If you are searching for a shopping cart software, chances are you have already run into Shopify.
One of the most popular shopping cart solutions, Shopify is a cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) that enables businesses to establish their online store and sell products with ease. The platform has different pricing plans, helping startups and big-sized enterprises set up their eCommerce store and scale their business operations.
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Why Shopify Developers Are So in Demand?
According to a statement made at the Shopify Unite conference held in June 2019, over 820,000 merchants are using the Shopify platform for their online store.
Over the years, Shopify has tremendously grown in popularity. It has become one of the most popular eCommerce platforms with almost 20 percent market share. Apart from its ease of use, Shopify’s relatively low monthly plans make it very affordable for startups. The basic plan costs around $29/ month and the mid-level plan is priced at $79/month.
The platform comes equipped with all the necessary features you need to run a lucrative business. With Shopify, the store owners can quickly and easily organize their products, track orders, accept credit card payments, and much more, all with a simple click on the mouse.
But to develop an efficient, feature-rich, and fully-functional Shopify store, you need to hire a proficient Shopify developer. And this is why Shopify developers are so in demand.
Why do you need to Hire Shopify Developer to Build Shopify Store?
Before you hire a Shopify developer, it is important to know why you need a web developer.
Shopify is a complex tool that requires detailed technical knowledge. So if you want a full-fledged online store with superior functionality, you need to be familiar with the nitty-gritty of Shopify. And if you are not, having a certified professional Shopify developer by your side is your best bet.
Some of the most noteworthy advantages of hiring a certified Shopify developer are as follows:
- Time-saving: Hiring a professional web developer for your Shopify store means saving up a lot of time. There is no need to deal with the complex side of website building as the developer will handle all of that on his own. Instead, you can focus on other important tasks like sales, marketing, branding, etc.
- Technical assistance: A capable Shopify developer will possess all technical know-how. He will also help you with HTML theme building, customization, future upgrades, and much more.
- Modification: In today’s time, making your eCommerce store stand out among the rest is a big task. A Shopify developer can offer a theme that is truly unique and creative. He will make sure that your web store looks professional and attractive. If there is anything that you don’t like, you can always get it altered or modified.
- Improved performance: Hiring a professional Shopify developer means ensuring superior performance. A good developer will take care of all the backend issues and deliver a website that is efficient, reliable, safe, and secure.
How to Hire An Expert Shopify Developer?
You can find a good Shopify developer who possesses the excellent talent and yet end up disappointed with the final outcome if you are not clear about your exact requirements. So, before you hire a developer, you must consider your project needs. For that, you need to figure out the following:
- Goals and objectives
This is extremely important if you want your project to be successful. You must clearly delineate the goals and objectives of the project and communicate the same to your Shopify developer. This will make sure that everyone associated with your project is on the same page.
- Project budget
Budget is an important consideration that affects the development process. You must calculate how much you can invest in the project before starting with the development. Besides, if you want to keep the costs down, you can opt to work with a freelance Shopify developer as opposed to an agency.
- Project timeline
You must inform your Shopify developer about the timeline that you have in mind. This way, he will work around your schedule to make sure the project is completed in time.
- Payment schedule
It is important to work out the fees and payment schedule with your chosen developer before kick-starting the development process. Every company follows a different payment schedule. Be very clear about your company’s policies regarding payment so that there are no chances of any miscommunication.
- Engagement model
Different Shopify development agencies offer different engagement models, including offsite teams, onsite teams, and hybrid team models. Consider your exact project requirements and discuss the various engagement models with your chosen developer to identify what works best for you.
- After-support services
This is a crucial factor that must be borne in mind before finalizing any Shopify developer agency. Check out the kind of after-support services they offer to keep your website in its best working condition. Your website will require constant enhancement and make sure your developer agency offers cost-effective ways to achieve that.
What Kind of Shopify Developer You are Looking for?
Designing a website is very different from managing its backend. Thus, there are two types of developers: front-end and backend. You need to understand the difference between the two before you select any Shopify developer for your project.
The different types of website developers along with their skills and expertise are listed below:
- Front-end Developer
A front-end developer is responsible for designing the website. This includes the website’s layout, appearance, color scheme, navigation controls, etc. A good front-end Shopify developer must possess complete knowledge of the following:
- HTML/ CSS
- JavaScript/JQuery
- CSS and JavaScript frameworks
- Version Control/GIT
- Responsive design
- Testing & debugging
- Browser developer tools
- Backend Developer
A backend developer is responsible for developing the server-side of the web application. He focuses on databases, website architecture, and scripting. A competent backend developer should be technically sound and well-versed with the following:
- Ruby/ Python/ Java
- MySQL/ MongoDB/ SQLServer/ Oracle
- Knowledge of caching mechanisms
- Knowledge of servers and APIs
- Full-Stack
A full-stack developer is capable of managing both front-end as well as back-end development tasks. Hiring a full-stack developer is an excellent choice as every aspect of your Shopify website is well taken care of. A skilled full-stack Shopify developer owns the knowledge of the following:
- Strong familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CSS, jQuery, and CSS frameworks
- Shopify Custom-build and template modifications
- Knowledge of APIs and third-party integrations
- Debugging & testing tools
Other Skillset Required for Shopify Developer
After analyzing the resume of your chosen candidate, it’s time to gauge his technical expertise and passion for development. For this, it is best to make a list of hard skills that he must possess. Make sure to be specific about the knowledge, technicality, and experience you want him to have.
