Shopify Launch Checklist: Preventing the Top 20 “Day One” Issues
Most launch problems are predictable: broken navigation, missing policy pages, wrong tax/shipping settings, and untested tracking. Use this checklist as a final gate before you send paid traffic.
What Should Be on a Shopify Launch Checklist?
A Shopify launch checklist should prevent the top day-one failures: broken tracking pixels, wrong tax and shipping configurations, missing policy pages, and untested checkout flows. Most launch problems are predictable and avoidable with systematic testing. Core items include end-to-end test orders, analytics verification, email flow testing, mobile checkout validation, and policy page completion before sending paid traffic.
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Storefront
- Mobile homepage: first screen communicates offer and category.
- Navigation: collections map to real shopper intent.
- Product pages: price, variants, shipping/returns, and FAQs are visible.
- Search and filters work for your catalog (if applicable).
Checkout and operations
- Test order for each major payment method you offer.
- Refund and cancellation flow works (and staff knows the SOP).
- Shipping rates match your margin assumptions and SLAs.
- Taxes are configured for the jurisdictions you sell into.
Tracking
- GA4 purchase event fires once with correct revenue.
- Ad pixels fire on key funnel steps.
- UTM conventions documented for campaigns.
Support and trust
- Contact page works; inbox routing is verified.
- Policy pages: shipping, returns, privacy, terms (as required).
- Order confirmation and shipping notification emails are branded and accurate.
Week-by-Week Launch Timeline
Week 1-2: Build Foundation
- Theme setup and brand customization
- Product catalog import with SEO metadata
- Core pages: About, FAQ, Contact
- Navigation structure and collections
Week 3: Operations Setup
- Configure shipping zones and rates
- Set up payment gateways (Shopify Payments + backup)
- Tax configuration for target markets
- Order fulfillment workflow documentation
Week 4: Testing & Pre-Launch
- Complete end-to-end test orders (desktop + mobile)
- Verify all analytics and pixel tracking
- Email flow testing (confirmation, shipping, abandoned cart)
- Support inbox setup and test
- Final checklist review (above items)
Launch Day Protocol
- Remove password protection at 8am local time
- Submit sitemap to Google Search Console
- Enable marketing pixels
- Send launch email to existing list (if applicable)
- Monitor first 10 orders for issues
- Check analytics data flows by end of day
Testing Script (Run Before Launch)
□ Mobile checkout test (real payment method) □ Desktop checkout test (different payment method) □ Variant selection works on all product pages □ Shipping calculator shows correct rates □ Discount codes apply correctly □ GA4 purchase event fires (check DebugView) □ Email confirmations arrive within 2 minutes □ Contact form delivers to correct inbox □ All policy pages linked in footer □ No 404s on main navigation paths
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