Shopify is probably something you’ve thought about if you have an online business or want to start one. For good reason, it’s one of the most used eCommerce platforms in the world. It’s easy to use, can be expanded, and has tools that help businesses grow. But there’s a catch: just because you have a Shopify store doesn’t mean you’ll make sales.
Things like design, speed, integrations, and customization are important. This is where a skilled Shopify development agency comes to help. But how do you choose the right one?
Here are some tips to help you in choosing the best agency out there for your business.
1. Understand Your Needs First
Do you want to redesign an existing store or do you need to start fresh with a new one? Perhaps you need assistance personalizing the checkout process, enhancing site speed, or integrating third-party apps. In addition to helping you focus your search, knowing what you need will make it simpler for the agency to provide you with an exact price and timeline. Put your goals, necessities, and wants in writing. Consider this your wish list, but with specificity.
2. Take a Look at the Shopify Experts Directory
Shopify offers an official list of Shopify Experts, which consists of freelancers and agencies that have been verified by Shopify and are experts in the platform. It’s an ideal place to start, even though not all professional agencies are listed there.
However, don’t rely just on titles. Find out how long they have been using Shopify, especially. An agency may have worked on Shopify stores for just a year, yet have ten years of experience in general web development. Instead of someone who is just learning the platform, you want someone who has experience with it.
3. Evaluate Their Portfolio
Each agency will present its finest work. It goes without saying. But look further. Request samples of projects that are comparable to yours. Can they show you a Shopify site they created using a subscription model if you’re launching a product that requires a subscription? How quick and responsive are their designs if you’re trying to reach customers who buy on their phones first?
Additionally, consider the store’s functionality rather than just its appearance. How quickly does it load? To what extent is the navigation clear? Are product pages user-friendly? A beautiful website that is difficult to use won’t increase revenue.
4. Inquire About Their Procedure
This one is important. The workflow varies from agency to agency. Some are open and highly cooperative. Others would rather take charge and do everything on their own until the final results. It just depends on what suits you; neither strategy is incorrect.
Do they begin with wireframes, or do they get right into the design process? How do they respond to criticism? What is the schedule? What is the number of revisions included? Before releasing the website, do they test it on various devices and browsers?
You can learn a lot about the agency’s operations and the success of your project from the replies to these questions.
5. Consider Time Zones and Availability
It’s normal to hire people from around the world, so you should consider time zones. While a few hours of overlap is often acceptable, communication may be difficult if your agency isn’t available when you are working. Check their availability as well. Are they onboarding new clients? Or will you be stuck in their crowded schedule?
To avoid this, you can consider hiring a local Shopify development agency to be on the same page. For instance, if you’re in Charlotte, search for Shopify Development Charlotte, or Charlotte Shopify Expert, or [your city name] and put Shopify experts next to it to get the best local experts in your city.
6. Communication Is Important
It’s easy to ignore this part, but even the finest developers can be difficult to collaborate with if they don’t communicate well. Do they reply to emails you send them? Do they provide clear answers to your questions? Do they follow instructions, or do they take the initiative to provide solutions?
Keep in mind that you are employing a thought partner, not just a team of people. A seamless, pleasurable encounter or an unpleasant one might be determined by effective communication.
7. Identify What’s Included and What’s Not
Assuming that everything is included is a typical error. Don’t describe the specifics of their comment. Are they going to take care of SEO optimization? Will they set up and install necessary apps (such as analytics or email marketing)? If something bad happens after launch, do they provide post-launch support?
Inquire about any recurrent costs as well. While some agencies charge on an hourly basis for upgrades, others provide monthly maintenance packages. Be aware of what you’re getting into.
8. Inquire About Their Team and Tools
Is this a full-service agency with designers, developers, and strategists, or is it a one-person agency? Both may be acceptable, but being aware of the persons involved allows you to understand the depth of their knowledge and expertise.
What tools do they use, too? Are they customizing pre-built Shopify themes or creating a new design from scratch? Are they Shopify Plus compatible? What is their preferred integration stack, particularly if you use third-party solutions like ShipStation, Klaviyo, or Recharge? You can determine how well-suited they are to meet your unique requirements by knowing the answers.
9. Check Their References and Reviews
Don’t skip this one. Check their website for reviews, but also look elsewhere. Examine their LinkedIn page, Clutch profile, or Google Reviews. Ask to talk with a former client if you want to verify further.
The data you gained from this brief 10-minute conversation will help you a lot. Inquire about the agency’s overall customer experience, check for case studies, and testimonials on their website for a better understanding of their work.
Conclusion
Like any investment, hiring a Shopify development agency is a tough decision that needs careful consideration. A good agency will help you improve your business, not just create a beautiful website. Hiring the right agency is ultimately about positioning your business for long-term success, not merely opening a store. The ideal agency will ultimately help you in developing a brand experience that your customers will adore, trust, and return to, rather than simply helping you build a website.
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