Here are some hard skills that you must look for in a Shopify developer.
- In-depth knowledge of the Shopify platform & its versions
A good developer must possess in-depth knowledge about the Shopify platform to build a good Shopify store online. He should be technically sound and competent enough to use his profound knowledge of the platform to build customized solutions. While assessing their expertise, make sure they know about the following:
- Custom Shopify apps development
- Shopify-Store theme Integration
- Shopify Website Testing Skills
- Third-Party API Integration
- Required Programming skill-sets
A Shopify developer needs to possess an excellent understanding of basic programming languages, such as PHP, JavaScript, and jQuery. But most of all, a Shopify developer must master Ruby, the main programming language that Shopify uses. He must also be completely familiar with Liquid, an open-source template language by Shopify. It is the backbone of Shopify themes and is extensively used to load dynamic content on online stores.
- API Integration experience
Most companies use a variety of software systems to streamline their business operations. These systems include Enterprise Resource Planning, Warehouse Management System, Content Management System, Customer Relationship Management, and more. APIs help to seamlessly integrate these systems into your Shopify store to make it more agile, adaptive, efficient, and performance-driven. So, make sure that the Shopify developer you choose has significant API integration experience.
- Custom Shopify app development knowledge
A Shopify app is inevitable in expanding the functional reach of a Shopify store. These apps integrated with the store help to improve a merchant’s business accessibility and enable it to have a better relationship with its customers. Look for a Shopify developer who can develop apps as per your custom function requirement to smooth business services and augment customer experience.
- Shopify Theme Integration skills
Experienced Shopify designers and developers can easily design an interactive, feature-rich, and mobile-first theme that is tailored to your specific business needs. When you hire any Shopify developer, you must know that your business is in safe hands.
- Knowledge of Database technologies
Another important aspect that a Shopify developer needs to possess is adequate knowledge of database technologies. These technologies secure data and then store, process, and manage them in a way that users can easily go back and find what they are looking for.
- Others platform to Shopify Migration execution skills
Setting up a new store is relatively simple as compared to migration. Migrating from any legacy eCommerce software to Shopify is quite complicated. You need to ensure that migration is done perfectly the first time so there is no risk of data loss. Experienced Shopify developers combine years of experience, assisting businesses to move their eCommerce operations from platforms like Magento, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, etc. to Shopify.
Things to Observe before Shortlisting Shopify Experts
- Go through the reviews & ratings
Whether you are looking for a specific gadget to buy or hire a Shopify developer, the best way to validate its authenticity is by looking for social proof. What other people say about a product or service is much more legitimate than what the providers say about themselves.
For Shopify developers, social proof essentially means reviews, ratings, and testimonials. Looking at these reviews can give you a better understanding of what you can expect from the developer. You can learn about his work quality, ethics, professionalism, and level of knowledge.
It is a good idea to visit their professional online accounts and websites to gather more information.
- Go through the portfolio
Checking out the portfolio of your Shopify developer is crucial to ensure that they are the right fit for your project. Their portfolio will demonstrate their skills and techniques that they have used in their projects so far. This will make it very easy for you to relate your project with their skillsets.
By looking at your developer’s portfolio, you can easily gauge their experience, proficiency, quality of design and development work, and knowledge of the framework.
- Ask previous clients for references
Before hiring any Shopify developer, you can get in touch with their previous clients who worked with them in the past. Talking to them will help you get a fair idea of the developer’s working methods, skills, commitment towards his job, etc.
- Discuss project’s specific requirements
You must share the exact requirements and project guidelines with your chosen developer in advance. This will help him understand your precise needs and work in sync with your vision. Not doing this will only lead to discrepancies in your requirements and the final outcomes.
Also, make sure that your Shopify developer is okay with your requirements and the timelines you have in mind.
- Allocate a sample test project
If you are not completely sure about engaging the developer on your Shopify project, it is best to go for a sample test project first. This is especially important when you have a huge project in the pipeline that seems very time-consuming.
Ask the developer if they have the time to take a paid coding test. Such a test will not only save you time and money but also prevent you from selecting the wrong candidate.
