Hire a Shopify Expert in 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

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What does a Shopify expert do?

A Shopify expert is a third-party agency or freelancer who can provide custom online services to Shopify Merchants. While getting a barebones Shopify store up and running is pretty straightforward, when building a successful eCommerce business, you’ll do better outsourcing what you can to these pros (aka Shopify partners).

They specialize in creating user-friendly and appealing Shopify stores that enhance user experience, drive conversions, and increase sales through various levels of developer expertise. That way, you can focus on the many other responsibilities of running your online store.

When you hire a Shopify expert or developer, you get access to a wealth of experience that you may not be otherwise able to access within your team. Additionally, these experts help bring the vision for your online store to reality (or let you know if yourr strategy needs tweaking).

Here are the primary services a Shopify developer can provide:

• Shopify theme customization
• Front-end web development
• Proficiency in User Experience (UX)
• Graphic and visual design
• Marketing and sales
• Content writing
• SEO optimization
• Store speed optimization
• Store site migration
• Online security
• Technical support and maintenance
• Skilled 3rd party API integration
• Custom app development
• Mastery of Shopify’s admin system
• Shopify app integration for functions such as payment and inventory
• Adaptability to mobile devices

And more!

Essentially, bringing a Shopify expert onto your business team can help you avoid many of the pitfalls that an eCommerce store owner might face. You avoid wasting time disappointing potential customers while you’re stuck troubleshooting bugs and technical issues. And in the reverse, you optimize your online store to the fullest by maximizing visibility, customization, and sales opportunities.

What to look for in a Shopify SEO expert

So what should you be on the lookout for when choosing a Shopify expert? Here are 4 signs that you’re on the right track:

• A professional web presence – Undoubtedly, the simplest way to help determine the quality of your expert or developer is to see their work. If their website and portfolio aren’t up to par, then you know their services won’t be either.
• No disappearing acts – Their service offer should include additional assistance beyond the basic services they offer. Since they’re the designers of your store, they’ll be the best ones to address any technical issues and provide support as you launch your updated storefront. Expertise in customizing Shopify themes is essential for delivering visually appealing and functional online stores. When you run into technical issues, you’ll need them to be there to answer right away, so you can avoid any possible site outages.
• Satisfied customers – Check to see if they have a series of happy testimonials from past customers, including those from other popular ecommerce platforms. Reviews from previous jobs can give you an idea of their business ethics and whether they might be the right fit for you.
• Clear communication and hard deadlines – Above all, your Shopify developer should be easy to get in touch with and understand. They should give you clear timelines and end dates for their work and respond promptly to your messages.

Take the time to do your due diligence before you hire a Shopify SEO expert. Doing the proper research now will save you a whole lot of time and frustration in the future.

The Best Shopify SEO Experts to Hire in 2025 

68% of online experiences begin with a search, which is why you want your SEO handled by experts. You can easily hire Shopify experts on platforms like Upwork, where you can review profiles and hourly rates to find professionals who fit your needs and budget. Whether you need web design, SEO services, keyword research, or a Shopify integration for your eCommerce site, Shopify programmers are equipped to provide those services.

Here are 3 ways you can benefit from bringing a Shopify expert onto your team.

Making your store stand out from the crowd

Suppose you design your company’s logo by copy-and-pasting off a free online template available to thousands of others. In that case, you’re left with a design that any other business could easily repeat.

Plus, Google penalizes repeat content, often choosing to feature only one site and ignoring any others that have created similar content.

One of the benefits of utilizing the Shopify platform is how easy it is to plug in a template and customize your store with apps off the Shopify marketplace. But this can also leave you with a generic brand design and a limit on the capabilities of your store features. Shopify templates can be customized to deliver personalized functionality and adapt existing designs to meet specific client needs.

However, a dedicated Shopify developer can turn a copy-paste Shopify website into a unique, trendy, and highly customized storefront, perfectly specified to your business needs.

