unfortunately, some fly-by-night Shopify developers will use these templates to deliver quickly. However, if you want your Shopify store to succeed, you need to find a developer that’s unafraid of experimenting and innovating. When a developer displays innovative thinking, along with some creativity, you can rest assured that they’ll deliver a project as unique as you want it to be.Solid Satisfaction
A Shopify developer needs to deliver a project that satisfies you and your customers. Ask your potential developer about the number of changes they’ll do before you sign off on anything. Some developers will do unlimited revisions. While they are pretty rare, they’ll definitely be worth it! When you ask about the satisfaction guarantee, you know that your developer won’t abandon you halfway through the project with a Shopify store that you didn’t approve of.Adequate Support
Creating and developing the perfect Shopify experience isn’t the only goal a fantastic developer will have to achieve. The best developers also offer exceptional service after development. They may train you or your staff on using the Shopify platform, or they could provide you with video guides and advice on getting the most out of your Shopify store. You’ll want your developer to be available to offer support. They should also improve your online store further as your business grows and your customers’ needs and expectations change.How To Hire A Qualified Shopify Developer In 7 Easy Steps
Hiring a Shopify developer is a long-term partnership. They’re the difference between a successful online store and a failure. Luckily, we can help you choose the right Shopify developer for your project. In fact, at Legiit, we’ve refined this process into 7 easy-to-follow steps. Here’s how to hire an excellent developer to build your Shopify store.
1. Know What You Want
Before you start searching for the best Shopify developers, you first need to know what you want them to do. We suggest that you sit down and answer the following questions:- What do you want your Shopify store to look like? Search for examples, brands, and ideas that inspire you or match your existing brand and ideals. The more ideas you have, the easier it becomes for a developer to understand what you want your store to look like.
- What functions and features would you like to have? Do you want a predictive search bar? What about two-step authentication for your customers? Write down a list of essential features and functions that your store must have. This list could include customer support, a blog, or even integration with social media.
- Should your store simplify or automate tasks for you? Some developers can include several tools and plugins to help you manage your inventory, effortlessly print shipping labels or automate your email marketing campaigns.
2. Set Your Budget
Before you contact a freelance Shopify developer, you need to set a budget. Your budget will determine the features and tools a developer will implement on your Shopify store. So, part of deciding on a budget is also prioritizing the features you want and need. Decide on the must-have features, and then list the other features as nice-to-have features. By doing this, you’ll ensure that you’ve got the essentials, in case you can’t afford everything you wanted. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. A great developer can come back and make improvements or add features as your business starts to grow. A fantastic developer will even propose alternatives to help you lower your costs and truly get value for your money.How Much Does A Shopify Developer Cost?
The general rule of thumb is that the bigger and more complex your Shopify store is, the more it’ll cost you to hire a developer.
A developer will consider the complexity of your project, the volume of traffic, sales goals, and any feature and functionality requirements when they work out a cost for your project. The more you deviate from a template, the more the costs will be since the developer will have to create a unique Shopify experience. At Legiit, you can hire a freelance Shopify developer to quickly and effortlessly create the ultimate Shopify store.
You can find Shopify services at rates anywhere between $15 to $50 and more. Your Shopify development costs can also increase if you plan to integrate copywriting, SEO, or marketing. If you plan on hiring freelance copywriters for product descriptions and web copy, you should budget between $6 and $50. On the other hand, SEO specialists charge anything between $8 and $100 to help improve the traffic to your website.
Remember to discuss your exact needs with your developer. Let them know what features or functionality you’re willing to cut to lower development costs. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice. As professional developers, they’ve gained all the skills and knowledge necessary to quickly and effortlessly create a Shopify store that won’t break your bank. Once you’ve settled on a budget, it’s time to do research!
3. Do Research
There are thousands of Shopify developers eager to make a good impression. You should never settle for the first developer that left you with a great impression. Before taking the next step, make a shortlist of your favorite candidates. Browse online forums, such as the Legiit Facebook group or even the Shopify forums. Ask people about your shortlisted candidates.
Would they recommend your candidates? Did they have any bad experiences working with your preferred developers?
By checking their portfolio, online testimonials, and social media platforms, you’ll quickly form a better picture of whether they’re a good fit for your project. If you want to do some more in-depth research, you could even ask to get in touch with some of their past clients and ask them about the kind of experience they had working with the shortlisted developer. The more information you have, the easier it’ll be to spot any potential red flags that could delay or sink your Shopify project.
4. Narrow Down The Top Candidates
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to create a final shortlist of potential developers. Only add the candidates that match all of your criteria to this list.
Now, you need to send them a list of your questions, as well as details about your Shopify project via email. When you do, you should also let your developers know your goals and expectations. Ask them about the technician skills and experience they can bring to your project. Here are some of our favorite questions to ask during this time:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Are you well-versed in Shopify APIs?
- Will you continue to support and maintain my project after it goes live?
- Can you optimize my Shopify store for mobile devices?
- What tools do you use for project management and communication?
- Do you offer free bug fixes and minor updates?
