Sep 22, 2025

Shopify tips

Shopify Store Checklist: What Your Store Needs to Have? 25 Must-Haves

Andrey Gadashevich

CEO | Conversion expert

Shopify Store Checklist: What Your Store Needs to Have

Launching a successful Shopify store requires more than just adding products and hoping for sales. Your store needs essential pages, proper functionality, and strategic apps to convert visitors into customers and build long-term success.

From technical setup to marketing preparation, every element plays a crucial role in your store's performance and conversion rates.

This comprehensive checklist covers the 25 must-have elements for your Shopify store launch. Following these requirements ensures your store meets customer expectations and positions you for sustainable growth from day one.

1. Set Up Your Shopify Account and Business Information

Your Shopify account forms the foundation of your entire eCommerce operation. Start by creating your account, selecting an appropriate plan, and adding complete business details including your legal business name, address, and contact information.

Navigate to Settings > General in your Shopify Admin to input your store details, timezone, and currency settings. This information appears on invoices and helps establish credibility with customers and payment processors.

Configure Billing and Payment Details

Add your billing information and confirm your payment method for Shopify subscription fees. Ensure your business bank account is connected and verified to receive customer payments without delays.

2. Secure a Custom Domain Name

A custom domain name creates a professional appearance and builds brand recognition. Replace the default myshopify.com subdomain with your branded domain to improve customer trust and SEO performance.

Purchase your domain through Shopify or connect an existing domain via Settings > Domains. Choose a memorable name that reflects your brand and is easy to spell and remember.

3. Choose and Customize Your Theme

Your theme determines your store's visual appearance and user experience. Select a responsive theme that aligns with your brand and provides excellent mobile functionality, as mobile commerce continues to grow.

Customize your chosen theme through the Theme Editor, adjusting colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand identity. Ensure your theme loads quickly and provides intuitive navigation for customers.

Optimize for Mobile Responsiveness

Test your theme across different devices and screen sizes to ensure consistent performance. Mobile optimization directly impacts conversion rates and search engine rankings.

4. Create Essential Store Pages

Essential pages provide customers with necessary information and build trust in your brand. These pages also improve your store's SEO performance and help customers make informed purchasing decisions.

Create these fundamental pages through Online Store > Pages in your Shopify Admin. Each page should contain clear, helpful information that addresses customer concerns and questions.

Home Page

Your home page serves as the first impression for most visitors. Include compelling headlines, clear value propositions, featured products, and easy navigation to key sections of your store.

About Us Page

Share your brand story, mission, and values to connect with customers emotionally. Include information about your team, company history, and what makes your products unique.

Contact Page

Provide multiple contact methods including email, phone, and physical address if applicable. Consider adding a contact form and expected response times to set proper expectations.

FAQ Page

Address common customer questions about products, shipping, returns, and policies. A comprehensive FAQ page reduces customer service inquiries and helps customers make confident purchases.

5. Establish Clear Policies

Transparent policies protect your business and build customer confidence. Create detailed policies that comply with legal requirements and set clear expectations for customer interactions.

Access policy templates through Settings > Legal in your Shopify Admin. Customize these templates to reflect your specific business practices and local regulations.

Return and Refund Policy

Clearly outline your return process, timeframes, and conditions. A fair return policy can actually increase sales by reducing purchase anxiety and demonstrating confidence in your products.

Shipping Policy

Detail shipping methods, costs, processing times, and geographic coverage. Include information about expedited shipping options and international delivery if applicable.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

These legal documents protect your business and inform customers about data usage and service terms. Ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA based on your target markets.

6. Add Products with Optimized Descriptions

High-quality product listings drive conversions and improve search visibility. Each product needs compelling descriptions, professional images, and accurate inventory information to perform effectively.

Use Products > All products in your Shopify Admin to add inventory. Focus on writing great product descriptions that highlight benefits and address customer pain points.

Professional Product Images

Include multiple high-resolution images showing different angles, details, and use cases. Optimize image file sizes for fast loading while maintaining visual quality across all devices.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for product images: Magic 360, Spin Studio ‑ 360 Product Spin, Smart Bulk Image Upload, Rubik Variant Images & Swatch

SEO-Optimized Product Information

Write descriptive titles and meta descriptions that include relevant keywords naturally. Use bullet points to highlight key features and benefits that customers care about most.

7. Configure Payment Gateways

Reliable payment processing is essential for completing sales and building customer trust. Set up multiple payment options to accommodate different customer preferences and reduce cart abandonment.