Where to find the best Shopify experts and developers
Hire through research firms
- Clutch.co
Clutch.co is a legitimate rating and review platform for marketing, advertising, IT, and app and software development providers. It has a database of over 150,000 agencies classified in over 500 categories. You can easily come across talented Shopify developers here.
- Extract.co
The research firm offers a ranking system where it examines digital companies and software agencies through significant industry metrics. They gauge the performance of different companies and rank them accordingly.
- GoodFirms.co
This is another research-based firm that is highly valued for its credibility. It identifies and enlists the best software development agencies from around the work and connects service seekers with the best development partners.
Hire through Shopify platform
The Shopify platform is an excellent place to find trusted experts to build your business. Whether your project requirement is big or small, there are thousands of Shopify developers who can help you get the job done. These experts are thoroughly reviewed and verified before they join the marketplace.
Hire through freelance portals
There is a huge surge in the freelance portals available nowadays. Here, you can find a pool of expert freelance developers who have already been vetted by the portal.
Some of the best freelance portals are:
- Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular freelance platforms with a database of millions of freelancers from around the globe. Here, you can easily explore different contractor profiles to choose the best fit for your project. You can also find skilled people with all slots of pricing, allowing you to choose the one that matches your budget.
- Freelancer
This is a great portal that enables you to find the best freelancers for the job. All you need to do is post your job requirements and wait for the developers to place competitive bids. Freelancer is one of the most trusted ways to locate Shopify developers online and get the work done in no time. It features a secure payment system, a 24/7 customer support panel, and thousands of certified developers to choose from.
- Toptal
Toptal is a well-known professional recruiting company for freelancers. It enables businesses to connect with engineers, developers, designers, and business consultants. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley.
Hire through Social Media
Social media sites have become more popular than ever. With a vast chunk of the population on these sites, smart businesses are leveraging these social tools to locate and hire skilled professionals.
Some of the best platforms to find expert Shopify developers are:
LinkedIn is amongst the highly professional and well-trusted platforms to connect globally. Here, you can search for people who have listed “Shopify” in their skills. If you like their profile, you can get in touch with them for further discussions.
Facebook has become a household name. It is indubitably a great place to find experienced developers who are committed to Shopify sites only. You can join different developer groups and post your project requirements.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Shopify Developer across the Globe?
The cost of hiring a Shopify developer depends on multiple factors. Two of the most crucial ones include:
- Type of features and functionalities you want in your Shopify store
This one is pretty obvious. The more of these parameters you want for your online site, the higher will be the cost of hiring developers.
- Location of the Shopify development agency
The geography of the company plays a vital role in determining the cost of hiring developers. The labor charges vary with different countries and regions. For instance, in the USA/ UK, the developers charge somewhere between $70 and $250 per hour. For Eastern Europe-based developers, the rates vary from $50 to $170 per hour. But this hourly rate is highly affordable in India, where you can easily find seasoned Shopify developers working at $20 to $70 per hour. Thus, in terms of labor charges, India is undisputedly the most feasible option.
On average, you can expect the cost of hiring a Shopify developer and building your online store will be around $1,500. If your development needs aren’t too high, you can find a developer on an hourly basis, charging around $20 to $25 per hour.
Hiring Freelance Shopify Developer Vs. Hire from Recognized Firm
If you have a brand new eCommerce store that is relatively small in size, you can opt to work with a freelance Shopify developer. However, if you run a big and busy store, just one Shopify professional cannot manage it well. In such a case, it is advisable to work with a reputed development agency that ensures unrestrained support.
Some of the most noteworthy benefits of working with a professional agency with a pool of certified developers are as follows:
- Reliable for big projects and startup development
- Unmatched team quality and scope of scalability
- Diverse expertise under one roof
- Streamlined project management
- Familiarity with the latest tools and technologies
Choosing a renowned software development company over a freelancer is a wise thing to do. Most freelancers are not fully equipped to manage big projects. One should not risk their money, time, and everything else on a small freelancing team. A fully functional Shopify store requires developers, designers, QA specialists, business analysts, etc. Freelancers can only specialize in a single field and not all.
Additionally, a good software team helps to manage projects and collaborate with the internal teams of your company. They arrange meetings and make sure everyone is aware of the development cycle. They are also more adept with the leading trends, technologies, and modifications in coding languages, unlike freelancers.
Conclusion
Hiring a Shopify developer is not a straightforward task. Because Shopify is slightly complex, only a skilled developer can efficiently handle all coding problems and provide you a rich and feature-packed Shopify store. So make sure to keep the above-mentioned points in mind before making a choice.
Author Bio
Mr. Vivek Khatri, the CEO of Emizentech, holds the expertise in offering varied IT services and eCommerce technologies. Strengthening the roots of Emizentech, Vivek is assisting enterprises across the globe with their varied IT solutions and develop various digital approached to take their business to new heights.
