5 Things Every New Shopify Store Owner MUST Get Right Before Launch

Launching a Shopify store is exciting… but let’s be real, it can also be chaotic. One minute you’re choosing themes and fonts, the next minute you’re wondering why your checkout isn’t working and why your product photos look like they were taken on a Motorola Razr.

If you want a smooth, professional, “I actually know what I’m doing” launch, these are the essentials you cannot skip.

Below, I’m breaking down the key items every store owner must lock in before removing that password page.

1. Secure Your Domain Name Like an Adult Business Owner

If your URL is “business.shopify.com”… bestie, no.
A custom domain is the digital version of putting on real pants. It makes you look legit, trustworthy, and ready for business. It’s also the first impression customers get so make it clean, memorable, and branded to YOU.

Namecheap literally has names…for cheap! You can get your domain for $7! If you’re running a WooCommerce store, IONOS is giving away $1 domains. You can secure your business domain with the coins in your couch! There’s no excuse!

2. Double-Check Your Shipping Settings (Seriously!)

Accidentally offering free shipping on a 6-lb item?
Yeah, that will ruin your entire day and your margins.
Before you launch, make sure your shipping rates are correct, your zones are updated, and your processing times are realistic. This small step saves big headaches.

I know starting out you think it won’t take that much time to process and ship out orders but trust me, give yourself double the time you think you may need? Only a day to process? Make it 2 or even 3 days because… stuff happens. Also, overcharge for shipping. I know it sounds crazy but you don’t want to cut into your sales because you $4.99 for something that costs $15 to ship. Plus, if the customer pays too much you can just upgrade their shipping.

3. Make Sure Your Payments Are Actually Activated

You can’t make sales if customers can’t check out.
Shopify Payments, PayPal, Shop Pay, whatever you use, make sure it’s activated before you take the password off. Nothing is more embarrassing than celebrating your launch and realizing no one can give you money.

Usually the first thing I do after connecting my domain is set up Shopify payments. That way I don’t forget when I launch. There’s also a way to do a fake transaction so you know that everything is set up properly. If you want extra security I recommend doing that.

4. Write SEO-Friendly Descriptions

Social media is cute for visibility…
…but search engines bring the traffic that actually converts.
Make sure your product descriptions include keywords people are searching for. Speak like a human, not a robot. Give detail. Use phrases your ideal customer would type into Google.

Pro Tip: List your product exactly as it is. If you’re selling a Hermes Birkin Bag, call it an Hermes Birkin Bag and not a “Luxury handbag”. The more detailed and specific the better. 

5. Upload Clear, High-Quality Photos

Blurry photos = instant “I don’t trust this site” energy.
Use bright, sharp images with good lighting. If something uploads blurry, adjust the size or retake the shot. Crisp images instantly upgrade your brand.

If you use an iPhone, do not use portrait mode. Instead take the picture in regular camera mode and go into Canva or your graphic design app and blur the background that way. It’ll result in a clearer image. 

Want the Complete, Easy-to-Follow Checklist?

If you want all 10 steps in a clean, printable checklist you can use every time you update or launch a Shopify store, grab the Get It Together Checklist today. Yes, it’s $2 because if you have to pay for it you’re more likely to use it. But it’s totally worth it! 

This checklist will keep you organized, confident, and ready to launch like the pro you are.
👉 Get your checklist here.