Configure payment providers through Settings > Payments in your Shopify Admin. Shopify Payments offers seamless integration, but you can also add third-party processors like PayPal or Stripe.

Enable Multiple Payment Methods

Offer credit cards, digital wallets, and buy-now-pay-later options to maximize conversion opportunities. Different customers prefer different payment methods, and variety reduces friction at checkout.

8. Set Up Shipping and Tax Configuration

Accurate shipping and tax calculations prevent customer surprises and ensure legal compliance. Configure these settings based on your business location, product types, and target markets.

Access shipping settings through Settings > Shipping and delivery in your Shopify Admin. Set up shipping zones, rates, and delivery options that align with your fulfillment capabilities.

Shipping Zones and Rates

Create shipping zones for different geographic areas and set appropriate rates for each zone. Consider offering free shipping thresholds to increase average order values.

Tax Settings

Configure tax rates for all jurisdictions where you're required to collect sales tax. Shopify can automatically calculate taxes, but verify settings match your legal obligations.

9. Install Essential Apps

Shopify apps extend your store's functionality and help automate business processes. Choose apps that solve specific problems and integrate well with your existing workflow.

Browse the Shopify App Store to find solutions for inventory management, customer service, marketing, and analytics. Start with essential apps and add more as your business grows.

Bundle and Upselling Apps

Product bundling apps help increase average order value by encouraging customers to purchase complementary items together. These tools can significantly impact your revenue per customer.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for product bundles: MBC Bundle Builder, MBC Bundles,
FBP | Fast Bundle Product, Pumper Bundles

Email Marketing Apps

Email marketing remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels for eCommerce. Install an email app to capture leads, send abandoned cart reminders, and nurture customer relationships.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for email marketing: Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Omnisend, Shopify Email, PushOwl

Analytics and Tracking Apps

Beyond basic Shopify analytics, consider apps that provide deeper insights into customer behavior, conversion funnels, and marketing performance. Data-driven decisions lead to better business outcomes.

10. Implement SEO Best Practices

Search engine optimization helps customers discover your store organically. Implement basic SEO practices to improve your visibility in search results and drive qualified traffic.

Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, and URL structures throughout your store. Use descriptive, keyword-rich content that helps both search engines and customers understand your offerings.

Optimize Site Structure

Create logical navigation and internal linking that helps customers and search engines understand your site hierarchy. Use collections to organize products in meaningful categories.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for SEO: Yoast SEO, Tiny SEO, SEOLab

11. Set Up Analytics and Tracking

Comprehensive tracking provides insights needed to optimize your store's performance. Set up analytics tools to monitor traffic, conversions, and customer behavior from launch day.

Connect Google Analytics and Google Search Console through your Shopify Admin preferences. These free tools provide valuable data about your store's performance and search visibility.

Conversion Tracking

Set up conversion tracking for advertising platforms you plan to use. Accurate tracking data enables better ad optimization and return on investment measurement.

12. Test Your Checkout Experience

A smooth checkout process is crucial for converting visitors into customers. Test every step of the purchasing process to identify and fix potential friction points.

Place test orders using different payment methods and shipping options. Verify that confirmation emails send properly and that the entire customer journey feels seamless.

Mobile Checkout Testing

Test checkout functionality specifically on mobile devices, as mobile commerce continues to grow. Ensure forms are easy to complete and payment processing works smoothly on smaller screens.

13. Configure Customer Communication

Automated customer communications keep buyers informed and build trust throughout the purchasing process. Set up email notifications for order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery confirmations.

Customize email templates through Settings > Notifications in your Shopify Admin. Ensure all communications reflect your brand voice and provide helpful information to customers.

14. Establish Inventory Management

Accurate inventory tracking prevents overselling and helps maintain customer satisfaction. Set up inventory management systems that work with your fulfillment process and scale with business growth.

Configure inventory tracking for all products and set up low stock alerts. Consider how you'll handle backorders and out-of-stock situations before they occur.

15. Create a Marketing Launch Plan

A strategic marketing plan generates awareness and drives initial traffic to your new store. Develop campaigns across multiple channels to maximize your launch impact and early sales momentum.

Plan your marketing activities for before, during, and after launch. Consider email marketing, social media, content marketing, and paid advertising as part of your comprehensive strategy.