A Shopify theme development expert will tailor the high-quality visual design to your branding while implementing a proper Shopify store setup so that you’re still up and running quickly. And you can bring on a Shopify app developer to help you boost your PageSpeeds by optimizing images, improving Shopify SEO, and streamlining features to boost sales.

With hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews from Google and Trustpilot, the Shopify experts at Webinopoly stand out for their custom Shopify website design, unique theme development, and individualized store optimization. Webinopoly boasts client loyalty from global businesses like Fashion Nova, John Deere, and Colgate.

Saving hours of your time through outsourcing 

Not an expert in graphic design? Don’t know the first thing about marketing? That’s okay! Instead of forcing you to learn all the ins and outs of running an online business, Shopify makes it simple to relay those tasks to someone better qualified.

What would likely take you hours to learn and implement can be outsourced at an affordable rate, so you get top-notch performance from your chosen Shopify expert, and you don’t have to completely learn a new industry to get what you want.

Plus, many experts offer ongoing help, so you won’t get stuck in a rut if an issue arises. Consequently, both you and your customers will benefit from your working with a Shopify expert or developer, as their customer experience will inevitably be greatly affected by the work of your hired expert.

Companies like Storetasker help match you to a Shopify expert specific to your project needs. Whether you only need minor fixes or do a total overhaul of your Shopify store, Storetasker will set you up with an expert within a few hours.

Upgrading your store to the highest speed and best search rankings possible

Did you know that 75% of Google searches don’t click past the first page of search results? With so many leads on the line, it benefits you to invest in working with a dedicated Shopify developer to help you improve the following and rank higher on search engines:

A. PageSpeed score 

Google scores your web pages based on different speed criteria. They look at all the different technical pieces of your shop—the server, HTML, Javascript, CSS code, and images—and judge how well these have been optimized.

As a rule of thumb, you should aim for a desktop and mobile PageSpeed score higher than 75. However, every online store has different needs, so that’s why working with an expert on PageSpeed will help you get the best results possible for your specific store.

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B. Loading time in seconds

This one seems simple—how long your shop takes to load in seconds for a user. But due to the way modern browsers work, the way to determine this is a little nuanced. You can measure two different ways: the ‘fully loaded’ or ‘onload’ time. Fully loaded time is the time it takes for everything on the page to be completely loaded. Onload time is the time it takes for the essential things on the page to be loaded, so the user can start interacting with the page. 

While it may seem like splitting hairs to care about mere seconds of loading time, studies show that decreasing the time it takes for a page to load increased conversions by 3-17%. All things considered, the “onload” loading time in seconds is the best measure of how fast your shop feels to real users. The global mean is a loading time of around 5 seconds. As an absolute number to aim for, target your Shopify developer to achieve this number or less.

C. Search engine optimization (SEO) rankings

Every year, Google makes 500-600 changes to its SEO algorithm. As a Shopify store owner, you simply don’t have time to chase after constant SEO updates to attempt to get your store on Google’s front page. Fortunately, there are dedicated Shopify developers, and content writers whose primary skill set is getting your store to the front page of Google by using an assortment of proven tactics for boosting your website SEO, including:

• Keyword-rich product descriptions
• Intuitive Shopify design for navigating your website
• Meta descriptions
• Image ALT tags
• Broken links
• Titles, headings, and subheadings
• Keyword research

An experienced Shopify SEO expert can be the difference between a successful store and one that flies too far under the radar. So make sure you don’t skimp on these seemingly minute details—they can make a huge difference in your sales numbers!

Plug in SEO offers SEO packages for all of your search engine optimization needs. We provide SEO and keyword research packages, Google Console services, and Shopify product description services for companies looking to accelerate their organic presence. We’ve been working with Shopify for over 13 years, so let us be the experts you need to boost your eCommerce rankings and ROI.

