If you’re planning to launch a successful Shopify store, you'll require assistance in establishing your online presence.The good news is, there are many talented Shopify store designers out there who can work on your project.
However, finding one that fits your needs, budget, and work style is a task that can be simplified by following certain steps. In this blog, we'll walk you through the process which will help you to a hire Shopify designer who can build you an impressive Shopify store.
By the end, you'll have a clear idea of how to shortlist candidates, ask the right interview questions, and feel confident you hire Shopify designers who are right for your business.
Define Your Shopify Design Needs
To hire Shopify designers who are perfect for your store, you'll first need to determine exactly what you need them to do. Are you launching a brand new store from scratch? Do you have an existing store that needs redevelopment? Are you looking for custom features to set you apart?
Once you've outlined the scope of the work, set a budget range. Shopify design and development can vary quite a bit in cost depending on the complexity of your needs. For a simple store redesign with a standard theme, you might pay between $500 to $3,000. A fully custom store with unique features will likely start around $5,000 and go up from there.
Shopify Partners, Experts, and Developers are all great options. Check their profiles and portfolios to find designers who focus on your type of store or product. Look for solid reviews from real clients. Don't hesitate in asking them questions about their experience, design process, availability, and pricing.
A good Shopify designer should make the process easy and collaborative. They'll want to understand your brand and business goals. They should provide mock-ups and prototypes for feedback. And of course, the end result should be a store you absolutely love - one that makes shopping irresistible and checkout a breeze for your customers.
With some time invested upfront defining your needs and finding the right design expert, you'll have a Shopify store you can be proud of.
Review Shopify Store Designer Portfolios and Case Studies
One of the best ways to shortlist the right Shopify store designer is to review their portfolios and case studies. See what they’ve built for other clients and how they solved problems.
Check out the styles and esthetic of the stores they’ve designed. Are the stores visually cohesive and do they showcase the products well? See if they have experience in your industry or product niche.
Pay attention to functionality too. Are the sites easy to navigate? Do they work well on mobile? See if they implemented features like bundles, upsells or cross-sells that boosted sales.
When reviewing case studies, look for stats like increased traffic, conversion rates or revenue. And don’t be afraid to reach out to their clients to get references and reviews. Finding the right Shopify expert for your store design is key.
Looking at portfolios and case studies can help ensure you find a designer with skills and experience that match your needs. The extra effort will be well worth it when you end up with a high-converting store that exceeds your goals.
Interview Your Top Candidates
Once you’ve narrowed down the candidates, it’s time to interview your top choices. Conduct Phone or Video Interviews. Schedule 30-minute phone or video calls with 3-5 of the most promising designers.
Some questions to ask:
- What’s your experience designing Shopify stores? How many have you built?
- How do you determine a client’s needs and vision?
- What tools and apps do you use to build Shopify stores? Are you familiar with the latest features and updates?
- Do you have any questions for me about my business, goals, or project needs?
Look for designers who ask thoughtful questions, communicate clearly, and seem genuinely interested in your business. They should have experience with similar stores and be up-to-date with the Shopify platform.
Once you’ve interviewed, checked references, and found a designer you connect with, trust, and feel can accomplish your goals, you’re ready to move forward with your new partner. They’ll work with you to fully understand your needs and bring your Shopify vision to life.
Check Shopify Designer References and Reviews
When hiring a Shopify designer, don’t just take their word for it. Do some digging into their references and online reviews to determine if they’re the real deal. Reach out to the designer’s past clients and ask about their experience.
Was the end result impressive? Did the designer stay within budget? Were they easy to work with? Getting feedback like these from real customers will give you valuable insight into what it may be like to work with this designer.
Check review sites or even the Shopify Experts Marketplace to read independent reviews from the designer’s previous clients. Look for designers with a solid 4-5 star average rating and lots of positive feedback mentioning things like:
- Creative designs
- Easy to communicate with
- Fast turnaround times
- Affordable pricing
While every designer will have a few critical reviews, steer clear of those with mostly negative feedback or no reviews at all. The reviews and references you unearth will either confirm that this designer is a great choice, or save you from making a hiring mistake.
Negotiate a Fair Price
Once you’ve found some great candidates, it’s time to discuss pricing. Shopify design work can vary quite a bit in cost depending on the complexity of your store and the experience level of the designer.
Do Your Research
Check the typical rate range for Shopify designers in your area to determine a fair price range. National averages are $50 to $150 per hour. Get quotes from multiple designers to compare.
- Ask for samples of their work to evaluate the quality. More experienced designers with a proven track record of success will charge on the higher end.
- Take into account the project's scope. A simple store with a few pages will cost less than a large eCommercestore with hundreds of products.
- Factor in additional services like content creation, SEO optimization, email marketing, etc. This will increase the total cost.
Be Flexible in Your Budget
While you want to pay a fair price, don’t go with the cheapest option just to save money. An experienced Shopify expert can help you create a high-converting store that makes you more money in the long run. See their services as an investment.
- Negotiate the best deal you can while still valuing the designer’s time and expertise. Offering a lower rate may result in a lower quality end product.
- You can also start with a smaller initial project to assess the working relationship, then hire them for more work if it’s a good fit. Build up as your budget allows.
With some research and negotiation, you can find a Shopify designer that fits your needs and budget. Focus on value and quality over the lowest bid to get the most from your investment.
Conclusion
By reviewing portfolios, checking references and negotiating a fair price, you can ensure you find the right partner like CartCoders which aligns with your goals. Investing in a high-quality Shopify app design will ultimately contribute to the success and profitability of your business.
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