HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHOPIFY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOR YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS

Hiring the right Shopify development company or Shopify developer can make or break your online business.

Whether you're launching a new store or scaling an existing one, your development partner plays a direct role in how fast you grow, how well you convert, and how seamless your customer experience is. But with so many agencies out there, how do you know which one to trust?

This guide will walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and the key questions to ask before signing a contract.

Why Your Shopify Development Partner Matters

Shopify is a powerful, flexible e-commerce platform, but it’s not plug-and-play for every business model. Your Shopify store should reflect your brand, your operations, and your customer journey. That’s where a skilled development team comes in.

A strong Shopify agency will help you:

1) Launch faster with fewer tech headaches

2) Customise your storefront for conversions

3) Integrate tools like Klaviyo, ReCharge, or custom apps

4) Maintain performance and scalability as you grow

A poor fit, on the other hand, can lead to missed deadlines, bloated code, compatibility issues, or a frustratingly generic store.

Look for Proven Shopify Experience

Not every web development agency understands the unique architecture of Shopify. Look for companies that specialise in Shopify (not just general e-commerce or WordPress). Better yet, look for Shopify Experts or Shopify Partners, agencies recognised by Shopify for their expertise.

Check for:

1) Case studies or live Shopify stores they've built

2) Experience with themes, headless builds, or app development (depending on your needs)

3) Industries or niches they commonly work with (bonus if they’ve built in your vertical)

Pro Tip: Ask them to walk you through a real project from start to finish. Look for strategic thinking, not just pretty design.

Evaluate Their Core Services

Shopify development isn't one-size-fits-all. You’ll want to match their capabilities with your specific needs.

Do you need:

1) Custom theme development or visual design upgrades?

2) Conversion rate optimization or site speed improvements?

3) Shopify Plus capabilities or custom integrations?

4) Ongoing support or retainers for long-term growth?

Avoid agencies that try to do everything with little depth. Look for focused expertise.

Review Portfolio & Client Feedback

An agency’s portfolio tells you what they’re capable of and reviews tell you what it’s like to actually work with them.

Check:

1) Client testimonials on their site and third-party platforms (Clutch, Google, Shopify Experts Marketplace)

2) Project outcomes (increased sales, faster load times, improved UX)

3) Repeat business or long-term partnerships (a big trust signal)

4) If you can, speak to a past client. Ask about communication, reliability, and how the agency handled challenges.

Prioritise Communication & Process

The best agencies don’t just code—they collaborate.

You’ll want a Shopify partner who:

1) Communicates clearly and frequently

2) Uses project management tools (like Trello, Slack, Notion, or Asana)

3) Has a structured onboarding process

4) Delivers updates on timelines and milestones

Red Flag: Vague timelines, unclear scopes, or slow responses. These will kill momentum and trust.

5) Ask the Right Questions Before you commit, ask potential partners:

How do you approach a typical Shopify build or redesign?

What’s your process for quality assurance and testing?

Who will be my main point of contact?

What post-launch support do you offer?

How do you handle scope changes or delays?

The best Shopify development companies will answer transparently and give you confidence in their process.

6) Understand Pricing & Contracts Shopify development pricing varies widely based on scope and agency experience. Don’t just look at the bottom line, understand what’s included.

Clarify:

Are you paying for strategy and design or just development?

Is ongoing support included or charged separately?

Are timelines and deliverables clearly defined?

Do you retain full ownership of code and assets?

Tip: Cheaper isn’t always better. Invest in quality the first time to avoid costly rebuilds later.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Shopify Partner

The right Shopify development company will feel like an extension of your team not just a vendor. They’ll take time to understand your business, solve real problems, and help you grow.

At Why Matters, we help e-commerce brands launch faster, sell smarter, and scale sustainably on Shopify and Shopify Plus. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimise and grow, our team is here to make the tech side easy.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Shopify Partner? Let us show you how we can bring your store to life, give us a call today.

Let’s build something that grows with you.