The Shopify platform is a robust SaaS platform that has a lot of built-in functionality for eCommerce merchants. It is easy to set up a store, optimize it, add and manage products and options, and admin accounts.
But if you want to reach beyond the basics of the platform, there are a number of customizations you can make, which are relatively easy to do via the backend – but at a certain point, it can become a challenge.
Some merchants choose instead to work with dedicated partner experts that specialize in the platform. Shopify and Shopify Plus partners specialize variously in numerous disciplines, but if you’re looking for a specialist to:
- Help troubleshoot technical issues like broken links, toxic backlinks, site speed and security.
- Fix broken integrations and make complete integrations through the platform’s API.
- Install and configure Shopify apps.
- Code custom apps to expand the functionality of your online store and complete the integration.
- Perform accessibility audits and make adjustments to your site to make it more accessible.
- Audit the mobile functionality and friendliness of the website to improve its performance for mobile shoppers.
- Code custom theme templates to improve the brand-integration and UX of your website.
- Create product page templates that are more closely aligned with the aesthetic of your website.
- Optimize landing pages to improve their performance for UX as well as for PPC campaigns.
- Audit your website for SEO issues and recommend improvements; in some instances a Shopify Plus partner may also be extensively experienced with SEO and may be able to make beneficial updates.
- Build entirely customized websites from the ground up using the Shopify platform.
- And everything in between
Then you might need a Shopify or Shopify Plus partner – or at least benefit from the program.
About the Shopify Partner Program
The Shopify Partner program attracts a rich, diverse group of designers, developers, marketing professionals, and affiliates, all of whom are dedicated to their craft and extensively experienced with the intricacies of the Shopify platform.
These partners serve clients in different industries, often with a unique focus, but the one thing that draws them all together is their unique familiarity with, even mastery of, the platform.
Most importantly, Shopify itself accredits these partners and provides them with ongoing training to ensure a high level of service by extension to both of their customers: the more than a million merchants around the world that have chosen Shopify as their eCommerce platform.
Why Utilize the Shopify Partner Program?
For any eCommerce merchant reading this, the main benefit to utilize the Shopify Partner program is peace of mind.
These professionals are accredited by Shopify itself, so that’s a hedge against some of the risk that comes with hiring an eCommerce partner on your own. Shopify has done the vetting and the training for you so you don’t have to.
The other main reason is to benefit from the extensive, collective experience of the partners in the pool. These are some of the most experienced, adept designers, developers and digital marketers in their respective fields, and can leverage that experience to the benefit of your company.
How to Become a Shopify Plus Partner
For those reading this that are not eCommerce merchants but are interested in becoming Shopify Plus partners themselves,
Becoming a Shopify Partner is easy. Visit Shopify’s website and partner portal; signing up is free, and learning and training are easy via the platform’s unlimited test stores. And, you don’t just earn through the work you perform for clients; if you refer any to Shopify, you can earn that way too.
Plus, Shopify offers partners early access to new tools, features, marketing materials, and more. Sign up today and get the ball rolling.