Before you hire a Shopify expert – Things to Know 

Types of Shopify Developers

Shopify developers can be categorized into three main types:

• Front-end Shopify developers:
• Focus on the client-side of the application, ensuring a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
• Work closely with designers to bring visual elements to life.
• Responsible for theme customization, layout, and user experience.
• Back-end Shopify developers:
• Handle server-side logic and integration of applications.
• Ensure robust, secure, and scalable functionality.
• Develop custom Shopify apps and integrate third-party services.
• Full-stack Shopify developers:
• Have expertise in both front-end and back-end development.
• Can manage the entire development process, from design to deployment.
• Ideal for projects that require a broad range of development services or for smaller projects where a single developer can manage all aspects.

Understanding the different types of Shopify developers can help you choose the right expert for your specific project needs.

Essential Skills for Shopify Developers

Shopify developers should possess a combination of technical, business, and soft skills to deliver high-quality solutions. Here are some essential skills for Shopify developers:

• Technical skills:
• Proficiency in Shopify development, including theme customization, app integration, and payment processing.
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Liquid templating language.
• Experience with Shopify APIs, webhooks, ecommerce tools, and best practices.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git.
• Business skills:
• Understanding of e-commerce principles, including online store setup, product management, and order fulfillment.
• Knowledge of digital marketing strategies, including search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing.
• Familiarity with e-commerce analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.
• Soft skills:
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, designers, and other developers.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and best practices.

By ensuring your Shopify developer has these skills, you can be confident in their ability to create a successful and efficient e-commerce store.

Where you can find Shopify SEO experts in 2024

Many store owners find luck by utilizing the Shopify experts marketplace. You can find third-party agencies or freelancers that will provide you with their contracted services. You can also use a third-party freelance website like Upwork or Fiverr. However, be diligent in researching any expert you reach out to on these sites, as the quality is not guaranteed as strongly as it is in the Shopify experts marketplace. 

What does it cost to hire a Shopify expert in 2024

The cost of hiring a Shopify expert can vary, depending on the services required and the expert or developer’s experience level. You can either hire them at a fixed rate or pay hourly. The cost often depends on the level of expertise they might have, as well as their location. Typically,  rates are lower if you hire outside the US. 

On average, a freelancer from Upwork or another freelance website might charge between $25-$95 per hour. These rates are based on their experience level. Depending on your chosen services, an agency may charge between $80-150 an hour. Flat rates can vary greatly in price and are usually dependent on your specific needs. In short, it doesn’t take long for costs to add up for these niche services, so taking the time to match price to quality is of utmost importance. 

Plug in Useful – The Top Alternative to Hiring a Shopify Expert 

So you’re considering hiring a Shopify SEO expert but don’t know if you have the budget to cover all the different services you’re looking for. For instance, you may be able to afford a single Shopify developer, but what should you do if you need an assortment of Shopify expertise that includes web design, SEO, content writing, and speed assistance? 

If this is your situation, you might be a good candidate to try out PlugInUseful’s services. PlugInUseful includes two top-rated Shopify apps that you can use without any help from a developer:

• Plug In SEO 

The Plug In Seo is a one-stop shop marketing app for SEO that boasts a perfect 5-star rating. The app will automatically identify any SEO problems, provide SEO product templates in bulk, optimize your store with Google best practices, and send out SEO scan reports with guides for fixing any issues, so you can make changes yourself. And the best part is that the lowest tier subscription is totally free. Available for Shopify and Shopify Plus. 

• Plug In Speed 

Plug In Speed helps increase store load speed on both desktop and mobile devices for Shopify The app provides image sizing and optimization without losing photo quality. Plus, you can quickly boost your page speed through the app’s automated JS & CSS minification & inlining. Prices start at $39/month for up to 10,000 photos optimized. 

Along with these two highly rated apps, Plug In Useful provides extensive personalized package Shopify services. The company includes a team of highly qualified Shopify experts who can address your specific needs with firm timelines and stellar communication. The private packages include:

• SEO packages
• Content writing services
• Google search console services
• Keyword research packages

With apps used by over 120,000 stores globally and private services employed by over 2000 merchants, PlugInUseful has a proven track record and thousands of testimonials from happy clients. 

