A Shopify project runs in five phases: intro call, concept, design, build, launch. A typical store goes live in six to ten weeks; a migration or B2B project takes longer. You save the most time when copy, images and decisions are ready before they're needed. Here's what happens in each phase and what we need from you.
The 5 phases
| Phase | What happens | Your role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Intro call | Goals, product range, budget, timeline. Afterwards you get a fixed price. | Talk for 20 minutes | 1 day to 1 week |
| 2. Concept | Page structure, collections, apps, data. What goes in, what doesn't. | Answer questions, approve | 1 week |
| 3. Design | Homepage, product page, collection as drafts in your brand. | Feedback, two rounds | 1 to 2 weeks |
| 4. Build | Theme, custom modules, products, apps, payments, shipping, legal texts. | Deliver copy and images, test | 2 to 5 weeks |
| 5. Launch | Final test, domain, redirects, go-live. | Test order, green light | 1 day |
The duration mainly depends on two things: how big the catalog is and how quickly content and approvals come in.
What you can prepare
- ☐ Logo, colors, fonts, if you have them
- ☐ Product data: names, prices, variants, SKUs, ideally as a spreadsheet
- ☐ Product photos in good resolution
- ☐ Copy for About us, shipping, returns
- ☐ Legal texts: legal notice, privacy policy, terms, right of withdrawal
- ☐ Login details: domain, payment provider, shipping carrier
- ☐ Two or three stores you like, and why
None of it has to be perfect. Whatever's missing, we sort out in the concept phase.
What happens after launch
Launch isn't the end. In the first few weeks we keep a close eye on things: are orders going through cleanly? Are the redirects working? Where are visitors dropping off?
After that you have three options:
- Carry on yourself. You get a walkthrough and run the store yourself. That's what it's built for.
- Bring us in when needed. A new module, a campaign page, an audit after six months.
- Ongoing support. SEO and optimization as a monthly budget with a report.
FAQ
Can it go faster? Yes, if content is ready and decisions are made quickly. The biggest delay in projects is almost never the developers, but missing copy and images.
How much time do I need to set aside myself? Expect a few hours per week, mainly for feedback and content. A bit more during the build phase.
What if I don't like the design? That's what the two feedback rounds are for. One is usually enough, because we already agree on the direction in the concept.
How do I pay? Fixed price, 70% at the start and 30% after sign-off. More on that in our article on fixed price vs. hourly rate.