Social Media Integration

Connect your social media accounts and set up social commerce features where applicable. Social proof and community engagement can significantly impact purchase decisions.

16. Implement Customer Support Systems

Excellent customer support differentiates your store and builds long-term customer relationships. Set up support channels and processes that provide timely, helpful assistance to customers.

Consider live chat, email support, and phone support based on your resources and customer preferences. Clearly communicate support hours and response time expectations.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for support system: Shopify Inbox, Wizybot, Tidio, Chatway

17. Set Up Security and Backup Systems

Protecting customer data and your business information is essential for maintaining trust and compliance. Ensure your store meets security standards and has appropriate backup procedures.

Shopify provides SSL certificates and PCI compliance, but you should also implement additional security measures like strong passwords and two-factor authentication for admin accounts.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for security and backup: NoSpy, BackupMaster, Filey, TinyBackup

18. Configure Discount and Promotion Tools

Strategic discounts and promotions can drive sales and attract new customers. Set up discount codes and promotional campaigns that align with your pricing strategy and profit margins.

Use Shopify's built-in discount features or apps to create percentage discounts, fixed amount discounts, or tiered discount structures that encourage larger purchases.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for offering discounts: Quantity X, Discounty, Discount Mixer, Heartcoding

19. Optimize Site Speed and Performance

Fast-loading pages improve user experience and search engine rankings. Optimize images, minimize app usage, and choose efficient themes to maintain excellent site performance.

Regularly test your site speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights. Address performance issues promptly to maintain optimal conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for optimizing site performance: Booster Page Speed Optimizer, SearchPie, Tiny SEO, SEO Speed Optimizer, SEOAnt

20. Set Up Cross-Selling and Upselling

Strategic product recommendations increase average order value and improve customer satisfaction by helping them discover relevant items. Implement cross-category bundling strategies to maximize revenue opportunities.

Use apps or theme features to display related products, recently viewed items, and complementary products throughout the shopping experience. Focus on genuinely helpful recommendations rather than aggressive selling.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for cross-selling and upselling: MBC Bundle Builder, MBC Bundles, Essential Upsell & Cross Sell, Selleasy

21. Create Content Marketing Strategy

Valuable content attracts customers, builds brand authority, and improves SEO performance. Develop a content strategy that addresses customer questions and showcases your expertise.

Consider starting a blog with relevant topic ideas that provide value to your target audience. Regular content creation supports long-term organic growth and customer engagement.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps for content marketing: vevy.ai, UpPromote

22. Implement Trust Signals

Trust signals reassure customers and reduce purchase anxiety, especially for new stores. Display security badges, customer reviews, guarantees, and contact information prominently throughout your store.

Include customer testimonials, product reviews, and social proof elements that demonstrate your credibility and product quality. These elements significantly impact conversion rates for new visitors.

⭐️ Recommended Shopify apps to build trust: Judge.me, Social Proof - the Urgency App, Social Proofy

23. Set Up Email Capture and Marketing

Email marketing provides one of the highest returns on investment for eCommerce businesses. Implement email capture strategies and automated campaigns to nurture leads and retain customers.

Create lead magnets, exit-intent popups, and newsletter signup incentives that encourage visitors to share their email addresses. Focus on providing value rather than just promotional content.

⭐️ Recommended lead generation popups: Klaviyo, Omnisend, Coupon X, Mailmunch, POWR, Trustoo

24. Configure Multi-Channel Sales

Selling across multiple channels increases your reach and revenue potential. Set up sales channels like Facebook, Instagram, Google Shopping, and marketplaces that align with your target audience.

Shopify's multi-channel capabilities allow you to manage inventory and orders from a central dashboard. Start with one or two additional channels and expand as you gain experience.

25. Plan Post-Launch Optimization

Continuous improvement drives long-term success in eCommerce. Plan how you'll analyze performance data, test improvements, and optimize your store based on customer behavior and feedback.

Set up regular review processes for analyzing sales data, customer feedback, and site performance. Use insights to make data-driven decisions about inventory, marketing, and user experience improvements.

Boost Your Store's Performance with Smart Bundling

Product bundling represents one of the most effective strategies for increasing average order value and customer satisfaction. MBC Bundle Builder helps you create compelling bundle offers that encourage customers to purchase more items together.

With features like mix-and-match options, tiered discounts, and customizable bundle builders, you can implement proven bundling strategies that drive revenue growth. Try MBC Bundle Builder to transform your product offerings and maximize each customer interaction.