Launching your Shopify store is exciting—but also overwhelming. Between product uploads, payment settings, and homepage design, it’s easy to miss small (but critical) details that cost you sales.
This 7-point Shopify launch checklist will help you set up your store the right way from day one—without wasting hours trying to figure it out.
1. Polish Your Homepage
Your homepage is your digital storefront. It should be clear, easy to navigate, and guide visitors toward buying.
Key steps:
-
Add a headline that tells visitors exactly what you sell and who it’s for
-
Use high-quality, on-brand imagery
-
Keep navigation simple (5–7 links max)
-
Show featured collections or bestsellers above the fold
💡 Bonus: Want to know if your homepage is really ready to convert? Download my Shopify Homepage Self-Audit Checklist for a quick scoring system and improvement tips.
2. Set Up Your Collections & Products
Organize products into logical collections so shoppers can find what they need quickly.
-
Name collections clearly (avoid internal jargon)
-
Use consistent product titles and descriptions
-
Upload clear, well-lit images in the same size ratio
3. Configure Payment & Shipping
Before launch, make sure your checkout works smoothly.
-
Activate your payment provider(s)
-
Set up shipping zones and rates
-
Test a sample purchase to confirm everything works
4. Add Essential Policies
Trust matters—especially for first-time visitors.
-
Refund & return policy
-
Shipping policy
-
Privacy policy
-
Terms of service
These can be added easily from your Shopify admin under Settings → Policies.
5. Optimize for Mobile
More than half of your traffic will come from mobile.
-
Test every page on your phone
-
Make sure buttons and links are easy to tap
-
Avoid text or images that are cut off
6. Connect Your Domain
A custom domain looks more professional and builds trust.
-
Buy a domain directly through Shopify or connect one from another provider
-
Set it as your primary domain before launch
7. Install Essential Apps
Don’t overwhelm your store with too many apps—just start with essentials like:
-
Email marketing (e.g., Klaviyo)
-
Reviews (e.g., Judge.me or Loox)
-
Upsell/cross-sell (e.g., ReConvert)
Next Steps: Launch with Confidence
Following this checklist will save you hours and ensure your Shopify store is ready for customers.
But here’s the truth: setting everything up still takes time—and you have a business to run.
Want this done in just 2 weeks?
In my Website Sprint, we handle your full Shopify setup—homepage design, product organization, policies, and more—so you can launch faster and start selling sooner.
FAQs
Why is my Shopify homepage so important for sales?
Your homepage is often the first touchpoint for shoppers. If it’s unclear, cluttered, or hard to navigate, visitors may leave without exploring your products. A well-designed homepage builds trust, shows what you offer, and guides customers toward buying—making it a key factor in increasing Shopify conversions.
How do I know if my homepage is ready for launch?
Use a structured checklist—like the Shopify Homepage Self-Audit—to evaluate six core areas: first impressions, navigation, product highlights, trust builders, mobile optimization, and conversion triggers. Scoring your homepage helps you see exactly where you’re strong and where you need to improve before going live.
What’s the biggest homepage mistake new Shopify owners make?
A common mistake is focusing on design over clarity. Beautiful visuals matter, but if visitors can’t quickly understand what you sell and how to shop, they’ll leave. Your headline, imagery, and main call-to-action should be instantly clear.
Do I need to optimize my Shopify homepage for mobile?
Absolutely. Over 50% of Shopify traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site loads slowly, has hard-to-tap buttons, or shows cut-off content, you’ll lose potential sales. Mobile optimization should be part of your pre-launch checklist.
How often should I update my Shopify homepage after launch?
At minimum, refresh your homepage every season or whenever you launch a new collection, run a promotion, or change your brand messaging. Regular updates keep your store looking fresh and give returning customers a reason to explore.
Can I do this myself or should I hire a pro?
Many store owners can launch with a DIY approach using tools like the Shopify Homepage Self-Audit Checklist. However, if you want to save time, avoid mistakes, and launch with a polished, conversion-focused site, working with a Shopify designer can be worth the investment.
Keep Reading
More posts to help you launch launch, grow, and thrive online.
🌷 Boost Your Shopify SEO: Fix Blank Collection Descriptions with ChatGPT
🌷 5 Things You Don’t Need to Launch Your Shopify Store — Use ChatGPT to Help