- Do you provide transparent, honest communication without any delays?
- Do you cater to rush projects?
- What are your typical timelines like?
Remember to ask them for examples of their work that proves they have the necessary skills and tools to develop the ultimate Shopify store.
When you narrow down your list of developers, look for developers that aren’t afraid to explain in detail how they’ve accomplished specific projects. If a developer can quickly answer your questions and make you feel comfortable with their expertise, it’s easier to choose the best Shopify developer to hire. When you find the right developer, it’ll be easier for you to launch your exciting new eCommerce store. This process is also great for testing out their communication skills. If you and a developer can communicate effortlessly, it’ll be easier to launch your Shopify project.
5. Discuss Your Shopify Project
Once you’ve received answers from all of your prospective developers, it’s time to choose the one that created the biggest impression on you. Then you can explain exactly what you want them to do for you. Explain the:- Look and feel of your online store,
- Features and functions,
- Any automated process.
6. Start The Project
Before you start developing your Shopify store, you first need to work with your developer to create a payment schedule that’ll work for both of you. Some developers will most likely ask for a deposit before starting any work. Don’t worry, as this is perfectly normal. As soon as you’ve paid the deposit, the developer will start to work on your exciting Shopify project. As the developer meets each milestone, you need to review them and only release payments once you’re completely satisfied with the results.7. Stay In Contact
Just because your Shopify developer is busy with your project, it doesn’t mean you can sit back and relax. You need to stay in contact with your developer. Check your timetable, and follow up on any milestones. When you stay in contact and on top of things, it’ll become easier to work around any unforeseen delays or issues. You and your developer can work together to find solutions and ensure that the project stays on track. The sooner you both complete your project, the faster you can start making money online.What Should I Do Once My Shopify Developer Has Completed My Project?
After all the hard work, once your Shopify store is up and running, there are still some things that you need to do. Here are six critical steps to follow once your professional developer has finished your Shopify project.1. Pay It Forward
The first thing you should do is write a sparkling review of the developer’s service. Let them know you’ll recommend them to future customers and that they can use your business as a reference. By doing this, you’ll be creating a long-lasting, happy relationship with your Shopify developer. Your reviews and recommendations will also go a long way to helping other people find the best developer for their Shopify projects. Not only will you be helping your Shopify developer get more customers, but they’ll remember you and be grateful to you. When you need to update your Shopify store or add some new features, they’ll be all too happy to help you out quickly. Remember, good relationships are good business, even online.2. Look At SEO
Most Shopify developers will include SEO (search engine optimization) into their fees.
If your developer doesn’t offer this service, you should consider hiring an SEO copywriter or a Shopify SEO expert.
When you’ve optimized your Shopify store for search engines, it’ll be much easier to draw vast numbers of visitors to your store. The more visitors you have, the more sales you’ll get, and the more money you’ll make!
3. Provide Good Customer Service
An essential part of any successful eCommerce store is having fantastic customer care. You need someone to deal with customer questions and help seal those deals. Talk to your Shopify developer about ways to improve your customer services or implement a customer care platform. If you or your staff is too busy to manage this platform, consider outsourcing your eCommerce customer service .
The right customer care team will improve your sales and keep your customers happy. Remember, satisfied customers are paying customers!
4. Make Your Life Easy
Of course, you need to focus on growing your business. One fantastic Shopify store isn’t enough to make you rich and happy. If your Shopify developer didn’t provide you with the tools to automate specific tasks - you need to free up your time by delegating daily, routine tasks to your staff.
You could even hire a virtual assistant to help free up your time. By giving yourself more time, you can concentrate on building a long-lasting business that’ll weather any storm that the online world can throw at you.
5. Don’t Forget About Marketing
Marketing your eCommerce store is essential to your success. Chat with your developer on tools they can include to automate your marketing efforts. Savvy developers can integrate Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms along with email marketing tools to help improve your marketing.
When they include these tools now, you save expensive development fees later. For a quick and easy improvement to your marketing, we recommend that you hire a social media manager . They’ll ensure that your brand enjoys a solid reputation that’ll bring the customers flocking in.
6. Continue To Grow
Suppose you’ve followed all the steps up to this point - congratulations! We’re confident that your new eCommerce store will quickly grow. Next, you’ll need to plan for the future. Luckily, you can chat with your Shopify developer to learn about new features, functionality, or improvements they recommend.
Your developer will be up to date with the latest trends and developments. They’ll know how you can leverage your online business for optimal success. At Legiit, we recommend that you consult a freelance business coach !
They’re not as expensive as people believe. A business coach can also look at your Shopify store and develop creative solutions to improve it.
Where Do I Find The Best Shopify Developers?
Now that you know what to look for in a developer and how to hire a Shopify developer, let’s quickly discuss where to find a Shopify developer. Luckily, finding a Shopify developer is quick and easy.Find A Freelance Shopify Developer On Legiit
Browse Legiit, where there are more than 80 freelance Shopify developers ! You’ll find some popular freelancers here, such as Creativehands . With several 5-star reviews, they’ve been helping eCommerce business owners achieve their dreams since 2021!