Benefits of using PluginUseful instead of hiring a freelancer

If you’re on the fence about deciding between PlugInUseful and a freelance Shopify expert, here are a few reasons why PlugInUseful might be the right alternative for you:

• A team of Shopify experts instead of just one

When you work with a Shopify agency like Plug In Useful, you get numerous experts for the price of one. With a la a carte pricing services, you can handpick exactly what you need and choose the right person to do it from a dedicated team of talented online experts. 

• Shopify-specific services 

When looking for an expert, you might find freelancers who primarily work on another platform, such as a BigCommerce or a WooCommerce developer. The team of experts at PlugInUseful is well-versed and solely focused on the Shopify platform, so you can guarantee they know Shopify’s interface backwards and forwards. This way, you won’t miss any opportunities for customization and development that a similarly priced freelancer might overlook.

• Guaranteed timelines

When working with a freelancer, you might find them pushing deadlines and lacking consistency in delivering on time. PlugInUseful guarantees their timelines, so you know exactly when your website will be ready. Plus, they deliver fast—ensuring many services will be completed within two weeks of signing up.

• Affordability 

With tiered pricing and a selection of private services, Plug In Useful is one of the most affordable alternatives to hiring freelancers. Plus, the two Plug In Useful apps provide affordable and straightforward subscriptions. You won’t see a deal on specialty expert services that matches PlugInUseful’s quality and versatility. 

Working with a Shopify Developer

Working with a Shopify developer can be a collaborative and effective way to create a successful e-commerce solution. Here are some tips for working with a Shopify developer:

• Clearly define project requirements:
• Provide a thorough brief that details exactly what you are looking for.
• Share your ideas, brand identity, target audience, and desired functionalities.
• Establish open communication:
• Regularly discuss project progress, milestones, and challenges.
• Encourage open communication and feedback.
• Set realistic expectations:
• Understand the developer’s strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
• Set realistic timelines and budgets.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback:
• Regularly review the developer’s work and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure that the developer is meeting your expectations and project requirements.

By following these tips, you can foster a productive working relationship with your Shopify developer and achieve your e-commerce goals.

Project Execution and Delivery

Project execution and delivery are critical phases of the Shopify development process. Here are some tips for ensuring successful project execution and delivery:

• Create a project plan:
• Define project scope, timelines, and milestones.
• Establish clear roles and responsibilities.
• Set up a project management tool:
• Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp to track progress and collaborate with the developer.
• Ensure that all stakeholders have access to the project management tool.
• Regularly review progress:
• Hold regular meetings with the developer to discuss project progress and challenges.
• Ensure that the developer is meeting project requirements and timelines.
• Test and iterate:
• Thoroughly test the developed solution to ensure that it meets project requirements.
• Iterate and refine the solution based on feedback and testing results.

By carefully planning and managing the project execution and delivery, you can ensure a smooth development process and a successful e-commerce store.

Evaluating Developer Portfolios and Experience

Evaluating a developer’s portfolio and experience is crucial when hiring a Shopify developer. Here are some tips for evaluating developer portfolios and experience:

• Review portfolio:
• Look for examples of previous work that demonstrate the developer’s skills and expertise.
• Evaluate the quality and complexity of the projects.
• Check experience:
• Evaluate the developer’s experience with Shopify and e-commerce development.
• Check for relevant certifications, such as Shopify Expert or Shopify Partner.
• Read reviews and testimonials:
• Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients.
• Evaluate the developer’s reputation and credibility.
• Conduct an interview:
• Ask questions about the developer’s experience, skills, and approach to development.
• Evaluate the developer’s communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.

By thoroughly evaluating a developer’s portfolio and experience, you can make an informed decision and hire the right Shopify expert for your project.

Conclusion

As a store owner, there’s much to consider where you invest your time and money. By outsourcing your work to an experienced Shopify expert, you’re making a wise investment that will pay off in the long run. Remember to do your research to find the most qualified professional that fits within your budget. And keep in mind that additional alternatives like Plug In Useful might be a great choice for your business needs. With so many ways to boost visibility for your store, we hope you’ll find success in whatever assistance you choose.