Creativehands offers several Shopify development packages that are perfect if you want an automated drop-shipping shop.
These packages start from $15. You could also hire a freelance Shopify developer such as Aneesurrehman for $27.
They offer several comprehensive development services to make your Shopify store an online success.
Their services are highly rated on Legiit and even include social media integration for your shop on Facebook and Instagram.
Your customers will find it’s easy to share your excellent products with their friends and family! Sana 573 has been creating mind-blowing Shopify experiences for years. Her services start from $50. She offers 24/7 support, so you can confidently enjoy the power of your Shopify project. She’s also capable of customizing your customer’s Shopify experience. By doing this, you’ll be offering customers a unique, memorable experience that’s light-years better than a standard template! It’s not just on Legiit, where you can find professional freelance Shopify developers.
Find A Freelance Shopify Developer On Legitt’s Facebook Group
To quickly and easily find several excellent freelance Shopify developers, you should head on over to the official Legiit Facebook group .
Here you can request that Shopify developers reach out to you. So, you don’t have to search for developers. Let them come to you! Always remember to follow our 7 easy steps to choose the best Shopify developer for your particular project. When you follow our guide, you’ll end up hiring the best developer to create your fantastic Shopify store quickly.
Help! I Have A Complex Shopify Project And Can’t Find A Developer. What Now?
What if you’ve searched through all the available freelance developers on Legiit and even on our official Facebook group? What if you’ve got a complicated, large Shopify project, and you need a developer urgently to join your excellent team? In that case, head on over to our job portal! Here you can quickly post a job with all the specifics.
Countless freelancers browse the job postings daily. If your request excites them, they’ll quickly get in touch with you. After some freelance developers make contact with you, run them through our 7-step process to identify the perfect Shopify developer. As long as you stick to our guide, you’ll hire the right developer for your project. And when you hire the perfect developer, you save time and money. You can also start making money faster!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring A Shopify Developer
Here are some bonus frequently asked questions about hiring a freelance Shopify developer. The more you know about the process, the easier it’ll be to find the perfect development partner.Is It Easy To Build A Shopify Store?
If you consider yourself very tech-savvy and grew up around a lot of technology while loving to learn new skills, you’ll find it’s easy to build a Shopify store. However, if you want to do it professionally and make money with your Shopify store, it’s best to hire a professional developer. Shopify developers have spent years honing their skills.
They know the difference between User Experience and User Interface. A professional developer knows how to make Shopify stores look amazing on any device.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Shopify Store?
The time a developer will spend creating your Shopify store depends on how big and complicated you want it to be. For instance, an online store selling only 5 products will have a shorter development time than a drop-shipping store boasting over 500 products, with countless variations! At Legiit, we found that the average store setup is around 20 to 30 hours of dedicated work. You should probably add another 5 to 10 hours of project management and communication. No matter how long it takes, if you’re working full time, managing busy family life, and trying to launch your online store, a Shopify developer will save you time and money. They’ll speed up the development process, letting you concentrate on the things that matter most to you.Should I Build My Shopify Store Myself?
We don’t recommend that you develop your Shopify store alone. Unless you have a lot of time, and you’re in no hurry to start making money.
Specific tasks, such as loading product descriptions, can take a lot of time. Even if you hire a freelancer to write product descriptions for you, you’ll still need to handle the other aspects of developing and launching a Shopify store. The better option is to hire a freelance developer with a team of professionals to quickly and efficiently get your store up and running. The faster they complete the store, the faster you can start making money.
Do Shopify Developers Specialize In Frontend Tasks Only?
Professional Shopify developers, such as those on Legiit, can do so much more than just customize a theme, tweak some colors, and change the font. They can help you quickly automate specific daily tasks, such as invoicing and emailing. They can improve the security, the user experience, and ensure that your store is genuinely unique.
Some Shopify developers can even take your Shopify store and turn it into a mobile app. So, Shopify developers can do much more than just frontend tasks.
Is It A Good Idea To Hire A Freelance Shopify Developer?
Yes, it’s a fantastic idea to hire a freelance Shopify developer! Most freelancers have years of experience and expert insight. They know how to quickly and effectively complete a project without any unnecessary delays.Can A Shopify Developer Help Me With Tweaks, Optimization, Or Bug Fixes?
Yes, Shopify developers are always willing to help you optimize your existing Shopify store. Today, many developers will first optimize or implement a feature on your website to show you that they can quickly and easily help you. They’ll do this, even before you hire them, for a complete overall of your Shopify website! Asking a developer to help tweak or optimize a part of your website is also a great way to start a long-lasting partnership that’ll benefit you and the developer.Contact The Best Shopify Developers Today For Instant Success!
Hiring a Shopify developer isn’t difficult as long as you follow our 7-step guide. When you hire the best Shopify developer, you can enjoy a quick and painless development process. Remember to follow our guide and contact the best Shopify developers today on:- The Legiit freelance platform
- The official Legiit Facebook group
- The Legiit job board
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